Burundi Country Programme (2011-2017)

This operation has been modified as per budget revision 6.

Burundi is recovering from the economic and social impact of over a decade of ethnic conflict. The forthcoming elections represent a milestone in the country’s move towards peace, development and stability.

Burundi is a least developed and low-income, food-deficit country; 65 percent of its 8 million inhabitants live below the poverty line, mainly in rural areas. In the 2008 United Nations Development Programme human development index Burundi ranked 174 th  of 182 countries. 

The 2008 WFP comprehensive food security and vulnerability analysis reported that 28 percent of Burundian households were affected by food insecurity; high levels of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies were recorded. In 2008 HIV prevalence among adults was 3 percent. Free primary education was introduced in 2005 and by 2008/09 the net primary school enrolment rate had risen from 59 percent to 90 percent. 

Burundi’s political and socio-economic situation continues to improve. Implementation of the country’s Vision 2025 and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper is under way. WFP has therefore shifted its focus from protracted relief and recovery operations to the longer-term objectives of a country programme. The United Nations Development Assistance Framework 2010–2014 reflects the consensus among donors that the country is ready for transition to a development agenda. 

This country programme is aligned with Millennium Development Goals 1–7 and contributes to United Nations Development Assistance Framework priorities 1 and 2. It is consistent with WFP Strategic Objectives 3, 4 and 5.

Capacity development will promote national ownership of WFP-assisted programmes and facilitate the planned hand-over to the Government. The country programme budget of US$43.6 million is based on an estimate of regular contributions and additional resources to be raised by the country office.

A strong gender perspective will be given to all the country programme components to empower women’s role in food security and nutrition.