PLANT DOCTORS AT INADES-FORMATION BURUNDI
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Let’s control plant diseases and pests “
In view of the current development challenges, Inades-Formation Burundi is committed to promoting food systems based on family farming anchored in a territory and practiced by and for the farmer. One of the constraints to the promotion of family farming food systems is the management of plant problems such as diseases, pests and nutrient deficiencies. Producers therefore need assistance to deal with these plant problems. The idea is to support these small producers in finding solutions that
adapted to their context in order to better protect their crops and produce without destroying. This implies being able to identify the real problem facing the
plant to offer an efficient and environmentally friendly solution.
It is in this perspective that Inades-Formation Burundi, within the framework of the TAPSA program financed by CCFD-Terre Solidaire and AFD with the support of ISABU (Institute of Agronomic Sciences of Burundi) and the DPV (Directorate of Plant Protection at the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock) organized from December 19 to 23, 2022 Plantwise training on integrated plant disease and pest management. This training was attended by 4 managers and 16 technicians from Inades-Formation Burundi, in charge of the implementation of projects in the field. It focused first on the general principles of diagnosis of plant problems and operation of a plant clinic and secondly on the formulation of recommendations adapted to the context of producers and respectful of the environment.
After training and evaluation, it was found that these plant doctors are professionals capable of (i) diagnose plant problems in the field (ii) create and manage a plant clinic with the necessary equipment (iv) give a good recommendation to the accompanied farmers.
To continue to learn and strengthen each other, they have set up a WhatsApp group of 20 trained Inades-Formation Burundi plant doctors and the team of trainers. Each time they consult the plantwise database, which is a knowledge bank available to them for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and pests as well as nutrient deficiencies.
According to the Plantwise Coordinator, Inades-Formation Burundi is the first civil society organization to organize plantwise training for its staff and can act as an ambassador for this program in its area of intervention.
Published by Richard HAVYARIMANA
Advocacy and Communication Officer
