Joy as the Cell Members Reap Onion

In Kirundo commune, one of Burundi’s driest regions, the sun beats hard on the land, leaving soils cracked and crops withered. Despite being surrounded by lakes and swamps, farmers here face hunger and poverty, trapped by the absence of modern irrigation systems.

Last year, something changed. With a small grant, a group of farmers came together to form the Kanguka Dukore cell — meaning Awake and Work. What started as a modest experiment with cabbage has now grown into a thriving, self-financing initiative.

Most members of the cell own land but struggle to cope with the changing climate. On their individual farms, harvests are often destroyed by the heat. By pooling resources, however, they were able to rent fertile plots near water swamps — land too costly for a single farmer but achievable as a group. The results are striking. After a successful cabbage season, the cell shifted to onion farming. Their harvest stands in sharp contrast to neighboring fields.

“Look, the difference! We planted and made rigorous follow-up. Around us, no other onion crops are comparable to this,” said Eric Ndayisenga, Vice President of the Cell. “When we cultivate alone, the sun destroys our crops. But together, we succeed.”

The impact is not only financial but also personal. “This inspired me to start growing onions at home. I had never done this before. I am proud of this project,” said Denise Nkurunziza.

For 72-year-old Sylvestre Nzikobanyanka, the cell represents hope and dignity: “We are extremely joyful when we see such a harvest coming from our efforts. We cannot cultivate like this at home — it requires much capital, from cultivation to fertilizing. Alone we have low capacity, but in a group we can. I love this cell.”

This cell is one of those whose projects were funded by Restobu and making progress. The cells members meet each week to discuss on some values and practice saving/loan system. Restoration Burundi is committed to holistic development of families.