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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Noëlla Kundimana
National Office for Seed Control and Certification (ONCCS) | MSc Chemical Control and Analysis, University of Burundi
Noëlla Kundimana is a laboratory technician and researcher specializing in seed quality control and chemical analysis. Through her work at the National Office for Seed Control and Certification (ONCCS), she supports seed testing and certification systems that help ensure access to high-quality agricultural inputs. Her goal is to strengthen Burundi's seed system through science-based quality assurance and safer crop protection technologies.
Ezra Magata
CABI | MSc Crop Protection, Kenyatta University
Ezra Magata is a crop protection specialist whose work focuses on biological control and integrated pest management. Based at CABI's Africa Regional Centre, he supports programmes that promote sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides and strengthen plant health systems across Africa.
Idah Karambu Mugambi
CABI | PhD Agriculture Resource Management, University of Nairobi
Idah Karambu Mugambi is an agricultural researcher specializing in evidence generation for sustainable crop protection and rural development. Through her work at CABI, she has contributed to research, monitoring and evaluation activities that support smallholder farmers and strengthen plant health systems. She is passionate about using scientific evidence to inform practical solutions that improve agricultural productivity, sustainability and livelihoods.
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.
Innocent Mbazumutima
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.
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.
Arlène Ingabire
Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Burundi (ISABU) | MSc Crop Protection, University of Nairobi
Arlène Ingabire is a plant pathologist and researcher working with the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Burundi (ISABU). Her expertise spans plant diagnostics, seed health and pest surveillance, with a strong interest in strengthening Burundi's capacity to detect and respond to emerging plant health threats. She aims to improve national disease surveillance and phytosanitary decision-making through advanced molecular technologies.
Espérance Niyonzima
Directorate of Plant Protection (DPV) | MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Burundi
Espérance Niyonzima is a plant health specialist and Head of the Diagnostic Laboratory Service at Burundi's Directorate of Plant Protection. With extensive experience in agricultural training and plant health diagnostics, she is committed to strengthening disease detection and surveillance systems that support farmers and safeguard crop production.
Eliakim Tuhabonyeyesu
Directorate of Plant Protection (DPV) | MSc Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Burundi
Eliakim Tuhabonyeyesu is a phytosanitary inspector with Burundi's Directorate of Plant Protection. His work focuses on preventing the introduction and spread of quarantine pests while supporting national plant health surveillance activities. He is particularly interested in the role of biotechnology and diagnostics in strengthening crop protection systems.
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.
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.
Partner with us
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 and Research Lead
T: +254 (0) 20 2271000/20
E: j.mulema@cabi.org
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PlantwisePlus gratefully acknowledges the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Burundi, part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, for its strategic investments in our work in Burundi.