Rwanda

Congolese and Burundian refugees fleeing political persecution, economic, and social unrest continue to cross into Rwanda, stretching already inadequate resources and posing potential risks to food security in the country. Agriculture is central to Rwanda’s economy and 89% of rural households rely on small-scale farming. Climate change however will likely intensify rainfall, leading to floods in the central, north and south. Prolonged dry seasons in the east and southeast are also likely to intensify droughts across farming communities. Most of the over 75,800 Congolese and about 50,400 Burundian refugees stay in camps, and rely almost entirely on food assistance. They also have limited access to electricity and clean drinking water. Whereas most Burundians entered Rwanda after May 2015 and some have been returning to Burundi, most of the Congolese refugee population have been in Rwanda since 1996 and have limited prospects for repatriation. Continued political instability and social unrest in both Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo may lead to more arrivals.?