CIBITOKE October 28th (ABP) – A two-day workshop to capitalize on the intermediate results of the Support Project for Responsible and Integrated Soil Management (PAGRIS) was organized from October 26 to 27, in the provincial capital Cibitoke (north-west of Bujumbura), in order to strengthen project activities, in collaboration with administrative and technical officials and other actors operating in the province.
That four-year project, from March 2020 to February 2024, is implemented by IFDC (International fertilizer development center), in collaboration with Twitez’imbere-ASBL and WENR, with funding from the Dutch Embassy in Burundi. This workshop made it possible to present the approach and achievements of PAGRIS, and to identify the strengths and successes already observed.
The workshop was also an opportunity to sensitize the main actors on the issue of soil erosion and fertility, as well as good practices in favor of sustainable land management, a check on the site by ABP has revealed.
According to the project manager in Cibitoke province, Mr. Emmanuel Ngendakumana, there will be recommendations aimed at strengthening the expected results in future periods, but also in anticipation of the extension of support and accompaniment of the project in the adjacent villages. He also spoke of the so-called PIP approach of PAGRIS, the one that stimulates households and communities to work on the basis of a vision and an integrated plan, instead of starting directly with solutions, a check on the site by ABP has revealed.
According to a PAGRIS official, combating soil degradation in a sustainable manner can only be achieved when farmers are genuinely motivated to keep the land in good condition.
In the activities already carried out by PAGRIS, according to the annual forecasts, the rate of achievement in the development of sites is 80%, while in the germination of plants, the achievements are estimated at 60%, indicated the provincial manager.
To achieve that, PAGRIS proceeded by raising awareness on the site and selecting committees, followed by support in the implementation of site management plans. PAGRIS has, moreover, supported for the necessary material and seeds of species to complement the reforestation program “Ewe Burundi urambaye”, according to the same source.
Mr. Ngendakumana did not forget to point out some constraints, including the diversity of approaches for those working on the border villages of the Kagazi and Ruvumera villages in Rugombo commune and Gitukura and Kibande in Mabayi commune (PAGRIS intervention zone). He also mentioned the lack of biodegradable bags, the vagaries of the weather and the problem of finding fixing herbs to plant on the contour lines and spray products for nurseries.