DWS Country Programs
Burundi
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Burundi has suffered nearly 15 years of civil war, two genocides, and the displacement of large segments of its population. Though fighting ended in early 2008, tensions remain high and are exacerbated by the return of hundreds of thousands of Burundian refugees to a land already marked by environmental degradation, climate variability, high population density, and the devastation of war. Extreme poverty, physical and food insecurity, social conflict and inadequate infrastructure have been the result.
The LWF/DWS Program for Peace in Burundi, established in November 2006, takes an integrated approach to peace building and development. LWF Burundi works in close collaboration with the National Council of Churches of Burundi (CNEB), local actors and ACT partners to assist communities in eastern Burundi with a high proportion of returnees in:
- Peace building and conflict transformation
- Community and economic development
- Reconstruction and rebuilding
Peace building
Ethnic tensions, distrust between returnees and receiving communities, marginalization of certain groups: all pose obstacles to the return of peace and unity to Burundi. LWF uses existing local infrastructure to create long-term solutions. LWF-coordinated cross-border visits to refugee camps in Tanzania gave future returnees the chance to discuss acceptance and integration issues with leaders from the receiving communities. LWF continues to organize welcome committees in eastern Burundi villages to facilitate the return of the refugees. To avert land rights disputes, LWF provides training to community mediators, elders, administrators, and tribunes, strengthening the legal institutions of Burundi and making justice accessible to all. Many LWF projects also address issues of HIV & AIDS stigmatization, gender inequality, and marginalization of ethnic minorities.
Economic and Social Development
LWF provides technical assistance as part of a reintegration program for Burundians returning from Tanzania. © LWF/DWS Burundi/Abel Manirambona |
Civil war, environmental degradation, overcrowding and a variable climate have taxed Burundi’s ability to feed its people. LWF has been instrumental in identifying new strategies to ensure food security in the face of the influx of returnees. LWF provided farmers with immediate assistance in the form of seeds and much-needed tools after the 2007 crop failure, and is focused on long-term food security. A sustainable livestock program aims to restore cow and goat herds devastated by war. Work with small farmers' associations strives to diversify crops, grow disease-resistant cassava, and develop more effective farming techniques. LWF trains community leaders in anti-erosion measures, compost systems, agro-forestry, and reforestation.
LWF is also active in income generation projects such as tree nursery and basket-weaver associations, pottery cooperatives, carpentry shops, bee-keeping, and other micro-enterprises. Promoting community ownership is a central aspect of all LWF activities from veterinary training sessions to techniques of crop multiplication. In 2009, LWF will launch a community empowerment program as part of its commitment to sustainable economic and social development.
Rebuilding Infrastructure
LWF Burundi targets basic needs identified by the community: decent housing, water and sanitation systems, maintenance training, road reconstruction to enable access to social services for remote villages. Education is another priority, and LWF rebuilds schools and assists vulnerable populations with school fees.
For more information please contact:
Dr Colette Bouka-Coula, Program Officer
Mr Jesse Kamstra, Representative
