About NCDP
Niragira Community Development Project — From a 2015 study in Bihororo to 72+ completed projects in Burundi
How NCDP Was Born
Alphonse Nahimana, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Equity and African Studies from the University of Toronto, conducted an independent study in 2015 under the guidance of Professor Aggrey Wasike. The study focused on evaluating food insecurity in the agricultural village of Bihororo in the Muramvya Province of Burundi — Nahimana's hometown.
"After concluding my research, I was taken aback to discover that the village of my childhood, which had previously enjoyed an abundance of food, was now facing a food crisis. Compounding this issue was the fact that the cows, which had long been relied upon by the community for sustenance, were dwindling in numbers."
As an individual of African-Canadian descent, Alphonse took proactive measures alongside his three siblings in Muramvya, embarking on a pilot project — acquiring six goats, four sheep, and two cows. This small intervention became the seed of what is now NCDP.
Working across both Canada and Burundi, NCDP has grown to operate seven core program areas: animal production, crop production, education, construction, internet access, diaspora support, and community events — delivering 72+ completed projects and counting.
Alphonse Nahimana
Founder & Executive Director, NCDP
Mission & Vision
The purpose and direction driving everything NCDP does in Burundi and Canada
Our Mission
"To empower Burundian communities — at home and in the diaspora — to achieve food security, economic resilience, and sustainable development through agriculture, livestock, education, and community-driven partnerships."
- Increase agricultural productivity and food security in Burundian villages
- Develop sustainable livestock programs that improve soil fertility and household income
- Provide education and vocational training for youth and women
- Build community infrastructure such as water systems, bakeries, and roads
- Strengthen the Burundian diaspora network as a catalyst for development
Our Vision
"A thriving, self-reliant Burundian community where every family has access to nutritious food, dignified livelihoods, quality education, and clean water."
NCDP envisions vibrant Burundian communities where families produce their own food, children access quality education, and entrepreneurs thrive with modern tools. Through the diaspora-to-village model, we are building that future — one project at a time.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide every decision and project at NCDP
Community First
We listen to local needs and build solutions alongside the people we serve.
Sustainability
Every project is designed for long-term environmental and economic health.
Transparency
We are accountable to our donors, partners, and the communities we support.
Innovation
We blend traditional knowledge with modern practices to create lasting impact.
Diaspora Leadership
We mobilize the global Burundian diaspora to invest in grassroots development.
Our Journey
The Beginning
Alphonse Nahimana completes his 2015 independent study on food insecurity in Bihororo, Burundi. He and his siblings launch a pilot project with six goats, four sheep, and two cows — the seed of NCDP.
Formal Organization
NCDP is formally registered as a Canadian-Burundian NGO. First partner meetings with Kazoza Care for Children in Chicago. Programs begin expanding beyond livestock.
Construction & Growth
NCDP launches its construction program — building schools, bakeries, and beginning work on the Nyakigoti Water Factory in Bihororo village. Rice production expands in Rugombo.
72+ Projects & Counting
Today NCDP operates 7 program areas with 72+ completed projects, a team of 11+ members spanning Toronto and Burundi, and a growing diaspora support network.
Join Our Mission
Today, NCDP works across Burundi and Canada — connecting the diaspora with communities on the ground to create real, measurable development impact.
All contributors, volunteers, and partners are welcome. Every contribution makes a difference — whether it's funding a cow for a family, a solar panel for a school, or a day's work of construction.
"Niragira" means "to encourage" in Kirundi — and that's exactly what we do, every day.
