Burundi
Improvement of the socio-economic conditions of returnees, Internally Displaced Persons and host communities in Cankuzo and Ruyigi.
Burundi's history of civil unrest and ongoing political tensions have led to extreme poverty, food insecurity, and strained social cohesion. The project targets 12,000 individuals, focusing on vulnerable groups such as women-headed households and people with disabilities. It promotes sustainable livelihoods through initiatives like Farmer Field Schools, cooperatives, and income-generating projects while enhancing social cohesion and conflict resolution.
We emphasize a community-based, rights-oriented approach, ensuring gender equity and sustainability by involving beneficiaries in project design, providing capacity-building for local mediators, and connecting beneficiaries to local structures. Partnerships with local organizations and government bodies further strengthen the project's impact and sustainability.
The "Improvement of Socio-Economic Conditions for Returnees, Displaced Persons, and Host Communities"project is a transformative initiative designed to address urgent challenges in Cankuzo and Ruyigi, two of Burundi’s most vulnerable provinces. This project not only provides immediate support to marginalized populations but also builds pathways for long-term sustainability and self-reliance. By supporting this project, you can play a pivotal role in fostering resilience and growth in a region marked by hardship and potential.
Why Burundi?
Burundi ranks among the lowest globally on the Human Development Index, with extreme poverty and food insecurity affecting millions. Returnees, displaced persons, and host communities face overwhelming barriers, including limited access to land, resources, and sustainable livelihoods. Women and other vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected in this patriarchal society, struggling to access education, economic opportunities, and basic rights.
The "Improvement of Socio-Economic Conditions for Returnees, Displaced Persons, and Host Communities" project is a comprehensive initiative designed to tackle the socio-economic challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the Cankuzo and Ruyigi provinces of Burundi. With a total budget of $619039,17 (CHF 563’922.00), the project directly impacts 12,000 individuals across 2,000 households, including returnees, displaced persons, and host community members, while indirectly benefiting an additional 23,150 individuals.
This initiative focuses on fostering self-reliance, economic empowerment, and social cohesion in a region still recovering from decades of conflict, instability, and displacement. Through training, resource provision, and conflict resolution mechanisms, the project equips communities with the tools they need to rebuild and sustain their lives.
Project Details
Target Beneficiaries
Direct Beneficiaries (12,000 individuals):
4,800 returnees (40%)
2,400 internally displaced persons (20%)
4,800 host community members (40%)
10% of beneficiaries are persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity.
Indirect Beneficiaries (23,150 individuals):
Local community members benefit from economic development, knowledge transfer, and improved social cohesion.
Core Components
Sustainable Livelihoods
Agricultural Support: CHF 222,003 allocated to provide cooperatives with essential input and tools.
Livestock Provision: CHF 62,901 invested in goats and rabbits to diversify income sources and enhance food security.
Training in Modern Agriculture and Livestock Techniques: CHF 9,367 for equipping participants with practical, scalable skills.
Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs): CHF 4,685 to facilitate financial inclusion and support entrepreneurship.
Community-Driven Micro-Projects
Implementation of 14 micro-projects promoting social cohesion and addressing community needs, such as infrastructure development and income-generating activities (CHF 18,734).
Training and resource provision for 14 community project groups (CHF 5,246).
Conflict Resolution and Social Cohesion
Training for local mediators and leaders to manage disputes, promote human rights, and ensure peaceful coexistence (CHF 9,367).
Provision of materials for mediators to record and report cases (CHF 6,557).
Organization of social and recreational events to unite displaced persons, returnees, and host communities (CHF 4,684).
Expected Outcomes
Economic Empowerment: 70% of households report increased income, and 60% of income-generating activities remain viable post-project.
Self-Reliance: Beneficiaries gain skills and resources to sustain livelihoods and manage cooperatives independently.
Social Cohesion: Communities build trust and resolve conflicts through trained mediators and shared projects.
Gender Equality: Over 50% of beneficiaries and community leaders are women, breaking barriers to economic participation.
A Proven Approach
This project is implemented in collaboration with World Service Burundi, leveraging their extensive experience in livelihoods, protection, and social cohesion.
Be Part of the Solution
Your support can transform lives in Burundi by providing the resources, training, and opportunities needed to empower communities and foster long-term sustainability. Together, we can create a legacy of hope and resilience.
Empowering Communities. Changing Lives. Together for a Thriving Burundi.
