On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture, and Livestock, in collaboration with the Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment Program, organized a conference dedicated to the development of the rabbit farming sector in Burundi. This event marked the conclusion of a week-long initiative focused on the theme: “The Impact of the Rabbit Farming Sector on Burundi’s Development and the Achievement of the 2040-2060 Vision,” which began on January 29, 2025.
The conference gathered key stakeholders, including the Minister of Environment, Agriculture, and Livestock, Mr. Ir Prosper Dodiko, representatives from industries and institutions collaborating with Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment, officials from the ministry, members of Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment Program, and international experts specializing in rabbit farming from France and West Africa.
The primary objective of the conference was to provide an overview of ongoing activities and programs aimed at advancing Burundi’s national strategy for rabbit farming. Discussions centered on the challenges facing the sector, such as the scarcity of high-quality breeding rabbits, inadequate feed supply, insufficient technical expertise, and the lack of proper farming equipment. The Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment Program’s achievements in tackling these issues were also highlighted.
Experts from France and West Africa shared their insights and experiences, proposing solutions to modernize and enhance the productivity of rabbit farming in Burundi. Key recommendations included selecting superior rabbit genetics, improving nutrition and health monitoring, and adopting modern, cost-effective cages to support better growth.
In closing, the Director General of Agriculture and Livestock in Burundi expressed appreciation to the French experts for their valuable contributions and commitment to mentoring and supporting the program. He emphasized the importance of nationwide participation in this initiative, envisioning rabbit farming as a means to boost food security, increase household incomes, and drive national development. This initiative aligns with Burundi’s long-term economic and agricultural goals outlined in the 2040-2060 development vision.
