Burundi
Makamba, Rutana, Karusi, Kirundo, Ngozi, Kayanza, Bubanza et Cibitoke Provinces
4
partners
364,966
direct beneficiaries
in 2022
A small landlocked country in East Africa, Burundi boasts an exceptionally rich natural environment and a remarkable culture. From the lakes that dot its landscape, including the most mythical, Lake Tanganyaka, to its hills, wild savannah and primary forests, Burundi has a wealth of resources.
But Burundi remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with two-thirds of its population living below the poverty line. Violent conflicts, notably the civil war of 1993-2005, have left deep scars, and the very high population density, among the highest in Africa, is putting pressure on farmland and natural resources.
Household food security is alarming:
- Nearly 16% of the population, or 2 million people, suffer from hunger.
- 32.1% of children aged between 2 and 5 are underweight, mainly due to hunger and malnutrition.
In terms of employment, the country's main source of income is agriculture:
It is practised by over 90% of the population, on almost one million family farms averaging around 0.50 ha per household.
Concerning health:
- Only 10% of the population is covered by formal social protection.
- 40% of Burundians suffer from psychological problems.
- 334 maternal deaths per 100,000 births.
Regarding natural resources:
Burundi's environment is undergoing a process of severe degradation, including severe hill erosion, rapid deforestation, reduced biodiversity and deteriorating water quality.
Our Actions
Entrepreneurship
Our aim is to develop sustainable and equitable food and farming systems through an integrated approach that also supports entrepreneurial initiatives, particularly for young people and women.
To achieve this, we work with our local partners to bring together small-scale producers within farming organisations and support their structuring to facilitate access to markets and inputs. In terms of learning, agricultural and non-agricultural entrepreneurs are supported in developing and managing their businesses (drawing up business plans, management tools, etc.). Producers also have access to training to encourage a transition to agro-ecology and diversification of agricultural production. Agricultural support services to improve access to seeds, fertilisers, financing, etc. have been set up, as well as small units for processing agricultural products.
Partner : CUFORE
Mental health
Our aim is to offer quality healthcare with a particular focus on mental health.
To achieve this, we are working with our local partners to strengthen the healthcare system's capacity to deal with mental health issues. In practical terms, this means lobbying for mental health care to be integrated into national policies. Healthcare staff are trained to improve medical and psychological care for patients. Finally, community mental health focal points are also supported and trained.
We also work within communities, with mass awareness-raising activities to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness. Discussion groups aimed at mutual support and social reintegration of sufferers are set up and run. We also work with schools on prevention and care for children in difficult family or psychological situations. Finally, to facilitate the reintegration of patients, particularly women and children, we support them in developing small-scale economic activities.
Partners : BADEC-Caritas Ngozi, ODEDIM-Caritas Muyinga, BDD-Caritas Bubanza
Natural resources
Our aim is to strengthen the participation of civil society organisations (CSOs) in improving policies, managing natural resources and biodiversity sustainably and promoting good practice among the population.
To achieve this, we are working with our local partners to strengthen and structure CSOs active in environmental protection and conservation. These organisations are being identified and strengthened to develop a strong network. Their skills are developed and multi-stakeholder dialogue forums are created.
In addition, micro-projects led by these CSOs and designed to protect natural resources and biodiversity, the local environment and sanitation are financed. These projects include, for example, the protection of natural areas, the promotion of measures to combat erosion (reforestation, agroforestry, improved stoves, etc.), hygiene and sanitation in households and/or communities, and the treatment and recycling of solid waste.
Finally, awareness-raising initiatives are being carried out to encourage local people to adopt practices that promote biodiversity and protect natural resources, the local environment and sanitation.
Social protection
Our aim is to facilitate access to quality healthcare for rural and informal sector populations by developing the mutual movement at community, regional and national levels.
To achieve this, we work with our local partners to support community health mutuals. This involves support for the governance and structuring of 7 mutual health organisations in the north of the country, as well as support for the health sector to improve the quality of care for mutual members. The national and regional federations, which lead and support the mutual movement and contribute to the process of setting up mutual associations in health districts, have also been strengthened.
In addition, we are carrying out community awareness campaigns. The aim is to promote mutual health insurance to encourage families and groups (social economy initiatives) to join. Mutual health insurance schemes are also used to inform women about sexually transmitted diseases, and to run mass screening campaigns for breast and cervical cancer.
Partner : UCODE-AMR
Some results in 2022
5,000 farmers benefit from a sustainable land irrigation system.
12,989 mental health patients cared for.
10,122 people affiliated to our health mutuals.
641 micro-entrepreneurs supported in the development of their business.
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