On the dry plains of Rugombo, once-broken communities are reaping joy and financial freedom! Over 50 families who live below the poverty line have seized the opportunity to work in a new farming co-operative, bringing economic empowerment and fresh hope.

Restoration Burundi assists people living in extreme poverty around Burundi. One area of operation is Rugombo which has very fertile land, but is very dry, which makes growing crops tricky. In the past, Rugombo has suffered famine due to low water levels. To cultivate and harvest requires land close to water to make irrigation possible. The community has a high number of internally displaced families and most are too poor or rent land. They survive by working for others in plantations where they earn less than $1 per day.

When famine has struck, some men abandoned their families, moving to neighbouring countries. In their pursuit of a better life, wives and children are tragically left behind. One example is Camille*, 40. Her husband left 6 years ago when he fled to Uganda. Starving and needing to pay rent and provide for her children, Camille worked in the plantations. If illness prevented her from working, she and her family simply didn’t eat. She is one of the hundreds of hardworking and resilient mothers trying to make ends meet. Many of these women seem to have no option for survival except to sell their bodies.

Restoration Burundi has identified 50 families gathered into three development groups, mostly made up of single mothers. Many have been displaced in times of conflict, and own very little. So, in September 2022, Restoration Burundi rented some of the coveted irrigated lands for the group to grow plants easily. Moreover, they provided seeds, fertiliser, and animals such as goats, pigs, and rabbits. 

Camille reflects on the difference it has made; “I was severely troubled, hopeless, thinking God might have abandoned me. But when I received the good news of restoration, peace was restored in me. I am happy, we are going to produce much and feed my family. They comforted me and taught me to forgive my husband, who abandoned me and my children, and to live my own life trusting only in my God. I thank you very much.”

In the picture, we see the Kabamba sub-hill development group, harvesting a fresh crop of bright red tomatoes which has 15 members and works two fields of crops growing corn, soybeans, beans, and tomatoes. Both fields gave amazing yields. From a capital of $280, they are expecting a harvest worth over $1400 – what an incredible accomplishment! The families are very proud of their achievements. 

Thanks to their hard work, their encounter with Restoration Burundi has been profitable for them. They will continue to work hard in the fields, as well as improve their living conditions with profits from this season’s harvest. Once, they had no joy as they looked to the future, but now they have hope!