The Batwa Culture

Ethnic Studies
Ethnic Studies > Africa
History > African

The Batwa Culture

A discussion of the history and background of the Batwa people, and the issues such as discrimination that they face today.

1,062 words () | 4 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper describes the history and former territory and the current appalling living conditions of the Batwa people of Uganda. The writer explores the reasons behind the devastating changes that these people have suffered. Once respected landowners, they have now become paupers. The writer gives examples of the kinds of everyday discrimination and injustice that the Batwa face, as well as their daily struggle for existence. The writer concludes that it is time for the government to step in and take measures to redirect budget and support to the Batwa communities.

From the Paper:

"There was a point in history when there were "a total of 1,771 Batwa in 403 households" (Nelson, 2007). During this time, the Batwa were recognized as the owners of the high mountain forest. The men of Batwa would hunt and collect honey and other forest products. They would exchange these products for village goods. The women typically gathered vegetables, mushrooms and fruits in addition to working for local farmers. At the end of the 19th century, when what is now southwest Uganda was part of the Kingdom of Rwanda, the Batwa were valued as court entertainers and soldiers. Since then, however, the forest has been cut down by local farmers and the Batwa have become destitute and unloved."

Sample of Sources Used:

Chapman, C. (2000). The realization of economic, social and cultural rights - the realization of the right to development. Minority Rights Groups International. Retrieved on August 14, 2008 at http://www.minorityrights.org/?lid=787.
Nelson, J. (2007). Forest peoples project. The Charitable Arm of Forest Peoples Program. Retrieved on August 14, 2008 at http://www.forestpeoples.org/templates/project/africa_base.shtml
Penninah, Z. (2002). Uganda: the batwa organize to reassert their rights. World Rainforest Movement. http://www.wrm.org.uy/bulletin/62/Uganda.html
Seeman, F. J. (2007). Rwanda: Education and Income for the Batwa. Retrieved on August 14, 2008 at http://www.betterplace.org/projects/89.