AGRICULTURE
Cultivating the land was the main activity for the majority of Rwandans. Long ago, farm produce was the base of the subsistence for families, enabling them as well to acquire tools, arms, utensils and be able to pay their tribute to their chief. Men and women collaborated in major tasks with a division of farming duties between the two sexes... (Read more)
STOCK RAISING
Certified to have started in Rwanda in the 3rd century AD. Cattle-raising was recorded at that time in the border regions of the country. Cattle raising is one of the main sources for income for Rwandans. Livestock provided milk, meat, skin, veins, tendons, bone and horns. (Read more)
BEE KEEPING
Bee keeping is one of the main or supplementary sources of income for Rwandan peasants. Honey was and is highly recommended for children, the sick and those executing hard manual labor. It was used for sweetening dishes, drinks, to treat superficial injuries and for soothing the throat. Above all, it was a product of a high commercial value. (Read more)
HUNTING AND TRAPPING
Before (and even after) the expansion of agriculture, hunting was a very important economical activity. Everyone used to hunt, but the two tribes of Twa and Nycmbo made their livelihoods from it. Hunting was mainly done in the forests and within the vast swamplands. (Read more)
TRANSPORTATION
In ancient Rwanda , wheels were unknown. There were no handcarts, nor wheel barrows or any other means of transport which could bring up the need for building roads. More-over, Rwandans were not using domestic animals as beasts of burden or draught animals and they transported their burden by themselves. (Read more)
FISHING AND GATHERING
Fishing was traditionally practiced by a small number of the inhabitants living along the lakes and the big rivers. The catch was therefore quite modest, the fishermen and their families consumed everything caught and no fish was sold. (Read more) |
