Burundi expands plant doctor training with CABI to strengthen food security

BURUNDI – Burundi has stepped up its efforts to strengthen food security through an expanded partnership with the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI).

The country is scaling up the training of PlantwisePlus plant doctors and embedding pest management lessons into 40 agricultural vocational schools known as Instituts Techniques Agricoles du Burundi (ITABs).

The new phase began in September 2025, targeting second and third-year students enrolled in plant protection courses. Around 1,000 students are expected to benefit from the programme each year.

The move marks a shift from short-term training sessions to a long-term plan that builds pest management skills into the national education system.

Dr. Samson Musonerimana, Director of the Burundi Institute of Agricultural Sciences (ISABU) and CABI’s liaison in Burundi, said the approach will help secure the country’s farming future. “The vocational programme is essential to lay a base for successful crop production and protection of the country,” he stated.

Before introducing the new curriculum, CABI’s international master trainers worked with national trainers in Burundi to prepare them to lead local sessions. So far, about 400 plant doctors have been certified, and more than 200 plant clinics are operating at zonal and commune levels in all provinces.

Dr. Stefan Toepfer, Integrated Crop Management Advisor at CABI, highlighted the importance of the practical learning model. “Those experts saw high value in the PlantwisePlus trainings particularly about up-to-date pest diagnosis and pest management contents, as well as regarding the practical training approach. Then, the bureau, together with PlantwisePlus experts, adapted and validated the training curricula of the 2nd and 3rd year students,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation for the support that made the expansion possible. “We gratefully acknowledge funding support from the people of the Netherlands, and through their Embassy in Burundi. This programme also represents a success story of triangular collaboration among CABI Member Countries (Burundi – Netherlands – CABI).”

Towards sustainable crop protection

The curriculum was officially endorsed and launched on 12 September 2025. From the second year onward, students will now study PlantwisePlus modules, continuing through to their third year in 2026.

By embedding the programme in formal agricultural training, Burundi aims to build lasting capacity in plant protection and reduce its reliance on short-term interventions.

Agriculture remains central to Burundi’s economy, with most households depending on farming. The initiative is expected to help farmers diagnose pest and disease threats more effectively, protect yields, and support national food security.

As the programme expands, Burundi plans to increase the number of trained plant doctors and ensure that all regions maintain active plant clinics.

This effort, supported by international partners, reflects a growing commitment to equip young professionals with the knowledge and confidence to protect crops and improve livelihoods.

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