Since 2021, we have been working with 26 hills across four provinces in western Burundi to improve food and nutritional security. The Agricultural Development Support Project for Nutrition and Entrepreneurship (PADANE), employs a multisectoral integrated approach known as "triggering," which aims to drive behavioral change by fostering collective awareness of agricultural production practices and food utilization in relation to health.
As part of PADANE, we have recently celebrated the hills that achieved the best results, recognising their collective efforts in development and the fight against malnutrition.
To encourage healthy competition and inspire positive social change, the event certified and celebrated the most outstanding hills in each province. These distinctions highlighted excellence in agricultural production, food consumption, hygiene practices, and income-generating activities. The final evaluation confirmed significant improvements at the household level, including diversified food production, proper food utilization, adherence to hygiene rules, and increased dietary diversity.
During the celebrations, after the certification ceremony, participants engaged in interactive activities showcasing their collective achievements. These activities included income-generating initiatives, collective agricultural production, and the adoption of best nutrition practices. A guided tour and a quiz with prizes allowed attendees to explore these successes in an engaging manner. Additionally, a nutritious meal prepared by the "Mamans Lumière" showcased the use of local products and high-nutritional-value recipes.
Buhonga Hill in Bujumbura Rural stood out as the top-performing hill, with outstanding achievements: 100% of households consuming food from at least three food groups daily, 97% of households cultivating at least one variety of leafy green vegetables, and 97% of households owning and using a pit latrine. As a special reward, a participatory mural painting was created at the parish school, thanks to the voluntary collaboration of artists Alex Barnica, Kenny Iradukunda, and Kelliah Kanyamuneza. Inspired by the paint by numbers technique, the artwork engaged children and young people from the hill, depicting the five essential food groups for a balanced diet.
Reflecting on the project, Alex Barnica, director of the Barnica workshop, shared, "The message I wanted to convey through this mural is the importance of good nutrition and healthy eating habits".
Kelliah Kanyamuneza, another participating artist, echoed this sentiment, stating, "I find it valuable to raise awareness through art because, who knows, maybe tomorrow we will inspire other children to become artists".
During the celebration, the Chief of Staff of the Governor of Bujumbura Province commended the contributions of the PADANE project, expressing gratitude to partner organisations and the Embassy of the Netherlands for their support. He also encouraged the hills to sustain their efforts beyond the project's duration.
Funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and led by SNV, the PADANE project has been implemented since 2021 across seven provinces in Burundi. It operates through a consortium of national and international NGOs, aiming to increase the resilience of vulnerable rural populations and improve incomes through market linkages and agro-industry development in the private sector.
The recognition of these best-performing hills highlights the success of community-driven approaches in improving food security and nutrition. With continued collaboration and commitment, the impact of the PADANE project will endure, fostering sustainable development and better livelihoods for rural communities in Burundi.
