Draft environmental profile of Burundi

Thus concludes this draft environmental profile which describes in detail Burundi"s geography, climate, population, land use, geology, minerals, energy resources, soils, vegetation, water resources, fauna, environmental policy, and environmental problems. Burundi is a strictly agricultural country which lacks mineral resources and has no outlet to the sea. Its rapid population growth, coupled with a lack of employment opportunities, is increasing the pressure on agricultural lands. The need for new farmland, along with increasing demand for wood for fuel and construction, has already placed an intolerable burden on Burundi"s tiny forest lands. Although reforestation efforts are underway, alternative fuels must be developed if Burundi"s forests are to survive. Livestock competes with Burundi"s human population for land. There are far too many animals and most are in poor health. Pasture lands are subject to extreme overgrazing; in many places quality grasses have been replaced with less nutritious varieties. Overgrazing, deforestation, shortened fallow periods, and traditional cultivation methods threaten the fertility of Burundi"s soils. Moreover, Burundi"s failure to take adequate soil erosion control measures has caused serious loss of precious topsoil. Efforts to conserve natural flora and fauna have been impeded by lack of land and money and poor enforcement of environmental legislation. Burundians are vulnerable to endemic sleeping sickness and malaria, contaminated rural water supplies, and chronic protein-calorie malnutrition. Certain environmentally oriented development projects (e.g., swamp clearance, reforestation, irrigation) are likely to worsen health problems. Maps and tables are used throughout the report to illustrate Burundi"s environmental status. Appendices present additional data on economic indicators, development assistance programs, agricultural production, climates, soils, and medicinal plants. A 141-item bibliography (1952-81) is included.