Under the CANALLS project and with the work of the project’s partner Naturland e.V., the Giheta Agroecology Living Lab (Giheta ALL) in Gitega Province, Burundi, is emerging as an inspiring example of how inclusive agroecological transitions can take shape.
At the heart of this effort are the local cooperatives MBONERAMIRYANGO and NYARUNAZI, supported by a wide network of actors including the University of Burundi, COCOCA, the Communal Agronomy Service (CDS Giheta), the Communal Agronomist, and various local stakeholders. Together, they are advancing farmer-led innovation through participatory knowledge workshops and the creation of meaningful business opportunities.
Moving Toward Kilimohai Organic Certification
Giheta ALL is now in the final stages of securing Kilimohai certification through the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). This certification will help increase the value of local organic products and support their entry into local, regional, and national markets.
The Kilimohai trademark—owned by National Movements in East Africa—is linked to the East African Organic Products Standard (EAOPS). While certification allows farmers to market their products as organic, further benefits such as better prices or increased demand depend heavily on building awareness of the Kilimohai Mark among consumers, retailers, and the wider market.
Strong Progress Confirmed Through Evaluation Activities
During an evaluation workshop held on April 25–26, 2025, several milestones were confirmed:
- Giheta ALL has formalized its commitment through signed letters of engagement.
- A functional local PGS committee has been established.
- Product traceability has been demonstrated through the commercialization of the latest harvest.
Additionally, a pre-audit and field visit by the Burundi Organic Agriculture Movement (BOAM) have been successfully completed, marking an important step toward achieving full certification. Naturland, CANALLS’ technical partner, also provided targeted training on EAOPS standards, PGS governance, and market readiness to strengthen the process.
Creating Opportunities Across Value Chains
The Kilimohai certification is helping build more inclusive value chains within local markets. At the international level, Fairtrade and organic certifications are already enabling farmers to access premium markets—especially for certified organic coffee, which is successfully being exported.
Giheta ALL exemplifies a scalable, bottom-up model of agroecological transition: ecologically regenerative, economically viable, socially just, and rooted in local knowledge. It stands as a beacon for smallholder farmers across Burundi.
