Employing approximately 94% of the labour force, agriculture remains a crucial pillar of Burundi’s economy. It accounts for about 30% of GDP, provides over 90% of foreign exchange earnings, and supplies 95% of the country’s food. However, the sector faces significant climate risks, including drought and heat waves, which reduce agricultural yields, increase production costs and food prices, and cause economic losses. Additionally, poorly developed transportation infrastructure hampers access to both local and international markets.
In 2022, the government of Burundi, through the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock (MINEAGRIE), expressed interest in leveraging PARM’s technical assistance to better manage agricultural risks in three priority value chains: maize, rice and rabbit, with a view to integrate Agricultural Risk Management (ARM) into Burundi’s policies, institutional capacities, and sustainable development investments. PARM conducted three risk assessment studies on these value chains, which informed the development of the Agricultural Risk Management Project for Inclusive Development and Resilience (GRADIR). The project was officially presented to donors and technical and financial partners during a round table organized on 3 April 2025, by PARM and MINEAGRIE in Bujumbura.
Inclusive Development and Resilience through Agricultural Risk Management
GRADIR is a long-term project designed to strengthen agricultural resilience, promote food and nutrition sovereignty, and drive inclusive economic growth in Burundi. Spanning 15 years, the project is structured in two phases of seven years each and follows a value chain-based approach. It is built around four strategic pillars: (i) strengthening capacities in risk management (climatic, sanitary, and economic); (ii) developing priority value chains such as rice, maize, and rabbit; (iii) investing in agricultural infrastructure; and (iv) establishing systems for coordination, facilitation, and early warning.
To achieve its objectives, GRADIR integrates a suite of key interventions aimed at de-risking and transforming agricultural systems. These include agricultural insurance and contract farming schemes, the promotion of climate-resilient seeds and agroecological practices, and improved water management techniques. Special attention is given to the rabbit value chain, with targeted support in animal health, genetics, and cold chain logistics. The project also emphasizes inclusive financing mechanisms, digital innovation, and programming that is sensitive to the needs of women and youth. A notable component is the creation of a master’s programme in Agricultural Risk Management, developed in partnership with CIRAD, to build national technical expertise and leadership in risk management.
GRADIR aims to directly benefit 300,000 households—approximately 1.5 million people—by improving their productivity, diversifying income sources, and expanding access to markets. The project also contributes to national goals by strengthening sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) systems and aligning with Burundi’s Vision 2040/2060 and the Sustainable Development Goals. With a total investment of $191.2 million, GRADIR is designed to deliver both immediate and long-term impact by building a more robust, inclusive, and climate-resilient agricultural sector.
Read the full project report [available in French only]
