PlantwisePlus Capacity Building Initiative in Burundi

Meet Burundi’s next generation of plant health leaders

Skilled scientists and plant health professionals are essential for the successful future of Burundi's plant health system. Through PlantwisePlus, CABI is investing in the next generation of agricultural professionals through postgraduate training and applied research. Meet the students whose work is helping strengthen plant health systems, improve food security, and build a more resilient agricultural future in Burundi.

Research theme: Pesticide quality and responsible use

Eustache Cimpaye

Burundian Regulatory Authority for Veterinary Medicines, Pesticides, and Foods (ABREVPA) | MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Burundi

With more than 10 years of experience in plant health, phytosanitary surveillance and pesticide regulation, Eustache has played a key role in safeguarding Burundi's agricultural systems. As Director of Inspection and Quality Control for Pesticides and Plant-Origin Foods at ABREVPA, he oversees pesticide evaluation and compliance with national standards. He is now building on this experience through a Master's degree at the University of Burundi.

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Research focus: Pesticide Quality and Responsible Use

Research topic: Assessment of Pesticide Residue Contamination in Agricultural Soils and Water Sources within Smallholder Farming Communities in Burundi

Why it matters Agricultural soils and water are essential to crop production, biodiversity and rural livelihoods. However, limited evidence on pesticide contamination makes it difficult to assess environmental risks and promote responsible pesticide use.

Expected impact

Generate baseline data on pesticide residues in soils and water.
Strengthen environmental monitoring and risk assessment in Burundi.
Support science-based pesticide regulation and stewardship.
Contribute to more sustainable agricultural production and environmental protection.

Supervisors: Dr. Philbert Ndacakomeje, University of Burundi; Dr. Joseph Mulema, CABI

"Protecting crops also means protecting the soil and water on which agriculture depends. By generating scientific evidence of pesticide contamination, we can support responsible pesticide use and safeguard the natural resources that sustain Burundi's agriculture."

Ezéchiel Hakizimana

Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Burundi (ISABU) | MSc Chemical Control and Analysis, University of Burundi

With five years of experience in laboratory analysis and quality control, Ezéchiel has built expertise in generating reliable scientific evidence to support agricultural research and decision-making. As a specialist at ISABU, he conducts analysis and quality control of soils, water, agro-food products and pesticides, while also promoting laboratory standardisation and quality management. He is now further strengthening his expertise through postgraduate research at the University of Burundi.

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Research focus: Pesticide Quality and Responsible Use

Research topic: Assessment of Pesticide Residue Levels in Tomatoes Produced under Smallholder Production Systems in Burundi

Why it matters Limited information on pesticide residues in tomatoes constrains food safety monitoring, regulatory oversight and efforts to promote responsible pesticide use. This research will provide evidence needed to strengthen residue monitoring programmes, improve food safety and support science-based pesticide regulation.

Expected impact

Generate baseline data on pesticide residues in tomatoes.
Strengthen national residue monitoring programmes.
Support compliance with maximum residue limits.
Inform recommendations for safer pesticide use.

Supervisors: Dr. Philbert Ndacakomeje, University of Burundi; Dr. Joseph Mulema, CABI

"Safe food begins with responsible crop protection. By generating scientific evidence on pesticide residues, we can promote responsible pesticide use, strengthen food safety, and build confidence in Burundi's fresh produce."

Michel Manirakiza

Burundian Regulatory Authority for Veterinary Medicines, Pesticides and Foods (ABREVPA) | MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Burundi

With more than 10 years of experience in agricultural education, extension and regulatory services, Michel has focused on connecting scientific knowledge with practical agriculture. His work spans teaching, farmer training, extension programmes and pesticide regulation, providing him with a broad perspective on food safety and agricultural development. He is now expanding this expertise through research on pesticide residues in fresh produce.

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Research focus: Pesticide Quality and Responsible Use

Research topic: Assessment of Pesticide Residue Levels in Eggplant Grown in Burundi: Implications for Local and Export Markets

Why it matters Eggplant is an important crop for nutrition and income generation, but pesticide residues can create food safety concerns and limit market access. Reliable evidence is needed to support monitoring and responsible pesticide use.

Expected impact

Establish baseline data on pesticide residues in eggplant.
Support compliance with residue limits.
Strengthen food safety monitoring.
Improve pesticide use practices.

Supervisors: Dr. Ir. Déo Ndikumana, University of Burundi; Dr. Joseph Mulema, CABI

"Confidence in our food begins with confidence in the science underpinning it. By generating evidence on pesticide residues, we can strengthen food safety systems and build trust in Burundi's fresh produce."

