Burundi
OVERVIEW
In 2005, Burundi completed the transition mandated by the 2000 Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Accords with five rounds of national elections that were praised by the international community. The new government took over the leadership of a country that remains extremely fragile in many respects. Burundi's continuing challenge is to consolidate the peace and enact reforms that can provide a framework for increased stability and economic growth. Significant USAID assistance and engagement with the Government of Burundi and civil society stakeholders remain absolutely vital to rebuilding the country's economy, accelerating social service delivery, consolidating peace and security, and advancing the democratization process.
PROGRAMS
GOVERNING JUSTLY AND DEMOCRATICALLY
USAID assists the Government of Burundi with public administration services through policy reform, including regulations pertaining to the national water management system. In an effort to fight corruption, USAID promotes increased transparency and accountability for government and nongovernmental institutions across all development sectors.
USAID activities also work to improve civic participation and the capacity of civil society organizations to act as agents for key reforms and bolster the effectiveness of participation and advocacy in democratic decision-making processes. USAID programs encourage Burundians to debate public priorities, voice and win support for alternative solutions, and provide input into decisions that affect their lives. Political platforms and party participation in the electoral process will be monitored for corruption by a network of local associations. USAID-supported programs also work to improve media freedom and freedom of information.
Through women's leadership initiatives, USAID facilitates broader participation by women in parliament and civil society organizations. For example, USAID programs for women lawyers, parliamentarians, and government ministers prepare them to hold the government accountable for its policies and processes, support their broad participation in political processes, and help them take part in international conferences that will enhance their ability to address challenges facing Burundi's women leaders.
With national elections approaching in 2010, USAID will support programs to promote free and fair electoral processes, including open and improved coverage of issues by the media and civil society organizations, voter education campaigns, and reinforced legal and regulatory frameworks that facilitate a competitive, multiparty election process.
INVESTING IN PEOPLE: HEALTH
The lack of adequate health infrastructure resulting from years of conflict makes support to the health sector a continuing priority. USAID maternal and child health initiatives are designed to provide comprehensive care through improved services and systems. In the provinces and communities, USAID programs reduce disease and death among mothers and children by providing reproductive health services for adult and adolescent women, expanding access to high-quality, voluntary family planning services, and providing health care for pregnant women and children. Additionally, U.S.-supported HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs in the highly transient northeastern provinces continue to combat some of the highest prevalence rates in the region.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
With 90 percent of Burundians depending on it for their livelihood, agriculture is the backbone of Burundi's economy. Concentrating on the agribusiness sector, USAID programs are designed to raise rural incomes, diversify economic opportunity, and identify and strengthen competitive, commodity-based value chains that link producers to domestic, regional, and international markets. Activities include complementary, integral investments in the financial services sector that increase access to commercial credit and microcredit, particularly in the agricultural sector. The United States also provides development-oriented food assistance in addition to emergency food aid, helping to improve Burundi's agricultural resource base. Programs concentrate on production and soil conservation practices and enhanced health and nutrition interventions for the most vulnerable households.
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