Khwe Cultural Village: Self-determined into the future

Standing on its own two feet: A community project with foresight

In cooperation with our member company Gebeco and the local partner ATC, Futouris has been supporting a Khwe community in Bwabwata National Park for many years. The project's goal was to create long-term income opportunities for the community by developing tourism infrastructure while simultaneously preserving the Khwe cultural heritage.

A key outcome of this successful collaboration is the Khwe Cultural Village – a vibrant place that welcomes visitors and offers insights into the traditional Khwe way of life. In addition to the construction of the Cultural Village, a well was built to ensure a reliable water supply, and structures for growing vegetables were also created. At the end of 2023, Futouris officially transferred the management of the project to the Khwe community.

Successful development – ​​even after the project ends

Approximately one and a half years after the project's completion, our local project coordinator Antje from ATC visited the village again and, apart from a few remaining structural challenges, reported positive developments:

• Water supply ensures quality of life: The well built as part of the project and the solar pump have significantly improved living conditions in the village: The regular water supply not only enables the irrigation of the vegetable fields, but also ensures better hygiene and health in everyday life.

• Young people safeguard cultural heritage: Numerous new members – including many younger ones – have been integrated into the village community, alongside the still-active founding members. This not only strengthens the economic foundation but also ensures that the traditional knowledge of the Khwe people is passed on to the next generation.

• Crafts with a future: The techniques learned in workshops are proving effective: Today, the Khwe produce a diverse range of traditional, colorful handicrafts – popular with visitors and a stable source of income.

• Campsite built through community initiative: A newly constructed campsite for self-drivers, complete with water, a fire pit, and a traditional shower block, expands the tourist offerings and attracts new groups of visitors.

• Visitor numbers are rising: Thanks to targeted communication and increased awareness, interest in the Cultural Village is steadily growing. The revenue from tourism is visibly contributing to the economic independence of the Khwe community.

A flagship project for sustainable development

The Khwe Cultural Village exemplifies how community-based tourism can become an engine for development – ​​in harmony with nature, culture, and community. Despite some structural challenges, the project is a powerful model for sustainable impact: it generates income, promotes education, strengthens cultural identity, and empowers the Khwe community to confidently shape its own path.

We are proud of what we have achieved together and wish the Khwe community continued success on its self-determined journey toward a sustainable future!