Abstract

Burundi, a small landlocked country with a population of 4.5 million, is faced with increased soil degradation and insufficient foreign exchange to buy needed fertilizer and equipment. It has a large livestock population, but production systems are traditional, and productivity and consumption low. The purpose of this project is to develop improved livestock production systems for small-scale farms in the Kisozi and Mahwa regions which would permit increased milk and crop production. Researchers will introduce and test on-farm technologies for improved cattle, pastures, feeding, and disease control. Stall feeding will improve collection of manure for application on crop fields.

Post-Project Summary

Researchers selected 30 farmers from Gisozi and 43 from Mahwa to participate in the project. The farmers planted improved forages, exchanged their native Ankole cattle with improved Sahiwal x Ankole crossed cattle, controlled for disease, and used farmyard manure to increase crop yield. They built improved cow/calf sheds and dug shallow pits for manure. The prescribed management package of grazing up to mid-day and stall feeding for the rest of the day was practised. The improved technologies resulted in increased milk production and better calf growth than that attained by the indigenous strains of cattle.

Farmers preferred to plant Guatemala grass as it did well with little manuring. Setaria was preferred on the boundaries, paths, and contours. Disease control measures included spraying against ticks and regular vaccinations against anthrax, blackquarter, and brucellosis. It was noted that the French government was giving aid to the Burundi government to extend the technology package on a wider scale to small landholders in Gisozi area. A similar project was underway in the Mahwa area, financed by the Belgian government. Support continued in a second phase.

Recipient Institution(s)