Plant trees. Strengthen Soil.
In Burundi, the climate crisis is making it harder than ever to grow food. With your support we can empower farmers to strengthen their soil by planting trees, fostering healthy harvests for years to come.
Over 90% of people in Burundi rely on rain-fed farming to feed their families, but harvests are failing as drought leaves fields dry and heavy rains wash away unprotected soil. The impact is severe.
Across the country:
- Over half the population faces chronic food insecurity.
- 52% of children under five are too short for their age because of long-term hunger.
- In rural areas where we work, 76% of people live in poverty.
For mothers like Joselyne, each failed season means harder choices and fewer meals for their children.
Joselyne is a farmer near Lake Cyohoha in Burundi. She lives with her husband and two children, growing beans, cassava and maize to feed her family - but it’s not enough. Extreme weather has damaged her soil, reducing her crop yields. As part of the Restore project, farmers like Joselyne receive vital tools and training to improve soil health and livestock care.
Why planting trees is part of the solution
Planting trees is one of the most powerful ways to protect soil from the climate crisis, and is a key activity of our Restore project.
Through agroforestry, trees:
- Give soil structure and stop it being washed away.
- Reduce water runoff and help the soil hold nutrients.
- Provide shade for crops and extra income for farmers.
Farmers will receive fruit tree saplings and take part in community tree-planting. These trees will not only protect their land, but also provide food and income for years to come.
Better soil also means better harvests.
Farmers learn how to raise livestock alongside crops by feeding them grown fodder and forage from their own farms. This stops overgrazing, keeps soil healthy, and even reduces livestock methane emissions.
Since Joselyne started working with Ripple Effect earlier this year, life for her family is already improving.
Joselyne's progress so far
Joselyne has high hopes for the future as we continue to work alongside her: “Once we practiced the Restore methods, we expect to produce more and develop. I will grow my seeds in a better way, and improve my growing with organic compost. I hope this will help with higher production. When I produce more, it will help me in two ways. Better food at home, plus surplus to sell at market so I can buy more land and animals.”
Only three months into the Restore project, Joselyne has already noticed some positive change: “Our land is starting to improve after training. We are growing more for our family and animals. I’ve started growing cabbages and amaranth in my kitchen garden. I also produce organic compost.”
Donate today
Your kind donation will help us work with more families like Joselyne's, to share sustainable methods for strengthening their soils, building climate resilience, and growing thriving futures.
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