UPHWO intervenes in different zones of Burundi, depending on the needs and priorities of the people and communities. We have four main intervention zones, which are:

• Eastern Burundi: This zone covers the provinces of Cankuzo, Gitega, Rutana, and Ruyigi. It is characterized by its lower elevations and warmer, drier climate, compared to the rest of the country. It also suffers from poor access to quality health care, education, and water and sanitation. UPHWO works to improve the health and nutrition of the people in this zone, especially women and children, by providing them with essential services and support. We also work to enhance their access to education and livelihood opportunities, and to protect them from violence and exploitation.

• Northern Burundi: This zone covers the provinces of Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Muyinga, and Ngozi. It is characterized by its more mountainous terrain and higher rainfall, compared to the rest of the country. It also hosts a large number of refugees and displaced people, who fled from the conflicts in neighboring countries. UPHWO works to improve the living conditions and well-being of the people in this zone, especially the refugees and displaced people, by providing them with shelter, food, water, sanitation, and hygiene. We also work to enhance their access to quality education, health care, and protection, and to foster their integration and social cohesion.

• Southern Burundi: This zone covers the provinces of Bururi, Makamba, and Rumonge. It is characterized by its proximity to Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest freshwater lake in the world, and its rich biodiversity and natural resources. It also faces the challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, and population pressure. UPHWO works to improve the environmental management and resilience of the people and communities in this zone, by providing them with technical and financial assistance, and by promoting the adoption of sustainable practices. We also work to improve their health and livelihoods, by providing them with health care, nutrition, and income-generating activities.

• Western Burundi: This zone covers the provinces of Bubanza, Bujumbura Mairie, Bujumbura Rural, Cibitoke, Muramvya, and Mwaro. It is characterized by its location in the Western Rift Valley, also known as the Albertine Rift, which showcases breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. It also hosts the majority of the population and the economic activities of the country, but also suffers from the consequences of urbanization, poverty, and insecurity. UPHWO works to improve the governance and social cohesion of the people and communities in this zone, by enhancing their capacities, voice, and representation. We also work to improve their health and education, by providing them with quality and inclusive services and support.

UPHWO selects its intervention zones and beneficiaries in Burundi based on the following factors:

• The level of vulnerability and need of the people and communities, especially those affected by poverty, conflict, displacement, or marginalization.
• The availability and quality of basic services and opportunities, such as health, education, protection, environment, and governance.
• The potential and willingness of the people and communities to participate and own their development processes.
• The alignment and complementarity of UPHWO’s programs and activities with the national and local priorities and plans, and with the interventions of other actors.

UPHWO conducts regular assessments and consultations to identify the intervention zones and beneficiaries that meet these criteria, and to ensure that its programs and activities are relevant, effective, and efficient. UPHWO also monitors and evaluates its programs and activities, and adapts them to the changing needs and contexts of the intervention zones and beneficiaries.