Burundi: why are we there?
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Burundi has suffered widespread destruction because of the continual conflict and warfare endured over many years. The country's infrastructure is poor, its government structure is weak, and much property has been destroyed.
Many Burundians have returned, after years living in refugee camps, to find their homes in ruins or occupied by others. Their land, its topsoil eroded by deforestation and damaged by the fighting, has often been seized by those who arrived home first. Without land or crops, food is scarce. Without money or the means of earning a living, the majority cannot afford health care, whilst 67% have no access to water within 1km. Hygiene and sanitation are poor. Schools have been raised to the ground or severely damaged and the education system needs support.
The vast majority of people live in rural areas, and are struggling to survive with little or no support; most people are living well below the poverty line. Communities need to reunite; women are particularly vulnerable, many widowed by the war and with no rights to inherit land. |
