Briefing Paper

Can Cash Transfer Programs Boost Income-generating Activities in Rural Burundi?

In a bid to achieve the number one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of no poverty, the government of Burundi has developed a national social protection strategy. As part of the strategy, the government is currently implementing cash transfer programs in partnership with several international development agencies. These programs include the Merankabandi social safety project, launched in July 2018. Funded by the World Bank, it involves 48,000 households across the four provinces of Gitega, Karuzi, Kirundo, and Ruyigi. Other development organizations have implemented their own cash transfers programs at a more local level.