Emmanuelline Tuyisenge

Burundian Regulatory Authority for Veterinary Medicines, Pesticides and Foods (ABREVPA) | MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Burundi

Inspired by the realities of smallholder farming, Emmanuelline has dedicated her career to improving pesticide quality and strengthening agricultural regulation in Burundi. As Manager for Pesticide Inspection and Quality Control at ABREVPA, she oversees inspection data and quality assurance activities that support evidence-based regulatory decisions. She is now advancing this work through postgraduate research on pesticide quality.

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Research focus: Pesticide Quality and Responsible Use

Research topic: Analytical Evaluation of the Quality of Pesticides Used in the Production of Eggplants, Maize and Tomatoes by Smallholder Farmers in Burundi

Why it matters The effectiveness of crop protection depends on access to high-quality pesticide products. Limited evidence on product quality constrains regulatory oversight and market surveillance.

Expected impact

Assess the quality and compliance of pesticides available to farmers.
Identify substandard and non-compliant products.
Strengthen post-registration market surveillance.
Support evidence-based regulatory enforcement.

Supervisors: Dr. Ir. Daniel Siryuyumusi, University of Burundi; Dr. Joseph Mulema, CABI

"Quality matters at every stage of crop protection. By ensuring farmers have access to safe and effective pesticides, we can strengthen regulatory systems, improve confidence in agricultural inputs and support more responsible pest management."

Research theme: Sustainable crop protection

Neilla Ntawuyankira

Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Burundi (ISABU) | PhD Crop Protection, University of Nairobi

A researcher, Plant Doctor and Plantwise Master Trainer, Neilla has built expertise across scientific research, pest management and agricultural capacity development. Her work at ISABU includes supporting crop improvement programmes, training plant doctors and helping establish plant clinics across Burundi. She is now pursuing doctoral research to better understand the role of soil microbiomes in sustainable agriculture.

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Research focus: Sustainable Crop Protection

Research topic: Farm Structural Changes and Their Implications for Microbiome Composition and Diversity within Burundi's Farming Systems

Why it matters: Soil microbial communities play a critical role in nutrient cycling, soil fertility and natural pest suppression, yet little is known about how farming practices affect them in Burundi.

Expected impact

Generate evidence on links between farm management and soil microbiomes.
Identify beneficial microbes with potential as biopesticides and biofertilisers.
Support sustainable crop protection strategies.
Strengthen soil health and ecosystem services.

Supervisors: Prof. Douglas Watuku Miano, University of Nairobi; Dr. Samson Musonerimana (ISABU); Dr. Joseph Mulema, CABI

"Healthy soils are living ecosystems. By understanding the microorganisms that sustain them, we can work towards developing sustainable farming practices and crop protection options that protect crops naturally, improve productivity and build a more sustainable future for Burundi's agriculture."

Research theme: Pest surveillance, diagnostics and biosecurity

Gratien Manirakiza

National Office for Seed Control and Certification (ONCCS) | MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Burundi

Working within Burundi's seed system, Gratien has developed expertise in crop variety evaluation and seed certification. His experience assessing new crop varieties and supporting agricultural development has strengthened his interest in crop improvement and resilient farming systems. He is now advancing his skills through research on one of the most serious threats to maize production.

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Research focus: Pest Surveillance, Diagnostics and Biosecurity

Research topic: Prevalence and Spatial Distribution of Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease in Smallholder Maize Farms across Burundi

Why it matters: Maize lethal necrosis can cause severe yield losses and threaten food security. Limited information on its distribution within Burundi constrains effective surveillance, early warning and disease management efforts.

Expected impact

Deliver the first national baseline on maize lethal necrosis.
Identify disease hotspots.
Strengthen surveillance and early warning systems.
Support deployment of resistant maize varieties.

Supervisors: Dr. Ir. Déo Ndikumana, University of Burundi; Dr. Joseph Mulema, CABI

"Managing plant diseases begins with understanding where they occur and how they spread. By generating scientific evidence on maize lethal necrosis, we can strengthen early warning systems, guide effective interventions and protect Burundi's maize production."

Innocent Mbazumutima

National Office for Seed Control and Certification (ONCCS) | MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Burundi

With more than 20 years of experience in plant diagnostics, agricultural research and crop protection, Innocent has dedicated his career to strengthening plant health systems in Burundi. As a specialist in plant pest diagnostics, seed health analysis and laboratory quality control at the National Office for Seed Control and Certification (ONCCS), he plays an important role in supporting seed certification and pest detection. He is now further developing his expertise through a Master's degree at the University of Burundi.

