On January 22, 2025, the Burundian president, Evariste Ndayishimiye, welcomed Lisa Peterson, United States Ambassador to Burundi, for a visit to several agro-pastoral projects in the provinces of Gitega and Karusi. This initiative aimed to highlight the efforts undertaken to improve the daily lives of rural communities by promoting agricultural development.
On Kigoma hill in Buhiga commune in Karusi province, the president and Ms. Peterson visited two rice school fields cultivated in the mountains and in the Gisuma marshes. Operated by the Sangwe Karuri and Muhweza cooperatives, which have 550 members, these lands cover 10 hectares. According to a press release received by APA on Thursday, the project illustrates the ongoing efforts to promote innovative agricultural techniques in family farms.
The visit continued on Nyamugari Hill, more precisely in two 16-hectare corn school fields and a 15-hectare potato field, belonging to the Deputies’ Cooperative. These crops aim to provide improved seeds to increase agricultural production and strengthen local food security.
Still in Karusi Province, on Gashanga Hill in Bugenyuzi Commune, the head of state set an example with his 19-hectare corn field and other crops such as colocasia, beans, etc., but also cow breeding. The organic manure from this breeding is used to fertilize the soil.
Still in Bugenyuzi Commune, on Canzikiro Hill, the president and Mrs. Peterson visited one of the 13 ponds set up for fish farming.
These ponds are home to various species of fish, including tilapia, cimmyne carp and clarias.
Rusamaza Hill, Gihogazi Commune, was also a highlight of the visit. There, a cornfield of more than 200 hectares, operated with modern irrigation techniques, is evidence of efforts to ensure agricultural production even in times of drought. The grouping of agricultural land by local producers allows for optimized management and abundant
harvests, as evidenced by the corn harvest expected for the growing season.
The Burundian leader also presented his greenhouse farming project in Bitare, highlighting the production of modern tomatoes and the recent success of the cucumber harvest. This project is complemented by a modern cow farm.
In the Province of Gitega, on Muremera Hill, Giheta Commune, the Vaso Cooperative warmly welcomed the diplomatic caravan. The members of the cooperative proudly presented their agro-pastoral initiatives, the
fruits of their collective work and their vision for local development.
On Murayi Hill, the delegation visited the Rural Development and Transformation Company (SOVERT) created by the Head of State. There, the company specialised in mushroom processing, in particular by subjecting it to drying using modern machines. The ambassador was very moved! Sold dried or transformed into biscuits, the products of this presidential initiative are a good illustration of the advances in innovation in the service of the agro-industry.
To close the day, Ms. Lisa Peterson visited the Umugiraneza Polyclinic located in Giheta Commune. She was welcomed by the First Lady of Burundi, Angeline Ndayishimiye-Ndayubaha, in a spirit of collaboration and friendship between the two nations.
TE/fss/as/APA