A landlocked country in East Africa, Burundi is ranked among the poorest countries in the world, with a very high population density (442 inhabitants/km²). Positioned 187th out of 191 countries on the Human Development Index, 87% of the population lives below the poverty line (less than USD 1.9 per day). 

For the past few years, the country has been facing a new sociopolitical crisis, leading to an economic recession which has resulted in shortages of essential goods (sugar, fuel, cement) and a transport crisis. 
 
The economy remains vulnerable to external shocks as well as to the effects of climate change. In particular, 200,000 people have been affected by the El Niño phenomenon between the end of 2023 and April 2024, increasing by 25% the number of internally displaced persons in the country. 
 
Moreover, although arable land is scarce and access to quality agricultural inputs is limited, agriculture represents more than 80% of economic activities and is mainly based on subsistence farming. From a nutritional standpoint, 55.8% of children under five suffer from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition, marked by persistent food insecurity. 
 
Finally, Burundi must also contend with the phenomenon of migration, ensuring the reintegration of repatriated Burundian populations: more than 415,000 people fled following the violence of 2015 to neighboring countries, mainly Tanzania. 

  • Figure 1. ©Gabriele Andrea
  • Figure 2. Nutrition plan. ©Gabriele Andrea
  • Figure 3. Support to the health system.
  • Figure 4. Example of contribution in the WASH sector.

Our answer

WeWorld is present in Burundi since 1995, working primarly in the sectors of nutrition, health, food security, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). Operating in 12 of the country’s 18 provinces through more than 100 employees, the Organization has a strong geographical presence and works in close collaboration with the ministries and many civil society actors. WeWorld is currently implementing 8 projects funded by the European Union, the Embassy of the Netherlands, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (through the World Food Program and UNICEF), and the Monaco Cooperation. 

Nutrition is the Organization's historical sector in the country, with significant and recognized expertise in strengthening the resilience of vulnerable populations living in rural areas through an integrated, participatory, and multisectoral approach. Its actions focus on improving nutritional status, particularly of women and children, as well as household food security through activities such as the accessibility and use of diversified foods with high nutritional value, the promotion of vegetable gardens, and the implementation of income-generating activities structured through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).  

Addressing malnutrition, sexual and reproductive health, access to water, effective water managaments systems, as well as supporting communities’ health system are also priority areas for WeWorld in Burundi.  

The Organization also works on the implementation of emergency aid, rapid recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term development programs, focusing on access to and quality of healthcare and combating malnutrition in alignment with national policy protocols, strategies, and priorities, in support of the most vulnerable populations, such as refugees and returnees.