Our aims
We aim to address the root causes of poverty through governance projects and tackling the spread of HIV and the related stigma and discrimination.
- Our vision is of resilient Burundian communities living in harmony and in a secure environment, empowered to use available resources and opportunities equally to end poverty.
- We want to see sustainable, resilient food production and a decline in food insecurity and malnutrition, with farmers receiving a fair market price for their produce.
- We are supporting churches and faith-based organisations to bring change within communities and hold the government to account on health and HIV issues.
In Burundi we work on
Pro-poor market development
As a leading agency on market development, working with partners in the coffee, sunflower, maize and honey sectors, we support cooperatives to ensure that small-scale farmers become significant actors in the market. We are a founding member of Agri-Hub Burundi, a network that promotes rural entrepreneurship and agribusiness.
Community health, nutrition and HIV
We have strong partnerships with churches, faith-based organisations, and government institutions to promote the SAVE approach to HIV (Safer practices; Access to treatment and nutrition; Voluntary, routine and stigma-free counselling and testing; Empowerment).
Taking the lead from the communities we work with, we promote sexual reproductive health and family planning, and a focus on women’s empowerment and positive masculinity. We use holistic and participatory approaches to address the root causes of health and nutrition concerns.
Faith-based partners and health services
Religion is a powerful force in Burundi, and the legitimacy and reach of our faith-based partners is vital in improving health-seeking behaviour and mobilising communities to demand better services. We use these relationships, and our experience of HIV work, to support systemic changes to the health system in Burundi. Our partnership with BUNERELA+ provides us with a unique opportunity to mobilise the power of faith to address the HIV epidemic.
Policy and advocacy
We work with communities to raise their voice and influence unfair systems and structures. The programme focuses on citizen participation in decision-making. Partners are empowered to challenge structures and institutions, promote citizen participation and government transparency and accountability.
Key achievements
Supporting sunflower farmers to get the best price
Over 8,000 sunflower farmers in Rutana are now connected to sunflower oil processors and have increased the price of seeds thanks to Warubizi Asbl, a non-profit organisation supported by Christian Aid.
Warubizi helped them set up 11 cooperatives with about 400 people in each. They receive technical support to improve agricultural techniques and are provided with information and training on climate change resilience.
Renewable energy
In partnership with the Council for Education and Development (COPED), Christian Aid Burundi is working on a renewable energy pilot where the waste/ by-product from the processed palm oil is converted to biogas. Previously this was let into the lake and has harmed marine life, polluting the water and the soil. The end product of the biogas is used as fertiliser and over 2,000 families are benefiting from this. There is a plan to scale this up.
Programmes
Multi-Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS)
We implemented the Multi-Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) funded by Irish Aid that helped partners reintegrating returnees from Tanzania after more than 35 years of exile. One project provided youth associations with skills and fishing equipment in Nyanza Lac, Rumonge and Minago. The project helped the returnees move towards a smooth and peaceful reintegration into their communities of origin.
Tackling violence with Irish Aid, the FCO and the British Embassy
Through Irish Aid, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and British Embassy funding we are supporting the livelihoods and safety of people most affected by conflict in southern Burundi. By partnering with faith-based organisations and women’s groups, we are seeing a significant increase in reported incidents of violence and abuse.
Due to the work of local committees’ and training, stigma has reduced and people know how to seek justice. We are also responded by providing cash for work for families most in need.
Family planning with World Vision
In partnership with World Vision and local and national partners, we are establishing a network which will provide a platform to address family planning. Christian Aid Burundi is recognised as a leader in advocacy, and its strategy to work through faith-based partners will help challenge those who historically have been resistant to recommended family planning practices.
