Drought and Food Security in Gatumba Zone, Burundi

This study examined at addressing the pressing issue of food insecurityinGatumbaZone, Burundi, resulting from the adverse impacts of climate variability, particularlydroughts.This study was guided by Food Availability Decline theory and the Theoryof Changeandanchored on case study research design. Both primary and secondary data wereutilizedinthisstudy. The data collected revealed that farm productivity is af ected significantlybydroughts.Thefindings highlighted the significant influence of climate variability on farmproductivity,withdroughts leading to crop damage, reduced yields, and food shortages. Displacement offarmersdue to droughts further exacerbated food insecurity in the region. Coping strategiessuchasearlymaturing crop varieties and irrigation were identified, along with governmental interventionsaimed at enhancing resilience. The study recommends the urgent need for comprehensivestrategies to mitigate the impacts of climate variability on food security and promotesustainableagricultural practices in Gatumba Zone and other similar regions. Thestudyfurtherrecommended to include farmer education initiatives, land allocation for displacedpersons,andshort-term drought control measures. Key Words: Food Insecurity, Climate Variability, Farm Productivity, Drought.