The Hadza are a unique population of hunter-gatherers living in the Lake Eyasi region of northern Tanzania. Their way of life dates back millennia, living off of the land by hunting wild game, collecting wild plants and honey, and sleeping in simple grass huts in the dry African savannah. The Hadza are familiar with the outside world of towns and technology, but while they are gracious neighbors most have chosen to follow the life ways of their parents and grandparents, keeping their vibrant and fascinating culture alive.
Challenges to Hadza Health and Culture
Unfortunately, while the Hadza have adapted to their ever changing environmental and social landscape in the past, recent challenges threaten their health and way of life. Diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV are common in nearby villages, and increased interaction with growing villages near Hadza lands threatens to spread these and other illnesses. Climate change and population growth also threaten Hadza access to the wild game, wild plants, and water on which they depend. Much of their traditional homeland has already been lost to them.
The Hadza’s foraging
lifestyle has proven resilient for thousands of years, but
leaves them in a precarious position today.
Our
Approach
The Hadza Fund was developed by researchers who have
worked with the Hadza community for years to document
and understand their way of life; it is our way of
giving back. We seek to promote and preserve Hadza
culture by improving community health and documenting
their way of life. Specifically, we work with the
Hadza and with other Tanzanian partners to support Hadza
health care costs over the short term while also
identifying initiatives that will improve their health
over the long term. As researchers, we also
believe that continued work documenting Hadza life ways
is vital to the long term survival of their culture and
will improve efforts to promote community health.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Hadza Fund is to support healthcare and
research initiatives that improve the health of the Hadza
people and promote a better understanding of their
culture. The Hadza Fund seeks to improve the health
of the Hadza by increasing access to and supporting the
costs of medical care, and by supporting research that
seeks to understand the context of Hadza health by
documenting their way of life.
The Hadza Fund is a secular organization.
THANK YOU!
We want to thank everyone who contributed during the 2012 Fundraiser. Your help made the effort a huge success. Thank you!
Check out what we've been up to in the 2013 Hadza Fund Newsletter
Learn More...