Espérance Kecuru, a 40-year-old mother of five from Marenga zone, exemplifies the economic challenges and entrepreneurial spirit in Karusi, operating as both a farmer and a seller of ripe bananas. Kecuru's car wash project, initiated in 2023, received funding from the Programme d’autonomisation économique et d’emploi des jeunes (PAEEJ), demonstrating local initiatives to bolster livelihoods. The agricultural sector, however, has faced disruptions, primarily due to a lack of access to necessary fertilizers.
Kecuru noted the impact of climate change on farming, stating, "Sur notre colline, la récolte des haricots n’a pas été bonne à cause des changements climatiques. Presque tous les champs ont été touchés par la sécheresse. Je serai obligée d’acheter le haricot au marché alors que j’en avais cultivé dans mes champs." Despite these agricultural setbacks, her banana selling venture has seen success. "J’ai commencé avec un prêt de 20 000 BIF. Aujourd’hui, je peux réaliser un bénéfice journalier de 3 000 à 5 000 BIF par panier de bananes mûres vendues. J’ai déjà remboursé ce prêt et je travaille désormais avec mon propre capital," Kecuru explained. She also noted the potential for daily wages to improve household conditions, observing, "Chez nous, un cultivateur journalier perçoit entre 8 000 et 10 000 BIF par jour. Cet argent peut contribuer à résoudre certains problèmes du ménage et améliorer les conditions de vie de la famille." Kecuru emphasized the importance of work, adding, "Je rencontre parfois des femmes dans la rue en train de mendier alors qu’elles sont capables de travailler."
Economic Challenges and Resilience
The bean harvest in Karusi was poor due to climate change and drought, impacting nearly all fields, according to residents. Espérance Kecuru noted, "On our hill, the bean harvest was not good because of climate change. Almost all fields were affected by drought. I will be forced to buy beans at the market even though I had cultivated them in my fields." Practicing agriculture in the region is also financially demanding due to a shortage of chemical fertilizers and diminishing agricultural land. Harvests have been notably poor for two consecutive seasons, a direct consequence of these fertilizer shortages.
Despite these agricultural difficulties, some local initiatives have shown positive outcomes. The suspension of the alcoholic beverage 'Kick' reportedly led to a reduction in destructive behavior and an increase in participation in community development work. N.B. Who works with mobile phone companies in Karusi, stated that "commitments related to electoral support and access to funding are slow to materialize."
In the local economy, a daily casual laborer can earn between 8,000 and 10,000 Burundian francs (BIF) per day. Kecuru noted the potential impact of such earnings, stating, "At home, a daily worker earns between 8,000 and 10,000 BIF per day. This money can help solve some household problems and improve the family's living conditions." She also emphasized the importance of work, adding, "I sometimes meet women in the street begging when they are capable of working."
Kecuru herself started her commerce business with a loan of 20,000 BIF. "I started with a loan of 20,000 BIF. Today, I can make a daily profit of 3,000 to 5,000 BIF per basket of ripe bananas sold. I have already repaid this loan and I am now working with my own capital," she explained. Her car wash project also contributes to her income, earning between 7,000 and 10,000 BIF per vehicle. A premium high-pressure wash service at her facility costs an additional 3,000 francs.
Women's Empowerment and Community Initiatives
Savings and credit associations, established as part of the Tuburura project, have fostered local development in Karusi, with women constituting the majority of their members. However, some women in Karusi commune have voiced concerns about men who take new wives and abandon their homes, a practice they claim hinders family development. Marie-Jeanne Karenzo stated she is a victim of such abandonment, as her husband lives with another woman in the Karusi zone. "I have been facing many difficulties caused by my husband for several years," Karenzo said, adding, "We no longer agree on household management or the children's education." Her marriage was registered 12 kilometers away in the Buhiga zone and has not been officially dissolved. Karenzo further explained, "Each time, we quarrel. This situation affects not only our relationship but also our children who are growing up in a climate of tension." She emphasized the impact of these disputes, stating, "Family conflicts hinder the development of families. As for me, if my husband had not treated me this way, I would today be able to provide for my children's needs."
