Burundi is currently one of the most impoverished countries in the world, with more than 87% of the population living off less than $2 per day. Additionally, more than half the population experiences chronic food insecurity. Labeled as “the hungriest country in the world,” many citizens actively seek to emigrate from this densely populated state. Economic challenges persist due to the nation’s reliance on agricultural exports in a land-poor state and the scarcity of employment opportunities for the rapidly growing population.

Poverty in Burundi

As one of the countries with the lowest Gross National Income Per Capita (GNI) globally, Burundi is grappling with a dire economic situation and a scarcity of essential provisions for survival. The pervasive poverty in Burundi poses a significant risk, potentially leading to a national catastrophe. Notwithstanding, the Great Lakes Outreach (GLO) considers this dire situation in Burundi as an opportunity and has embarked on initiatives to address poverty and reconstruct the nation from its foundation.

The Great Lakes Outreach functions as a collaborative partner with smaller organizations, aiming to bring about social and economic reform in Burundi. Its strategy involves investing in schools, skills development, knowledge enhancement and providing food provisions. The ultimate goal of the organization is to eliminate poverty in Burundi, providing the people of Burundi with a fair chance to flourish.

Stories of Reform

Claudine and Sofia, who were facing extreme poverty in Burundi, found support through the Greenland Alliance, a partner organization backed by the Great Lakes Outreach. With financial assistance, they were able to secure loans to initiate their respective businesses. Claudine now earns income through livestock, enabling her to care for her four younger siblings. Meanwhile, Sofia plans to establish a small shop using products and profits generated from her plants and livestock. Remarkably, both young women were loaned less than $25, yet the impact on their lives and their families has been substantial.

Through the support of the Great Lakes Outreach, the Greenland Alliance is transforming the lives of impoverished citizens. The organization is teaching them valuable business skills and how to manage money. This act goes beyond empowering women and promoting financial independence to helping Burundians escape extreme poverty, one small loan at a time.

Another Great Lakes Outreach partner, United Citizens for Change and Development, is actively contributing to the improvement of education in Burundi. In 2022 alone, the organization established nearly 60 university-accredited Bible schools, resulting in more than 4000 graduates in the last year. Many of the Great Lakes Outreach Partners have long-term goals of sustainability and self-sufficiency through education and employability development. However, while these are crucial for lifting the nation out of poverty, many Burundians are in immediate need of aid, simply just to survive.

One Cup a Day Program

Food security is a top priority for the Great Lakes Outreach and one of its partners, Youth with a Mission, has initiated the “One Cup a Day Program.” This program aims to give malnourished children a hearty meal of porridge each day. Beyond addressing their nutritional needs, the program also creates a space for these children to play, have fun and develop friendships.

Extreme poverty in Burundi contributes to food scarcity and insecurity, exacerbated by the limited nutritional value of the country’s primary agricultural exports, such as tea, coffee and bananas. Initiatives like the “One Cup a Day” program serve as a lifeline to families facing extreme poverty. With the support of the Great Lakes Outreach, more starving people in Burundi are receiving vital food assistance each day.

– Abigail Tidball
Photo: Flickr