Burundi

Ripple Effect currently has country programs in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, and works in partnership in Zambia.

Burundi is one of the most densely populated countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a population of 11.8 million, yet its GDP is the second lowest in the world. Seventy-three percent of the population live in poverty (World Food Program).

The economy is not diversified and is mainly based on subsistence agriculture. More than 80% of people work on small farms (averaging less than two acres each), growing mainly food crops to feed their families. Food insecurity and malnutrition in our country is severe and rated “very alarming” by the Global Hunger Index.

Despite all the challenges face in Burundi, the country has a young population with a strong entrepreneurial mindset that can transform and strengthen local economies.

The challenges and opportunities for Ripple Effect Burundi

65% of the population are under 25

The population is very young. There are limited employment opportunities for young people in Burundi which can lead to low self-esteem.

Ripple Effect in Burundi works to support young people in financial literacy and developing savings and loans schemes. Many young people have an entrepreneurial mindset and when equipped with skills and knowledge come up with innovative ways to diversify their incomes from their families’ farms.

90% of Burundians rely upon subsistence farming

Burundi is subject to severe environmental constraints (climate change, deforestation and soil degradation). The agricultural sector suffers from low productivity, serious structural problems, and is highly vulnerable to changes in rainfall and climate.

Climate-resilient agriculture is not widely practiced in Burundi and current extension services lack capacity and skills which leads to food insecurity. Ripple Effect Burundi is working to change this by introducing farmers to drought-resilient seeds and planting indigenous tree species on community land.

3. Gender inequality is a significant issue

Women do not have the same rights as men in Burundi. They cannot legally inherit land. In the organization of households they are responsible for collecting firewood and water, for cooking, cleaning and childcare as well as most agricultural work. Despite this heavy workload, men continue to control household resources and decision-making.

The impact of Ripple Effect Burundi

62% of households now carry out more than four income-generating activities

76% of families are now food secure after phase one of the Gender and Nutrition Centered Agriculture project

50% more women are now making decisions in the home after our project in Mwaro and Bujumbura, which are rural areas

Where Ripple Effect is working

Supporting Burundi’s national targets

The Burundi government’s National Development Plan (2018-2027) includes a focus on:

Developing growth-promoting sectors for the structural transformation of the economy

Ripple Effect Burundi is prioritizing financial security to see more households lifted out of poverty and earning more than the international poverty line of $1.90 per person, per day. Ripple Effect supports farmers in creating or joining cooperatives that promote value addition.

Ensuring sustainable management of the environment, mitigating climate change and improving land use planning

Ripple Effect Burundi is building the capacities of farmers, peer farmers, their communities and local authorities to become sustainably resilient to the consequences of climate change and effectively engaged in restoring ecosystems.

Partnerships

Ripple Effect’s work in Burundi has established strong, relationships with government bodies, partners and the wider community. Government extension workers (especially community-level agronomist and veterinary technicians) are closely working in collaboration with project facilitators in training and monitoring an Agro-ecological Climate Positive Approach to farmers.

Ripple Effect Burundi is also working closely with well-established local community structures such as Mamans Lumières and Community Health workers that help disseminate approaches beyond our direct project participants.

Racine de l’Espoir | Project Youth Enterprise & Agri-business Stimulation project 2019 to 2021

Ripple Effect in Burundi has been working in partnership with a local community based organization Racine de l’Espoir (Roots of Hope) which specializes in working with young people. This partnership has helped to implement training and networking for young people to address the challenges faced in securing employment. Currently, we are also partnering for our GANCA II project.

Burundi leadership

Contact

For more information, contact:

Steven Kleiber, Vice President and U.S. Lead

Ripple Effect U.S.

Email: steven.kleiber@rippleeffectus.org
Phone: (330) 990-8935