The CANALLS Expert Panel in Burundi brought together our partners from the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), the Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Burundi (ISABU), and external local stakeholders on 30 April 2026 at Le Chandelier Hotel in Bujumbura to discuss agroecology policy and identify key challenges and priority actions for advancing agroecological transitions in the country.
The discussions focused on the policy and institutional conditions needed to support agroecological transitions in Burundi. Participants reflected on the pressures facing African agriculture, including population growth, climate change and declining agricultural productivity, and considered the role of agroecology in strengthening food and nutrition security, livelihoods and resilience.
Drawing on policy-relevant evidence generated through the CANALLS project and validated through the Burundi Expert Panel process, participants identified a number of key barriers to agroecological transitions. These included the absence of a coherent national agroecology framework, weak markets for agroecological products, limited access to information, gaps in institutional coordination and capacity, climate-related challenges, and insufficient recognition of farmer and agricultural knowledge systems.
The panel also agreed on priority areas for policy action:
- Developing a national agroecology framework
- Strengthening markets, value chains and certification systems for agroecological products
- Integrating agroecology into agricultural, environmental, climate, health and education policies
- Improving coordination between government, research institutions, farmer organisations, civil society and the private sector.
Participants also highlighted the importance of investment, extension, education and research, alongside greater recognition of farmer-led innovation and indigenous knowledge. Additional priorities included promoting climate-resilient practices, improving opportunities for women and youth, and strengthening agricultural data, monitoring and digital extension services.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue working with relevant stakeholders to support implementation of the proposed policy actions and address the challenges identified.
