The Chamber of Transversal Young Entrepreneurs of Burundi (CTJEBU) organized an exhibition-sale of traditional crops on Friday, August 14, 2026. This significant event, dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices, took place in the Mubuga zone, Ngozi commune, Butanyerera province. CTJEBU’s initiative was specifically designed to promote agroecology among young farmers, emphasizing environmentally friendly methods and the cultivation of indigenous crops. The exhibition served as a vibrant platform, showcasing a diverse variety of local, traditional crops and noting the sustainable agricultural practices championed by the organization. The primary objective of the activity was to encourage farmers, particularly the youth, to increase their investment in agroecological agriculture, thereby fostering a more resilient and sustainable food system.
Promoting Traditional Seeds and Sustainability
The exhibition aimed to achieve multiple critical goals for the region and its inhabitants. These included the vital objective of environmental protection, the ambitious goal of increased agricultural production, and the key mission of fostering economic empowerment among young farmers. The event's central theme was powerfully articulated as: "Valorisons les semences traditionnelles, source de richesse pour l’autosuffisance alimentaire et le développement." This translates to "Let's value traditional seeds, a source of wealth for food self-sufficiency and development," encapsulating the core message of the exhibition. Jean Ntakirutimana, a participant and representative of the organization Broederlijk Delen (BD), showed the profound significance of these seeds, stating that they represent an integral part of Burundi's cultural heritage and traditional agricultural practices. He emphasized their indispensable role in preserving national identity and promoting sustainable food systems within the community.
Agroecology and Community Engagement
The exhibition aimed to encourage farmers, especially young individuals, to increase their investment in agroecological agriculture. Organizers urged the community to avoid harmful chemical products in their farming practices and to actively revive the traditional practice of seed exchange among cultivators, a method that historically fostered biodiversity and community resilience. Farmers were also strongly encouraged to promote sustainable agriculture by multiplying traditional crops, utilizing organic fertilizers to enrich the soil naturally, and employing ecological products for effective pest control, moving away from synthetic alternatives. Jean Ntakirutimana further elaborated on these recommendations, encouraging farmers to embrace these sustainable methods as a cornerstone of their agricultural endeavors.
Voices from the Ground
The activity was meticulously designed to increase awareness of the value and importance of traditional seeds, foster beneficial exchanges between farmers, and facilitate improved market access for their products. Christa Olivia Hatungimana, who serves as the coordinator of CTJEBU in Butanyerera province, emphasized the significant and often underestimated role of youth and women in multiplying traditional seeds and actively promoting environmentally friendly agriculture. Jean Ntakirutimana, representing Broederlijk Delen (BD), also noted the critical importance of these collective efforts in building a sustainable future. Melchiade Ndamuhawenimana, the respected chief of Mubuga zone, issued a compelling call to the local population, urging them to invest more vigorously in agroecology. Specifically, he encouraged them to focus on multiplying traditional crops and actively protecting the environment, showing the community's shared responsibility in these vital initiatives.
Broader Impact and Goals
Christa Olivia Hatungimana stated that traditional crops form an essential base for Burundi's overall development. She noted their key role in strengthening farmer resilience against various challenges, actively fighting the adverse effects of climate change, and preserving invaluable traditional agricultural practices that have sustained communities for generations. These concerted efforts, she added, are expected to significantly increase agricultural production across the region, directly contributing to the fight against famine, and ultimately helping to achieve the country's broader development objectives. The exhibition served as a powerful reminder of the potential within Burundi's own agricultural heritage to build a prosperous and sustainable future.