The idea that a small plot of land, just 16m by 39m, planted with maize could feed a family of six for an entire year sounds almost impossible. Yet, that is exactly what the Foundations for Farming methodology, previously known as Farming God’s Way, is making possible.
For years, Esperance’s life was marked by hardship. She drowned her sorrow in alcohol and constant conflict. Her husband, unable to endure it any longer, abandoned her and their six children.
Things worsened when the small piece of land she depended on, already barely enough to sustain her family, was swept away by floods that hit her entire neighbourhood. With nowhere else to go, Esperance built a small shack from cardboard, barely large enough to hold them all, and survived by scavenging at the largest dumpsite in Buterere, on the outskirts of Bujumbura.
Her life took a turning point when she met Donna.
Donna had come to Burundi as a school teacher, but her heart was drawn to something deeper. Witnessing the living conditions of families like Esperance’s broke her. She felt a clear calling from God to serve the poor and vulnerable more intentionally.
That calling led her to start Hope for Tomorrow, which is now training hundreds across Burundi through Foundations for Farming.
She began by acquiring a small piece of land and gathering vulnerable families. There, she shared the love of Christ and introduced them to the Foundations for Farming methodology, a simple yet powerful approach built on the principles of stewardship, discipline, and faith.
What started small has now grown into something remarkable.
More than 200 families have been reintegrated into communities. Homes have been built. Lives have been restored, not only physically, but spiritually. Families now farm together, grow together, and walk in renewed purpose.
Among those leading this transformation is Claude, a trainer who never studied beyond Grade 5. For years, he has been equipping smallholder farmers with these techniques. Today, he stands in front of university students, teaching them sustainable agriculture practices.
And Esperance’s story now?
After experiencing such unexpected love and support, her life began to change. She gave up alcohol, went through the farming training, and started applying what she learned. Today, she not only sustains her children through her land, but produces enough to sell and earn an income.
Even more, she now teaches others.
Esperance has also reconciled with her husband, and together they are rebuilding their family and their future.
As Foundations for Farming continues to grow, its impact is reaching far beyond individual households. The methodology is now being taught in universities to agronomy students, and government departments are beginning to adopt it as Burundi seeks to move away from the less productive, subsistence farming practices. With over 80% of the population relying on agriculture, this shift holds the potential to transform the nation.
