CRWRC is providing a food security program in Burundi as a response to the prolonged drought and heavy rains that have resulted in a food crisis. After at least 4 years of drought, crops have now been destroyed by heavy rains in a country where 90% of the population relies on subsistence agriculture. Burundi, however, is not part of a CRWRC Ministry Team and there are no CRWRC staff if this country.
Fast Facts
Population: 8,988,091 (July 2009 est.)
Area Comparative: slightly smaller than Maryland
Literacy rate: 59.3%
Life expectancy: 52.09 years
Population below poverty line: 68% (2002 est.)
Gross Domestic Product per capita: $400 (2008 est.)
Religions: Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 23%, Muslim 10%
Languages: Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area)
(From the World Factbook. Click here for more information on Burundi)
Relief Projects
Burundi Emergency Food Security Project (Update)
This project, in the Kirundo province of northeast Burundi, is assisting 24,000 individuals (4000 families) who were suffering from a prolonged drought. It is going very well. The baseline survey provided good quality information of these farm families. The seeds and tools were distributed as planned. The distribution of food is partially complete and on schedule. The food will be provided until the crops are ready for harvest.
Food for the Hungry – Burundi, the implementing partner, is excited about the success of this intervention and the way it is increasing the reputation of the local churches involved in the project.
For more information, read the story listed below.