Report

Empowering growth: Training Burundi’s next generation of women and youth common bean seed producers

author(s) Hakizimana, Benadette - Ntawuyankira, Neilla - Ndabashinze, Blaise - Nchanji, Eileen
from Bioversity-CIAT Alliance
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themes
regions
  • Africa
  • World
  • Eastern Africa
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
citation

Hakizimana, B.; Ntawuyankira, N.; Ndabashinze, B.; Nchanji, E. (2024) Empowering growth: Training Burundi’s next generation of women and youth common bean seed producers. 8 p.

Publications and datasets provided via GARDIAN

Abstract

Common beans are classified among the top subsistence crops in Burundi. They are a staple food present in
almost every meal and provide 20% of calories and 50% of proteins. Beans offer exceptional potential to contribute
to the fight against micronutrient deficiencies. They are the most widely grown and consumed legume
in Burundi, serving as the main staple food and primary source of proteins, carbohydrates, and micronutrients,
particularly iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and vitamins.
Despite these advantages, smallholder farmers, particularly women and disadvantaged groups, are especially
vulnerable to climate-related challenges and other factors, which undermine their ability to meet their own
food, nutrition, and income needs, let alone contribute to local and national food security and income. More
frequent droughts and irregular rainfall due to climate change threaten agricultural production in general and
bean production in particular. Furthermore, due to an inadequate seed supply and poorly adapted distribution
systems that fail to meet user and market demand, smallholder farmers often resort to using “old” or recycled
seeds, making them more vulnerable to pests and diseases.
It is within this context that the SeedEqual initiative co-designed multiple trainings to build the capacity of farmers
to produce and sell good quality seed for increased productivity, income and empowerment. Institut des
Sciences Agronomiques du Burundi (ISABU), through the Pan African Bean Research Alliance- a program under
the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, aims to support the production and delivery of improved
seeds of priority crop varieties that are climate-resilient, market-preferred, and nutritious to farmers, while
ensuring equitable access for women and other disadvantaged groups. Thus, a gendered seed production and
marketing training was organized with particular attention given to women and youth (young women) seed
producers.

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