Manisha lives in the Nyakazu watershed where wildfires are just one of many environmental concerns. Poverty is rampant in rural Burundi, and for smallholder farmers like Manisha, climate conditions and soil erosion lead to insufficient crop yields regularly. This impacts his families’ incomes and nutrition.

“Before I joined Plant With Purpose Burundi, I had so many challenges. Getting money was a challenge, as my education ended with secondary school. I was unable to continue studying up through university,” Manisha explains.

Three years ago, he joined a Purpose Group.

“I talked to my neighbors and heard their stories. They were members of Purpose Groups and I also decided to join. From that point on, my life was never the same. Hope came my way,” he says.

“Thanks to the Purpose Group, I was able to complete construction on my house, purchase a goat, and to buy two small agricultural plots. One of these plots became a tree planting site.”

Purpose Groups combine savings and lending activities, which create a mechanism out of financial poverty, with environmental education to promote sustainable change.

“Through the Purpose Group, I also learned several techniques to help me farm more sustainably,” he shares. “I learned about the protection of the environment and the restoration of our land. To protect the land on our farm, I’ve installed contour lines, planted agroforestry trees, and added bana grasses to prevent erosion. I’ve also learned ways to graft fruit trees. I’m now experienced with many grafting techniques to help many people who wish to produce their own fruit plants. I am delighted to have a contribution to society that I can make.”

“Now that I’ve learned these techniques, I’ve changed my behaviors on the farm. I plant in rows, I use crop rotation, and I spread organic manure. I’ve been able to decrease the amount of seed and manure fertilizer I need, while still increasing my crop production. I can now grow four times as many beans and six times as much maize compared to before. I’m delighted with the steps that I’ve made. I grow fruit on my farm, thanks to grafting, and I also have vegetable gardens around the house. These all help us have a healthier and more balanced diet.”

These adaptive techniques help Manisha achieve sufficiency in spite of the environmental challenges present in Burundi. His work in tree planting and soil repair is helping to reverse some of these trends.

“I have decided to plant trees every silvicultural season, and my afforestation lot contains around 500 plants. Thanks to the training I’ve received, I collaborate with the local administrators to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our environment.”

In recent months, wildfire has become a significant concern in the area, however, Manisha reports that his community can manage that as well. “We have taken the lead at voluntarily creating fire-breaks because we know we need the environment for human well-being. Whenever bushfires break out, we intervene swiftly and strongly to stop them,” she shares.

Focusing on spiritual renewal in Purpose Groups helps tie economic and environmental progress with a higher purpose. This results in revitalized relationships, both among community members and within families.

“I’ve established a good relationship with my family,” Manisha reports. “The Purpose Group savings have helped me build my own home. My wife and I help each other. She is also a member of a Purpose Group. Thanks to our roles in the Purpose Groups, our relationships with the surrounding community and the people of our church have changed. I take the lead when it comes to preaching the good news to my community. People are returning to church. Next Easter, we will welcome four new people. I am so thankful for all that Plant With Purpose has done to help us in our development.”