CRWRC Responds to Food Crisis In Burundi

March 15, 2007 Rains in drought-ravaged Burundi, were not a welcome sight this year.  After more than four years of drought, farmers had hope that this year’s crop would be bountiful.  Then heavy rains came and flooded the farmers fields.  Plants died, topsoil was washed away, and families were once again left without a source of food. CRWRC is responding with food, seed, and tools. Burundi is an African country where more than 90% of the population makes its living by growing food on small plots of land.  Most farmers grow corn, sorghum, and sweet potatoes to feed their families.  Some also grow coffee and tea, which they sell for exportation.  Less than 5% of the population make their living in “off-farm” jobs. As a result, the population is very vulnerable when poor weather strikes. In good years, farmers are able to grow crops between September and February, and between March and June. These are the two main rainy seasons when there is sufficient rainfall for crops to grow.  Unfortunately, the past four years have had such poor rainfall that food production plummeted. Moreover, heavy rains in the early part of 2007 destroyed the new crop that farmers had just planted. Experts have estimated that families in Burundi were already eating only about 1,640 kilocalaries per person per day before the heavy rains. This was far lower than the recommended calorie needs for an active and healthy lifestyle (2,110kcals) and the calorie needs for mere survival (1,800 kcals). Now in the face of a new crop shortage, the prospects seem drear. To respond to this crisis, CRWRC is joining forces with Food for the Hungry International to distribute bean, corn, and vegetable seeds along with tools to 4,000 families in the northern part of the country. These supplies will enable farmers to repair their fields and plant new crops.  The families will also receive food aid to last them until this new crop can be harvested.  Since more than 75% of families in these target areas are living below the poverty line, this intervention is seen as an essential step if families are going to be able to survive this crisis. CRWRC will be funding this response through its member account at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.  Food for the Hungry International will be implementing the program by using its existing staff and relationships in Burundi to reach affected communities. Combined, these agencies hope to reach those most in need in the fastest and most thorough way possible. To support this project, please mark your gift “Burundi Food Security.”