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Research focus: Pest Surveillance, Diagnostics and Biosecurity

Research topic: Detection and Molecular Characterisation of Dickeya and Pectobacterium Species in Potato in Burundi: Implications for Seed Certification and Disease Management

Why it matters: Dickeya and Pectobacterium are important bacterial pathogens that threaten potato production by reducing seed quality, lowering crop yields and spreading through infected planting material. Limited information on their occurrence and genetic diversity makes effective surveillance, diagnosis and seed certification challenging. This research will provide the evidence needed to strengthen pest surveillance, improve disease management and support national biosecurity systems.

Expected impact

Strengthen Burundi's capacity for early detection and accurate diagnosis of potato bacterial pathogens.
Improve understanding of the occurrence, distribution and genetic diversity of Dickeya and Pectobacterium species.
Support seed health testing and the production of healthy planting material.
Reinforce national seed certification systems and science-based phytosanitary decision-making.
Reduce the spread of bacterial plant pests through certified seed.

Supervisors: Dr. Ir. Déo Ndikumana, University of Burundi; Dr. Joseph Mulema, CABI; Dr. Edward Onkendi, CABI

"Strong plant health systems begin with accurate diagnosis. By advancing molecular detection of potato pathogens, we can strengthen seed certification systems, protect healthy planting material, and build a more resilient potato sector for Burundi."

Dismas Nshimirimana

Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Burundi (ISABU) | MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Burundi

With a background in plant protection and six years of experience in crop protection research, Dismas has focused his career on understanding and managing threats to agricultural production. Working in ISABU's Crop Protection Department, he has developed expertise in entomology and pest management. His Master's research now focuses on strengthening knowledge of a frequently overlooked group of crop pests.

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Research focus: Pest Surveillance, Diagnostics and Biosecurity

Research topic: Characterisation of Plant Parasitic Nematodes Affecting Smallholder Potato Production in Burundi

Why it matters: Plant-parasitic nematodes cause significant crop losses but are often difficult to detect. Better understanding of their distribution and importance is needed to strengthen surveillance and pest management.

Expected impact

Improve detection and identification of potato nematodes.
Establish pest status for key nematode species.
Strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capacity.
Support pest risk analysis.

Supervisors: Dr. Ir. Daniel Siryuyumusi, University of Burundi; Dr. Joseph Mulema, CABI

"Effective pest management begins with knowing which plant pests are present. By strengthening nematode surveillance and diagnostics, we can generate the evidence needed to protect potato production and support informed phytosanitary decision-making."

Egide Hatungimana

Directorate of Plant Protection (DPV) | MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Burundi

With more than 20 years of experience in plant health, phytosanitary surveillance and pest management, Egide has dedicated his career to protecting Burundi's agricultural systems. Working for Burundi's National Plant Protection Organisation, he has led pest diagnostics, surveillance and phytosanitary activities, including responses to major pest outbreaks. He is now building on this expertise through postgraduate research focused on quarantine pests and biosecurity.

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Research focus: Pest Surveillance, Diagnostics and Biosecurity

Research topic: Occurrence, Distribution and Infestation Levels of False Codling Moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) in Key Value Chains in Burundi

Why it matters: False codling moth is a regulated pest that threatens fruit and vegetable production and can restrict export opportunities. Limited information on its distribution and infestation levels hinders effective surveillance and pest risk analysis.

Expected impact

Establish the pest status of false codling moth in Burundi.
Strengthen national surveillance programmes.
Support pest risk analysis and phytosanitary measures.
Improve preparedness for regulated plant pests.

Supervisors: Dr. Ir. Déo Ndikumana, University of Burundi; Dr. Joseph Mulema and Dr. Ivan Rwomushana, CABI

"Preparedness starts with understanding where plant pests occur and how they spread. By generating scientific evidence through surveillance, we can strengthen biosecurity and protect Burundi's agriculture against current and emerging pest threats."

Research theme: Food safety

Jacques Nduwayo

Burundi Bureau of Standards and Quality Control (BBN) | MSc Food Science and Technology, University of Burundi

Drawing on experience in agro-processing and food regulation, Jacques has developed expertise in food quality, safety and standards compliance. As an inspector at BBN, he supports market surveillance, food safety inspections and compliance with national regulations. His research builds on this experience to address food contamination risks across Burundi's food supply chain.

