WASHINGTON, December 19, 2024 – A new transformative project aims to increase land productivity and improve climate resilience for 1.3 million people and support the creation of 42,000 indirect jobs.
Building on the achievement of Landscape Restoration and Resilience Project in Burundi, which made great progress in restoring 22 degraded “collines” or hillsides, the Burundi Colline Climate Resilience Project locally called “NAGURA” aims to increase land productivity and climate resilience of fragile communities in 80 collines across 87 target sub-watersheds. The project has a comprehensive approach that addresses the lack of integrated policy and coordinated institutional response, fragmentation and degradation of watersheds, and limited community-led climate action and access to finance.
The project will enhance the enabling environment for climate resilience by supporting key policy and regulatory reforms. Additionally, the project will develop integrated watershed management plans, build preparedness for climate shocks, restore degraded land areas through community efforts, engage colline communities in water user associations, diversify land-use rights, and promote gender-responsive investments.
“This project is a significant milestone in our efforts to combat climate change and improve the livelihoods of the communities,” said Hawa Cisse Wagué, Country Manager for Burundi. “By addressing the critical issues of land degradation and climate resilience, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for Burundi.”
The project will benefit a broader population through systemic reforms aimed at better coordination of climate action and landscape management. Direct beneficiaries include 213,320 households including women and vulnerable individuals, who will benefit from sustainable watershed management practices.
The project is expected to contribute to the creation of 42,000 indirect jobs. The project could generate significant additional revenues and job opportunities, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) benefiting from improved production factors or conditions. Additionally, 309,680 residents will gain from employment creation, with 40% being youth and 51% women. Furthermore, 10,000 micro-entrepreneurs and cooperatives/associations engaged in profitable climate-resilient activities, as well as government institutions, private sector organizations, academia, and research institutions, will receive capacity-strengthening investments.
Funded by $88.3 million (including an equivalent of $70 million from the International Development Association (IDA)*, and co-financing equivalent to $18.3 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) this project represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of climate change, fragility, and land degradation in Burundi. By fostering integrated policy responses, enhancing watershed management, and empowering communities, the World Bank aims to build a more resilient and productive future for Burundi.
*IDA was established in 1960 and helps low-income countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for its 75 client countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Since 1960, IDA has provided $552 billion to 115 countries. Annual commitments have averaged about $36 billion over the last three years (FY21-FY23), with about 75% going to Africa. Learn more online: IDA.worldbank.org. #IDAworks
