Ruyigi Rural Resources Management Project

Ruyigi Rural Resources Management Project

The project targeted 39,000 households in the Ruyigi province of Eastern Burundi. The limited quantity and poor quality of the land, coupled with growing population pressure, had aggravated poverty and degradation of natural resources. Even in a good year, a medium-sized family of about four persons could not produce enough food to feed its members, because of a lack of technology and the small size of farms (0.13 ha per person).

Drainage, irrigation and stabilization of water levels transformed 1,000 ha of marshland to support two full cropping seasons. Forestry development was implemented on and area of 8,000 ha to increase availability of wood products, create jobs and protect the soil. The project also assisted research and management activities, support for women and local initiatives.

Source: IFAD