Burundi: facing climate change
Strengthening the resilience to the effects of climate change on small farms in northern Burundi.
The project in brief
Themes
Agriculture
Period
2021 - 2025
Status
In progress
Funding
SDC (via Interaction), private fondation
Budget
CHF 131'616.--
Beneficiaries
Description
Burundi's topography is on the whole rugged, characterised by hills prone to severe erosion. Current agricultural and livestock yields remain below potential. As well as not producing enough, small rural producers suffer around 20-30% post-harvest losses.
The major constraints on Burundi's agricultural sector include soil degradation, poor access to agricultural inputs and quality livestock, and the use of techniques that are ill-suited to, and not very resilient to, the effects of climate change.
This project aims to change agricultural and animal production systems by promoting agro-ecological techniques and practices that are more resilient and adapted to climate change. Training and support are provided to this purpose, including post-harvest processes and practices to increase yields, diversify harvests and reduce losses during storage and processing. Small producers are organised into cooperatives and connected to local and cross-border markets.
Objectives
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Increasing production and productivity on family farms through the use of agro-ecological practices and techniques.
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Improving storage conditions for agricultural produce and increasing household income through better market access.
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Raising awareness and training of families, local authorities and other partners in sustainable agriculture. adaptation to climate change and applied research on agroecology.
Activities
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Training of “model farmers” in agroecology, establishment of a training center. Transfer of skills to “learning farmers”.
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Support from model farmers in the seed multiplication and certification process, applied research partnership with the University of Ngozi on agroecological practices in farming environments.
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Support with agricultural kits and storage and conservation of production.
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Group producers into cooperatives and associations.
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Train partner schools and churches in agroecology, creation and distribution of educational materials.
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Culinary workshops for women on sustainable nutrition.
Agroecology
This project is based on the following principles of agroecology:
- Recycling
- Input Reduction
- Soil Health
- Animal Health
- Biodiversity
- Economic Diversification
- Co-creation of knowledge
- Social values and diets
- Fairness
- Land and natural resource governance
- Participation
Learn more on the 13 principles of agroecology
Latest project news
March 8: Gender equality at the heart of our commitment!
To mark International Women's Day, FH Switzerland would like to highlight gender-related challenges through the story of Thérèse, a mother of two living in Burundi. Involved in coffee cooperatives and the fight against domestic violence, Thérèse embodies change and hope in a society where the road to equality is fraught with obstacles.
Read more