Anésie Niragira, who heads the Rubimba neighborhood in the Nyamugari zone, acknowledged the persistence of such issues. "Even if this violence has become less frequent, it still exists," Niragira noted, urging, "Women must take the lead to protect themselves and defend their rights." She believes such actions will contribute significantly to combating gender-based violence, stating, "This will contribute to the fight against gender-based violence." Vénancie Kaneza, a member of the 'Turemeshanye' cooperative in the Mugari zone, noted the positive impact of collective action. "Women have understood the importance of cooperatives for their empowerment," Kaneza explained, adding, "We work mainly in agriculture and livestock. Thanks to this solidarity, our living conditions have improved and gender-based violence has considerably decreased."
Suavis Ntakarutimana, from Nyarugari hill, showed the challenges faced by farmers, particularly concerning water access and crop yields. "The harvests have been very poor for two consecutive seasons. And when there is no harvest, there is no money," Ntakarutimana stated. She also pointed out the daily struggle for resources, noting, "We are often obliged to draw water from the swamps. This greatly complicates our daily lives with the risk of contracting diseases from dirty hands." Despite these hardships, Ntakarutimana emphasized local agency, stating, "Development begins on the hills. During the electoral period, we must remain united despite our political differences."
Pierre Nerekuburundi, a tailor with a disability, supports his seven children through his work. He affirmed the importance of his profession, stating, "I have seven children and they are all fed thanks to this profession." Nadine Inantore, a 45-year-old former nurse, operates the sole car wash in Karusi commune. Inantore reflected on the initial perception of her venture: "At first, seeing a woman manage a car wash station seemed strange to many people." She noted the convenience her business offers to vehicle owners, who no longer need to travel long distances for car washing services. Inantore specified that customers opting for a premium service "pay 3,000 francs more than a manual wash." Her project also generates employment, as "ten young people work here thanks to this project." Additionally, she explained, "She also contributes to the activity and receives remuneration like the other workers." Inantore views the car wash as a foundational step. "This is the beginning of my garage project," she stated, adding, "For now, I am still repaying the PAEEJ loan. Once this stage is completed, I will be able to develop the activity further." Her future plans include investing in her family's welfare. "I want to invest in everything that can improve my family's living conditions and offer a better future to my children," Inantore said, while acknowledging the significant cost of site improvements: "Paving and cementing the site are very expensive. But, after repaying the loan, I am convinced that I will succeed."
Youth Aspirations and Development Projects
Many young people in Karusi are leaving for other regions or countries, such as Tanzania, in search of employment opportunities. Jean-Claude Ndayishimiye, 20, from Buhinyuza hill, works as a mason and noted the high cost of agriculture due to chemical fertilizer shortages and shrinking farmland. Ndayishimiye stated, "Today, practicing agriculture costs a lot, notably because of the shortage of chemical fertilizers and the shrinking agricultural land which sometimes forces us to rent it." He added, "As a mason, I am forced to work elsewhere. Almost all young people here go to other regions in search of employment."
The political parties CNDD-FDD, CNL, and Uprona maintain the most visible presence on the ground in the region. Odillon Habayeho is studying Agronomy at the Institut technique agricole du Burundi (ITAB) in Karusi, but expressed concerns about the practical application of his studies. Habayeho remarked, "We are taught mechanized agriculture and the use of agricultural machines but without practice. I will soon finish my studies and, so far, I have never seen these machines." He also noted, "Today, some students finish their studies without being able to express themselves correctly in French. This is concerning."
Emery Nzeyimana leads the 'Abasangirangendo' association, established in 2003, which comprises 48 members with disabilities. Nzeyimana stated, "We chose work instead of begging." He explained that "most of these people were sent to us by the former Ministry of Solidarity." The association members acquired tailoring skills in Gitega and initially received support from non-governmental organizations Africare and Action Aid.
Nadine Inantore's car wash project currently employs ten young people. Inantore plans to expand her business into a full garage, including a stock of spare parts. She acknowledged that the paving and cementation of the car wash site represent significant costs for her business.