Burundi portion of the Nile Basin (some 60% of the country) currently faces a number of environmental problems. These include high rates of population growth, deepening poverty and dependence on rain-fed agriculture. Together these precipitate problems of food insecurity, particularly in the north of the country where development challenges include overgrazing, poor crop cultivation practices, removal of vegetation cover and uncontrolled erosion along the lake shores and river banks. Massive deforestation caused by the demands of households and communities for fuel and lack of political will have aggravated the problems. In these circumstances, there is strong need to sensitize all stakeholders about the challenge facing Nile basin development processes.

Objectives

The overall objectives of BNDF are as stated in the Constitution adopted on October 3rd 2003.

The Burundi NDF seeks to influence the development of projects and process under the NBI by promoting the dissemination and exchange of information on current and potential developments under the NBI. Ultimately the BNDF will contribute to the maximisation of social, economic and environmental benefits from the sustainable and equitable use of the Nile water resources with a view to reducing poverty in the Nile region.

About Burundi's Nile Discourse Forum

The Burundi National Discourse Forum (BNDF) with over 58 fully registered members  with a full Membership List has been engaged in a number of activities for the M3 and M4 where research studies have been carried out and a number of capacity building workshops have been held for their member organisations.

Studies have been done on topics like the different power sources in Burundi and stakeholder involvement in the NBI development process.

The reports on the studies carried out on research and dissemination were presented to key stakeholders, government and partners for validation.

However, during the consultative processes a number of key issues highlighted e.g. the lessons learning and identifying of synergies for coherent information sharing, using the findings to improve on the water policies in the Nile basin, strengthening cooperation along the Nile, human resource capacity building in the field of water resource preservation and strengthening the collaboration between technical services and civil society.

BNDF also carried out a number of capacity building activities for its members in Environmental Impact assessment, communication, lobbying & advocacy techniques and, environmental management and poverty eradication.

Reports on the activities carried out in M3 and M4 milestones are available.

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