Burundi
Burundi
Burundi is a country in East Africa with a population of 11.53 million, as recorded in 2019. The severe economic decline, extreme food crisis, and outbreak of grave illnesses mark the never-ending humanitarian crisis. Fifty-eight per cent of the population is chronically malnourished, making Burundi the third poorest nation in the world with a GDP per capita of $818. Human rights in the country are severely compromised, causing the standards of living to decline further.
What Makes Burundi Poor?
1. Conflict
The cycle of civil wars since independence in 1962 has produced over a million refugees, for whom poverty affects their family’s livelihoods as well as susceptibility to natural threats. The continuous cycle of violence and war has also increased food prices. About 90 per cent of the Burundi population remained dependent on agriculture for livelihood. Unfortunately, the unstable political environment of Burundi has only further crippled its economy as it hinders agriculture.
2. The inefficiency of Finances and Resources
Unfortunately, the state has also contributed to Burundi being poor and hungry due to its poor economic planning and management that had put a halt to economic growth. For example, no economic freedom in the region has weakened entrepreneurial activity.
3. Growing Population
The increasing population has added to the conflict in Burundi, where 89 per cent of the population is of farmers that depend on the land to feed their families. Overpopulated areas contribute densely to food and resource scarcity in the region.
Because Burundi is landlocked and overpopulated already, the resources and land needed to house all subsistence farmers have become a challenge. The more difficult it is to acquire land, the lesser the chances of improving lives become.
4. Natural Disasters
Natural disasters have been destructive in this part of the world as Burundi frequently suffers at the hands of torrential rain, hailstorms, floods, and droughts. It subsequently results in the destruction of homes, displacement of communities, disruption in livelihood, the decline in food as well as nutrition security. It targets agriculture by increasing crop pests and decreasing the productivity of land, putting the region at risk of weak nutrition and permanent food insecurities.
How Can You Help Burundi With Pandemic Relief
According to World Health Organization, Burundi has recorded 14,189 coronavirus cases with 12 deaths. This is only the most recent threat to Burundi that can further compromise their weak healthcare system.
To prevent suffering for the inhabitants of Burundi at the hands of yet another repetitive natural threat, My Bridge International UK is making efforts to provide food supplies, ensure access to basic medical care, build schools, and support educational projects. We believe that providing hunger relief, building clean water wells, and supplying pandemic relief funds to Burundi is a responsibility, not a privilege.
Join hands to save the children of Africa — for more information on how your donations make their way to Burundi, email us at info@mybridgeinternational.org.