KIRUNDO, February 18th (ABP) – The NGO Welthungerhilfe, in partnership with the consortium of local NGOs, the Stamm Foundation, ODEB and COPED, organized a half-yearly evaluation session (July-December 2024) of the main achievements of the “Burundi Buhire” project: “towards sustainably resilient communities”, implemented by the consortium of the three NGOs in Vumbi village, Vumbi commune in Kirundo province (north).
Regarding these achievements, it was disclosed that the project facilitated the establishment of a seed center and built a harvest storage shed. At the seed center, the cultivation of potatoes, maize and beans is intensified. In addition, the project organized training on post-harvest techniques. About 60 groups were formed in savings and loans so that beneficiaries could take out small loans. The beneficiaries were trained in the processing of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, which are used to produce bread, biscuits and donuts. A daycare center for small children was built and equipped in Vumbi village, with a view to helping parents carry out their activities in peace and provide them with supervision. In addition, about 341 goats were distributed through the community solidarity chain, 1,700 vegetable gardens were scattered as well as fruit trees in the intervention zone.
In terms of hygiene and sanitation, the project rehabilitated water sources and standpipes, eco-latrines were built, even in some public places. Regarding the operational plan of the project during the semester from January to July 2025, the project plans to build a seed warehouse and a stable in Vumbi. The provincial administration represented by the provincial head of community development Isidore Niyonkuru, positively appreciated the achievements of the project. He also asked those responsible for the project to be vigilant, with regard to the supply of seeds because, a poor quality of potato seeds was recorded.