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Feeding a rapidly growing global population means that food must be produced in a more efficient and sustainable way. Therefore, yields must be increased using fewer inputs. The real challenge is not only to increase yields, but also to do so in the context of climate change and the degradation of natural resources such as fertile land, fresh water and biodiversity. In Burundi, where a growing population lives on limited land that is often divided into small plots, increasing food production will mean focusing on the integration and efficiency of agricultural systems rather than simply increasing the area under cultivation.
this”An integrated project to improve livelihoods in Ngozi and Mwaro provinces through sustainable and efficient agricultural intensificationThe project is achieving important results in three watersheds in Burundi. Through Farmer Field Schools (FFS), the project is helping communities living in these watersheds to better manage their land and improve food production and nutrition.
Drawing on good farming practices from different regions, the project aims to strengthen agricultural production in a sustainable way to reduce food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty.
For example, the integrated aquaculture and farming system established in Mwaro Province provides the opportunity to grow a variety of crops, fish and small livestock in a relatively small area, while increasing the supply of nutritious food. Livestock manure fertilizes ponds, increasing fish production while reducing feed requirements. These activities were previously carried out separately, but have now been merged and reinforce each other.
Diversified income-generating opportunities, such as fish and pig farming, more efficient and market-oriented crop production, and specialized activities such as mushroom cultivation, provide farmers with the means to earn additional income while improving their access to much-needed protein, vitamins and minerals. As part of the project, nearly 200 families established micro-gardens in urban and peri-urban areas, providing smallholder farmers with production opportunities despite very limited land.
Another milestone was the strengthening of erosion control and watershed stabilization techniques using integrated forestry practices, perennial forages and field mapping. Farmers’ fields were protected from soil erosion and planted with improved seeds of staple crops such as corn, beans, soybeans and potatoes. The community nurtured and planted more than 49,000 fruit tree seedlings, including avocado and Japanese plum.
Through Farmer Field Schools, both male and female farmers receive training and assistance in production management. These self-identified groups are guided by a facilitator and aim to enhance capacity development through training and community research, especially to meet the needs of female farmers. Capacity development for sustainable agricultural production includes composting techniques, mushroom cultivation, fish pond management and soil erosion control.
What’s next?
To further promote sustainable intensification and diversification, farmers are being given goats, which are both a valuable source of food and improve soil health through their manure. Importantly, communities will distribute the first generation of goat kids to the most vulnerable households. This revolving fund, called the Solidarity Chain, has already been established in Burundi and it strengthens community cohesion and provides a social safety net. The project will also support the national goat breeding strategy to ensure a continuous supply of superior genetic stock. The use of high-quality fodder crops will also be encouraged as part of watershed protection and soil erosion control activities. Fast-growing grasses and agroforestry trees that protect the soil are used as fodder for the goats.
Food security and nutrition in the community at large will be further enhanced through awareness-raising and promotion of micro-gardens and nutrition education in rural, urban and peri-urban areas.
All activities are being carried out in partnership with existing projects, including FAO’s Urban and Peri-Urban Horticulture Project and SUN – Scaling Up Nutrition Project. We are developing materials and conducting training to mainstream nutrition priorities to FAO offices, Farmer Field School facilitators and school educators working with school gardens. In this way, the project ensures that the results take root within the community and that these integrated techniques are promoted to benefit more people.
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