Christian charity Tearfund have launched an emergency appeal for the people of Burundi, as over half the population face severe food shortages due to droughts, flooding and political chaos.
Recent elections and the referendum in May has given little hope as the existing administration under President Pierre Nkurunziza are now able to extend the length of time they can remain in power.
Desire Majambere, a Burundian himself and Tearfund's Country Manager in Burundi described seeing malnourished people: "it's not easy...the women are left behind struggling to get food to feed their families but also it's not easy to see children who abandon school because they are hungry, they are weak."
"We can avoid the situation" he said "currently what we're doing is providing porridge with some ingredients to feed the malnourished people for the short term but also for the long term we are providing seeds,"
They are also training people in making meals that are balanced and in modern farming techniques.
They've set up temporary feeding centres distributing nutritious food, vitamins and supplements to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children under five.
The appeal will help families to become self-sufficient and healthier in the months and years to come by teaching new farming techniques, educating people on nutrition and helping develop better hygiene practices at home.
"Despite our struggles, we are still people - people who like dancing, playing volleyball by the lakes, laughing with our friends. But things are different now. Burundians are courageous and hardworking, they just need support to make the future brighter."
Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.
