Burundi

Located in the Great Lakes region, Burundi is nestled between Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Given its position, regional trade, security and diplomatic relations shape the country's trajectory.

Burundi is one of the world's poorest countries, with almost nine in ten people living below the poverty line. Over 40 per cent of its population is under 15 and it is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa.

Despite ongoing efforts to address ethnic tensions and promote inclusive governance, political instability and social challenges persist, including poverty, inequality and access to healthcare.

Agriculture is a cornerstone of Burundi's economy, employing four in five people. The sector primarily revolves around subsistence farming, with family farming providing 95 per cent of the food supply. The main crops grown include coffee, tea, maize and beans. Limited access to modern farming techniques, fluctuating commodity prices and climate change affect productivity and livelihoods.

Given the importance of agriculture, the Government promotes initiatives to modernize and diversify agricultural production. The country is developing infrastructure to improve access to the country, reduce transportation costs and boost regional trade. 

Food insecurity and malnutrition are becoming chronic, with 43 per cent of the population suffering from food insecurity. Local food production does not meet demand, resulting in a dependence on food imports. Moreover, the Burundian population's diet is composed mainly of tubers, leading to significant micro-nutrient deficiencies.

Climate change is also having a negative impact. Most Burundians have very limited capacity to adapt to increasing temperatures and more extreme rainfall. Major environmental problems in Burundi include deforestation, land degradation, biodiversity loss, natural hazards, erosion, and pollution of air and water resources.

Efforts to improve governance, enhance transparency and attract foreign investment are priorities for the government to foster economic growth and stability. Achieving sustained progress in these areas requires concerted efforts from domestic and international stakeholders, along with a focus on addressing the country's underlying socio-economic challenges.

IFAD has been assisting Burundi since 1980, supporting social development and cohesion in rural communities affected by conflict. For example, through the animal solidarity chain, poor farmers are given animals and they then pass on some of their offspring to other farmers.

IFAD interventions focus on climate-resilient marshlands and watershed development, capacity building and value chain development, including food processing and storage facilities. IFAD promotes rural communities' ownership of social capital reconstruction, productive processes and employment.

IFAD’s Country Strategic Opportunities Programme 2022-2027 for Burundi aims to reduce rural poverty and fragility through sustainably improving incomes, food security, nutrition and socio-ecological resilience. We do this by:

• improving productivity for value chains;
• providing access to land;
• building climate resilience;
• improving access to nutritious food;
• developing rural microfinance institutions;
• supporting entrepreneurship; and
• supporting the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock and other rural development stakeholders.

• 80% of Burundians depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
• Agriculture makes up over 40% of GDP.
• Almost 40% of Burundi’s land is arable, although it is prone to low soil fertility and erosion.
• More than four in five Burundians live in rural areas.