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More than 400,000 displaced by ongoing crisis and climate hazards in Burundi

Countries
Burundi
Sources
FAO
Publication date
Origin
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IN NUMBERS

2.1 million
people food insecure, of which more than 800 000 severely food insecure
30 000 ha
of farmland destroyed by climate hazards related to El Niño for the 2015/16 season
428 170
people displaced by ongoing crisis and climate hazards, of which 139 000 internally and the rest in neighbouring countries
USD 6.8 million
still needed for the implementation of FAO’s 2016 emergency programme

KEY POINTS

  • An estimated 90 000 people were affected by El Niño (heavy rains, strong winds, floods and landslides) in late 2015 and early 2016, and now Burundi is experiencing late, irregular and insufficient rainfall. An estimated 10 000 households from Ruyigi, Kirundo, Cankuzo and Rutana are fleeing their homes due to food insecurity and current rainfall deficit.
  • Agricultural production is insufficient to cover household food security or generate enough income to meet other needs; subsequently, households are more dependent on markets where products are lacking and prices rising.
  • The progressive decline of the economy and rising inflation are significantly deteriorating households’ livelihoods.
  • FAO urgently requires USD 4 million to: (i) continue supporting around 25 000 vulnerable households with emergency agricultural kits to set up kitchen gardens in response to the rainfall deficit; (ii) provide livestock to access manure and restore household assets; (iii) diversify income generating activities (mushroom production and aquaculture), mainly involving youth and women, to contribute to strengthening their resilience; and (iv) allow for access to seeds for households affected by the rainfall shortages of season 2017A to resume their agricultural activities and ensure outcome of season 2017B.
  • Additional support is needed to enhance quality seed multiplication and the use of planting materials resistant to drought and pests.