Burundi

Why are we in Burundi? With high levels of poverty, malnutrition, and climate-driven disasters, Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world. Concern Worldwide has been operational in Burundi since 1997 and currently implements programmes focusing on health, nutrition, livelihoods, and social protection.

Nearly three out of four Burundians are living in poverty

Burundi is ranked 187th out of 193 countries on the 2024 Human Development Index. The maternal mortality rate in Burundi is amongst the worst in the world, with nearly 500 deaths per 100,000 live births. A food crisis sees 15% of the country facing acute food insecurity and the world’s highest rate of childhood malnutrition.

Our work in Burundi focuses on livelihoods, climate response, and health and nutrition. We work with Burundi’s overwhelmingly young population to ensure that young Burundians have the tools and support to launch successful careers and build sustainable livelihoods and community networks, and are currently working with the World Food Programme and UNICEF on a nutrition intervention specifically geared towards families excluded from the healthcare system.

Latest achievements

Young entrepreneurs

Concern recently completed a three-year project that worked with 1,500 young Burundians to build their livelihoods and strengthen community solidarity. By the end of the programme, we had supported the establishment of 313 new businesses.

Green Graduation

Local partners

Samuel Ndagijimana and five of his children standing outside brick building

Samuel Ndagijimana (39) and his wife have nine children. To earn a casual wage, Samuel cuts grass which is then spread over coffee plants to retain soil humidity. Photo: Eugene Ikua/Concern Worldwide

Egide Hakizimana has four children and lives in Ngoma, Cibitoke. Photo: Eugene Ikua/Concern Worldwide

Smiling child in Burundi holding workbook and pen

Virginie Irankunda (30) and François Nsaguye (39) have five children, only one of whom is at school. Photo: Eugene Ikua/Concern Worldwide

Woman holding her sleeping child in shawl in Burundi

Perousse Bivugire (40) and her husband have four children, three of whom are at school. She works as a causal farm labourer, and finds it difficult to feed her children. Photo: Eugene Ikua/Concern Worldwide

Egide Niyonkurum, a casual labourer, sitting on ground in front of posters

Egide has secured seasonal work making bricks from mud to earn money. Photo: Eugene Ikua/Concern Worldwide

How we're helping in Burundi

We are working hard to combat extreme poverty and build resilience in Burundi through our livelihoods, health and nutrition, and social protection programmes.