Call for Community-Based NGO for Irrigation Activities in Kirundo (Burundi)

Deadline: 02-Sep-2026

The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking an experienced NGO to support the construction, management, and sustainable use of hillside irrigation infrastructure in Kirundo, Burundi. The assignment focuses on community mobilization, producer support, participatory infrastructure management, and strengthening the capacity of irrigation users to improve agricultural production, climate resilience, and household livelihoods.

About the WFP Irrigation Infrastructure Initiative

Kirundo faces growing challenges from climate variability, water scarcity, pressure on natural resources, and vulnerable agricultural livelihoods. Agriculture-dependent households are particularly exposed to unreliable water availability. Developing hillside irrigation infrastructure can help communities access water more reliably and increase the productivity and resilience of farming systems. However, irrigation infrastructure alone does not guarantee long-term results. Sustainable outcomes depend on whether communities understand, use, maintain, and collectively manage the infrastructure. The WFP therefore seeks an NGO capable of providing community, social, and economic support throughout the infrastructure development process. Why the Project Matters The initiative is designed to strengthen the link between irrigation investment, community ownership, agricultural productivity, and rural livelihoods.

Effective community support can help:

Improve access to water for agricultural production. Strengthen climate resilience among farming households. Increase agricultural production and productivity. Encourage sustainable management of water resources. Build community ownership of irrigation infrastructure. Strengthen cooperation among irrigation users. Establish mechanisms for long-term infrastructure management. Support producers before, during, and after construction. What the Selected NGO Will Support The selected NGO will work closely with communities and irrigation users to ensure that infrastructure investments are socially and economically sustainable. Strengthening community ownership of irrigation assets. Community Participation and Ownership A central element of the project is community ownership. Beneficiary communities should be actively involved in decisions concerning the infrastructure that will support their agricultural activities. Participation can help ensure that irrigation systems respond to local needs and that users understand their responsibilities. The NGO will therefore be expected to help communities develop effective structures for: The project is not limited to physical infrastructure development. The selected NGO will also provide support to farmers and other irrigation users so that they can effectively benefit from improved water availability. This may involve strengthening users’ understanding of: Irrigation system operation. Collective infrastructure management. Agricultural production opportunities. Sustainable water use. Maintenance responsibilities. Community-level management arrangements. The overall objective is to connect irrigation infrastructure with improved agricultural livelihoods. Who Is Eligible? The call is intended for an experienced NGO with demonstrated capacity in community-based development and rural infrastructure support. Applicants should have relevant experience in areas such as: Community mobilization. Producer organization and support.

Participatory management of rural infrastructure

Irrigation-system user support. Community resilience. Agricultural livelihoods. Rural development. Natural-resource management. Organizations should be able to work directly with local communities and support them throughout the different stages of the irrigation infrastructure project. What WFP Is Looking For A strong applicant should be able to demonstrate a proven track record of working with rural communities and agricultural producers.

Particular value is likely to be placed on experience that demonstrates the ability to

Facilitate meaningful community participation. Organize beneficiaries around shared infrastructure. Build local management capacity. Support farmers and producer groups. Encourage sustainable use of natural resources. Provide continued assistance after construction. Translate infrastructure investments into practical livelihood benefits. How the Project Will Work The NGO’s role will extend beyond a single phase of construction. Before Construction Community engagement should help establish local understanding, participation, and ownership.

Activities may include:

Mobilizing beneficiary communities. Identifying and organizing irrigation users. Supporting participatory planning. Establishing community management mechanisms. Preparing users for their responsibilities. During Construction The NGO will help maintain communication and participation between communities and the infrastructure-development process.

This includes supporting:

Community participation. Communication with beneficiaries. User coordination. Understanding of infrastructure-related responsibilities. Social and community considerations associated with construction. After Construction Post-construction support is essential for sustainability.

The NGO will help irrigation users:

Operate and manage the infrastructure. Establish sustainable management practices. Maintain community participation. Address challenges affecting users. Strengthen agricultural benefits from irrigation. Protect the long-term functionality of the infrastructure. How to Prepare an Application Organizations interested in the opportunity should ensure that their submission clearly demonstrates relevant technical and community-development experience.

Step 1: Review the Call Requirements

Confirm that your organization meets the requirements for an eligible NGO and has the necessary experience in community mobilization, rural infrastructure, and producer support.

Step 2: Demonstrate Relevant Experience

Provide