A new project has been launched to enhance land productivity and climate resilience for 1.3 million people in Burundi while creating 42,000 indirect jobs. Building on the success of a previous initiative, the Burundi Colline Climate Resilience Project, known locally as "NAGURA," aims to support fragile communities across 80 collines in 87 sub-watersheds.
The project seeks to address issues such as fragmented watersheds, limited community-led climate action, and restricted access to finance by promoting integrated policy and coordinated institutional responses. Key components include supporting policy reforms, developing watershed management plans, preparing for climate shocks, restoring degraded lands through community efforts, engaging water user associations, diversifying land-use rights, and encouraging gender-responsive investments.
“This project is a significant milestone in our efforts to combat climate change and improve the livelihoods of the communities,” said Hawa Cisse Wagué, Country Manager for Burundi. “By addressing the critical issues of land degradation and climate resilience, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for Burundi.”
The initiative will directly benefit 213,320 households including women and vulnerable individuals through sustainable watershed management practices. It is expected to generate additional revenues and job opportunities particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). A total of 309,680 residents will benefit from employment creation with youth making up 40% of beneficiaries and women comprising 51%. Furthermore, capacity-strengthening investments will be provided to micro-entrepreneurs and cooperatives involved in profitable climate-resilient activities alongside government institutions.
The project is funded by $88.3 million with $70 million from the International Development Association (IDA) and $18.3 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This represents a significant step towards addressing challenges related to climate change, fragility, and land degradation in Burundi by fostering integrated policy responses.