Drought and Food Security in Gatumba Zone, Burundi

This study examined at addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity in Gatumba Zone, Burundi, resulting from the adverse impacts of climate variability, particularly droughts. This study was guided by Food Availability Decline theory and the Theory of Change and anchored on case study research design. Both primary and secondary data were utilized in this study. The data collected revealed that farm productivity is affected significantly by droughts. The findings highlighted the significant influence of climate variability on farm productivity, with droughts leading to crop damage, reduced yields, and food shortages. Displacement of farmers due to droughts further exacerbated food insecurity in the region. Coping strategies such as early maturing crop varieties and irrigation were identified, along with governmental interventions aimed at enhancing resilience. The study recommends the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate variability on food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Gatumba Zone and other similar regions. The study further recommended to include farmer education initiatives, land allocation for displaced persons, and short-term drought control measures. Key Words: Food Insecurity, Climate Variability, Farm Productivity, Drought