Bututsi Agro-Pastoral Development Project

In a region facing increasing food deficits, 25,000 families were targeted by the project, which was extended by many years and which continued despite the conflict. Crucially, during the hostilities, the project served as a focal point for social cohesion among households.

The fertility of the land, particularly on the hillsides, had been progressively degraded by erosion, overgrazing and overburning. The project’s objectives were to increase food production substantially through use of fertiliser and improved seeds and by a mix of crops. Cattle breeding was to be made more efficient and integrated with food production.

These measures went hand in hand with measures to conserve natural resources and improve the status of women, many of whom were heads of households because men had migrated to seek employment before the 1993 conflict started.

Currently, the project is receiving support from an African Development Bank loan.

Source: IFAD