Inades-Formation Burundi is concerned about the disappearance of certain traditional seed varieties.
Over 90% of seeds used in Burundi are not formally certified. 
At the start of each agricultural season, family farmers struggle to find seeds and often find it difficult to identify where to buy them. With this in mind, Inades-Formation Burundi organized mini-fairs as part of the Programme d’Agroécologie pour la Dignité des Producteurs agricoles (PADIP), financed by Broederlijk Delen, on August 21, 22 and 26, 2024 in the communes of Busiga (Province Ngozi), Matongo (Province Kayanza) and Ntega (Province Kirundo) respectively. The aim of these mini-fairs was not only to identify holders of various traditional seed varieties, but also to encourage them to multiply, safeguard and perpetuate certain endangered varieties, notably hoffe, yams, eleusine and squash..
Encouragingly, these fairs brought together representatives of the local administration, cooperative leaders, agricultural producers supported under PADIP, and other members of the surrounding communities.
During visits to seed exhibition stands, participants noted that their localities have a varied range of traditional seeds. The
farmers presented the characteristics of these products, including their medicinal uses, propagation and preservation procedures, as well as preparation and cooking techniques.
All speakers thanked Inades-Formation Burundi for this initiative to raise awareness and mobilize people around the importance of biodiversity and the conservation of phylogenetic resources. This event will be organized every year to promote family farmers and encourage seed sustainability.
Published by HAVYARIMANA Richard,
Advocacy and Communication Officer