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Research focus: Food safety

Research topic: Evaluation of Mycotoxin Occurrence within the Food Supply Chain in Burundi: A Focus on Dairy, Poultry and Maize Products

Why it matters: Mycotoxins threaten public health, food safety and trade. Limited information on contamination levels across Burundi's food systems constrains risk assessment and regulatory oversight.

Expected impact

Generate baseline data on mycotoxin occurrence.
Strengthen food safety monitoring programmes.
Support targeted risk management measures.
Improve compliance with food safety standards.

Supervisors: Prof. Aloys Nzigamasabo, University of Burundi; Dr. Joseph Mulema, CABI

"Safe food begins with sound science. By understanding where mycotoxins occur in our food supply, we can strengthen food safety systems and better protect consumers."

Speciose Sibomana

Burundi Bureau of Standards and Quality Control (BBN) | MSc Food Science and Technology, University of Burundi

With experience in food quality control, water quality analysis and laboratory quality management, Speciose has built a career focused on protecting consumers through science. As a Quality Control Analyst at BBN, she conducts microbiological testing of food and water products to support quality assurance and certification. Her research seeks to strengthen food safety monitoring and pathogen detection in Burundi.

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Research focus: Food safety

Research topic: Prevalence and Molecular Identification of Food-borne Pathogens in Ready-to-Eat Foods in Burundi

Why it matters: Ready-to-eat foods can pose food safety risks when contamination occurs. Limited evidence on food-borne pathogens constrains surveillance, risk assessment and public health interventions.

Expected impact

Establish baseline data on food-borne pathogens.
Strengthen microbiological surveillance.
Improve pathogen source tracking.
Support targeted food safety interventions.

Supervisors: Prof. Aloys Nzigamasabo, University of Burundi; Dr. Joseph Mulema, CABI

"Every safe meal begins with understanding the invisible risks it may contain. By applying modern microbiological science, we can strengthen food safety systems and better protect the health of our communities."

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The students featured on this page demonstrate the impact of investing in scientific capacity. With support from governments, universities, development partners, and the private sector, we can expand opportunities for postgraduate training, research, and innovation, helping more young scientists strengthen Burundi's agricultural and plant health systems.

Get in touch to learn more.

Joseph Mulema, Senior Scientist

T: +254 (0) 20 2271000/20
E: j.mulema@cabi.org

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What is PlantwisePlus doing in Burundi

PlantwisePlus is working with national partners to strengthen Burundi's plant health system and support more resilient agriculture. The programme improves farmer advisory services, pest surveillance, diagnostics, and safer crop protection while investing in scientific capacity through postgraduate training and applied research. Together, these activities help strengthen food security, protect the environment, and support sustainable economic development.

Why is PlantwisePlus investing in postgraduate training in Burundi?

Who are the students featured on this page?

Why is investing in scientific capacity important?

Which organizations are involved?

The programme supports postgraduate researchers from Burundi's principal plant health institutions, including the Directorate of Plant Protection (DPV), the National Seed Certification and Control Office (ONCCS), the Burundi Plant Protection and Pesticide Regulatory Authority (ABREVPA), the Burundi Bureau of Standards and Quality Control (BBN), and the Institute of Agronomic Sciences of Burundi (ISABU).

How does the research benefit Burundi?

Each research project is aligned with institutional mandates and national priorities and contributes to stronger pest surveillance, diagnostics, food safety, pesticide regulation, and sustainable crop protection. Together, these support Burundi's National Plant Health System, improve agricultural productivity, enhance market access, and contribute to sustainable economic development.

How does this work support Burundi's farmers?

How can my organization get involved?

PlantwisePlus welcomes partnerships with governments, universities, research organizations, development partners, and the private sector. By supporting postgraduate training, collaborative research, and scientific capacity, partners can help develop the next generation of plant health leaders and strengthen Burundi's National Plant Health System. To discuss partnership opportunities, please get in touch with Joseph Mulema j.mulema@cabi.org

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PlantwisePlus Capacity Building Initiative in Burundi

Meet Burundi’s next generation of plant health leaders

Research theme: Pesticide quality and responsible use

Research theme: Sustainable crop protection

Research theme: Pest surveillance, diagnostics and biosecurity

Research theme: Food safety

Partner with us

Find out more

What is PlantwisePlus doing in Burundi

Why is PlantwisePlus investing in postgraduate training in Burundi?

Who are the students featured on this page?

Why is investing in scientific capacity important?

Which organizations are involved?

How does the research benefit Burundi?

How does this work support Burundi's farmers?

How can my organization get involved?

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