Rural & Climate Shocked
Relentless heavy rain from September 2023 to March 2024 led to flooding and landslides, which affected over 300,000 people – including 47,000 who have been displaced from their homes. This flooding is only the latest climate shock in a series of disasters to batter Burundi including drought and hailstorms. These weather extremes have led to displacement, destroyed homes and increased food insecurity.
Adding to the pressure on Burundi’s stretched resources are 85,000 refugees, mainly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who are hosted in already food-insecure areas and rely on food assistance.
Only 32% of Burundi’s children complete their lower secondary education. Although women play a central role in the development of the country, gender equality is among the lowest in the world.
But peaceful general elections in May 2020 and subsequent political developments helped the international community recognize Burundi as a country with a huge potential for development.
