Overview on Climate Resilience Efforts

Burundi’s National Development Plan (2018–2027) aims to address key socio-economic development challenges. Among its five strategic objectives is a focus on protecting the environment, adapting to climate change, and improving land use planning. The plan also aligns with the country’s commitment to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

To further mitigate the impacts of climate change, the Government of Burundi has outlined key policy directions under Vision 2025 and various sectoral strategies. These include the National Policy on Climate Change (2012), the National Water Policy (2009), the National Water Strategy (2012), the National Agricultural Strategy, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2013), and the National Forest Policy. Burundi has also developed several climate change-specific strategies with associated action plans.

Despite this strong policy foundation, the country faces major challenges. These include a fragmented and incomplete regulatory framework, limited institutional capacity, especially in the water sector, and insufficient financing for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Gender Dimensions of Climate Change

Burundi ranks 163 out of 189 countries on the Gender Inequality Index, reflecting significant gender disparities across sectors, including water and climate. Women are disproportionately affected by climate change. Over 92% of women work in agriculture—compared to 75% of men—yet they have limited access to land, climate information, technology, and financing. This makes women particularly vulnerable to climate impacts such as shifting rainfall patterns, droughts, and pest outbreaks, all of which threaten water and food security, and deepen existing gender inequalities.

Project Focus