Heavy rains and landslides have become a terrifying reality for Burundian farmers like Philbert Ntaciyica. In 2018, a relentless downpour washed away his crops and topsoil, leaving him with nothing to feed his family. Ntaciyica’s story is a stark reminder of the harsh impact climate change is having on Burundi, a country with minimal greenhouse gas emissions but shouldering an immense burden.
Scientists predict rising temperatures and extreme weather patterns for Burundi, threatening food security and water access. However, a glimmer of hope emerges from the shores of Lake Victoria. A UN Environment Programme (UNEP) project is empowering farmers and fishers to adapt with the help of nature.
The “Adapting to Climate Change in the Lake Victoria Basin” initiative is equipping communities with tools to combat soil erosion. Farmers are learning to plant trees like avocado and grevillea, which not only absorb carbon but also anchor the soil and retain moisture. Additionally, they are constructing terraces along hillsides to further prevent landslides.
The project’s impact is evident in Ntaciyica’s fields. His once-bare land is now thriving. He reaps double the harvest compared to before, and his goats have a new source of food from the elephant grass planted alongside the terraces. This newfound prosperity allows him to invest in his children’s education.
The benefits extend beyond the farm. Downstream, fisherman Ezechiel Bizimana has witnessed a decline in fish stocks over his lifetime. He blames upstream erosion and reduced rainfall for the dwindling catch. The project is tackling this problem too.
Bizimana is among the first in East Africa to experiment with a new fish-drying kiln. This innovative technology not only preserves the catch for longer but also uses significantly less firewood, protecting the surrounding forests. The tastier, longer-lasting smoked fish also fetches a higher price at the market.
This project highlights the crucial connection between healthy ecosystems and human well-being. By protecting the environment upstream, communities downstream benefit as well. The initiative aims to establish a regional framework for adaptation, allowing Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya to share best practices and jointly tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
“Small steps on the ground can significantly enhance people’s lives,” says Jessica Troni, Head of UNEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Unit. Scaling up such initiatives across the Lake Victoria Basin has the potential to make millions of people more resilient in the face of a changing climate.
