CRS History in Burundi

While approximately 90% of Burundi's population is dependent upon agriculture for their basic survival, periodic drought has inhibited harvest and caused staggering levels of malnourishment in the seven effected provinces. And if drought were not enough, ethnic violence and political power struggles have plagued Burundi and hindered its development. Its war has forced many people into temporary camps, which are typically unsanitary, and people lack access to basic necessities like clean water. Malaria is also an issue and an epidemic at the end of 2000 affected 732,309 people (11.2% of the population) within a five-month period. Catholic Relief Services responds to the needs of these people and has been since 1963. The current CRS/Burundi offices are located in Bujumbura, Burundi's capital, and Kirundo, and have 90 national and six expatriate staff.