Ripple Effect

Burundi

A nation facing hardship, with hope for change

Key challenges

Ripple Effect
75.1% Burundians live in poverty

In 2021, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) found that 75.1% of people in Burundi struggle with poverty, lacking basic needs such as access to food, healthcare, education, and decent living conditions.

Ripple Effect
56% children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition

In 2023, UNICEF found that 56% of Burundian children under five years-old suffer from chronic malnutrition, affecting their growth and development. This leads to lifelong health challenges and hinders their ability to learn and thrive.

Ripple Effect
47% of Burundians are under 18 years-old

Burundi has a very young population, with nearly half being under 18. This youthful demographic requires investment in education, healthcare, and job creation to ensure a brighter future for the next generation.

“Despite different socio-economic challenges, Ripple Effect believes in unlocking smallholder farmers' potential with skills and inputs to sustainably and inclusively improve their livelihoods in the face of climate change therefore protecting the planet. ”

Gloria Nimpundu, Ripple Effect Burundi Country Director

Empowering Burundians with endless opportunities

Ripple Effect
87.5% of families are now food secure from the 'Food and Income Security for Communities affected by Climate Change in Mwaro Province' (FISM) project
Ripple Effect
41% of families have earned income above poverty line in the FISM project in 2023; up from just 4% in 2021
Ripple Effect
75% of married women are now involved in decision making within households in 2024 (from the Gender and Nutrition Centered Agriculture II project)
Gender and Nutrition Centred Agriculture (GANCA) phase III | 2024 - 2027

This project is engaging both male and female farmers within households, with the aim of improving family relationships and sharing work more equally. Families are growing more food, and a wider range of nutritious food, with training in diversified agricultural production, improved food storage and conservation. Young people are being engaged with encouragement to set up their own micro agribusinesses.

Food & Income Security for Communities affected by Climate Change | 2021 - 2023

This project empowers people to grow nutritious food all year round and develop resilience to financial and climate shocks through sustainable farming techniques. Communities are establishing successful agribusinesses, whilst ensuring equitable access to resources and rejuvenating their land for generations to come.

No Time to Waste | 2024 - 2025

Malnutrition is one of the biggest challenges faced by people in Burundi, particularly in rural areas, causing stunted growth and deaths in young children. Recent studies have shown that Burundi has the agricultural capacity to eradiqate malnutrition, with Mwaro and Muramvya provinces offering the biggest opportunities. We are working with rural communities in these provinces to share sustainable farming techniques that enable people to restore their land, and grow diverse and nutritious foods.

Soil and Water Conservation to support Livelihoods and Climate Resilience for Smallholder Farmers around Cyohoha Lake | 2025 - 2026

This project works with communities around Cyohoha Lake, who are struggling to grow crops due to land degradation and facing challenges in accessing safe water. With our tailored training in land preservation and water conservation, they learn farming techniques that work for them, enabling them to grow more food, feed their families and gain a sustainable income.

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