President Evariste Ndayishimiye met with high officials of the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture, and Livestock (Mineagrie) on August 8, 2026, in Kibimba, Gitega province. The meeting aimed to evaluate achievements, identify challenges, and find solutions to increase national production, recognizing environment, agriculture, and livestock as essential sectors for Burundi's development. President Ndayishimiye stated that without developed agriculture and livestock, Burundi cannot achieve the objectives of Vision 2040-2060. The President urged "concerned officials to ensure the protection of state-owned land and combat any attempt at encroachment." This full review showed the critical role these sectors play in the nation's future prosperity and self-sufficiency.
Boosting Agricultural Productivity
President Ndayishimiye called for intensified efforts in supporting farmers and herders, urging the popularization of modern production techniques to improve yields. He emphasized that officials responsible for agriculture and livestock should remain in close contact with producers to provide support and encouragement. This direct engagement is seen as key for disseminating best practices and addressing on-the-ground challenges faced by agricultural communities. The President noted the need for continuous interaction between government representatives and those actively involved in food production to foster a collaborative environment.
The President directed particular attention to food and fruit crops, specifically mentioning avocados. He stated that the planting of avocado trees should be intensified across the country. This focus on specific high-value crops aims to diversify agricultural output and potentially boost export revenues. The objective behind these measures is to develop agricultural spaces and significantly increase national production. This expansion of productive land use is considered vital for ensuring food security and economic growth. The President tasked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock with establishing provincial representatives. These representatives will be responsible for monitoring environmental, agricultural, and livestock activities at a local level, ensuring that national policies are effectively implemented and adapted to regional specificities. This decentralized approach is expected to enhance oversight and responsiveness.
Environmental Protection Imperatives
President Ndayishimiye stressed the importance of monitoring and maintaining planted trees to ensure their survival and growth. He expressed a desire for Burundi to have significant and sustainable forest cover, emphasizing its role in environmental protection. This commitment to reforestation is a cornerstone of the nation's ecological strategy. The President further recommended promoting bamboo planting along waterways to protect banks from erosion, citing its effectiveness in stabilizing soil. This practical measure aims to mitigate the environmental degradation caused by soil loss, which can severely impact agricultural land and water quality.
Officials were asked to protect state lands and combat any attempt at appropriation, reinforcing the government's stance against illegal land occupation. This directive shows the importance of legal frameworks in land management. President Ndayishimiye also encouraged individuals capable of developing unexploited state lands to apply according to the law, aiming to bring more land into productive use while ensuring proper legal procedures are followed. This initiative seeks to optimize the use of national resources, transforming dormant assets into productive agricultural or environmental projects. These directives show a focus on both conservation and responsible land management, balancing ecological preservation with economic development needs.
Visionary Goals and Implementation
Actions undertaken must align with Vision Burundi 2040-2060, which focuses on economic transformation and improving living conditions. This long-term national development plan serves as the overarching framework for all government initiatives in these critical sectors. The President's directives are designed to ensure that current efforts contribute directly to achieving the ambitious goals set forth in this vision, ultimately aiming for a prosperous and environmentally sustainable future for all Burundians.