The average meat consumption by a person in the USA is about 148.70 kilograms, the highest among all. In an African country 8,403 miles away, the number is only 3.68 kg. Being one of the poorest countries in the world, this is a shocking reality for Burundi. Despite the surprising number beside Burundi, the country has a promising livestock industry. The livestock sector can be a way out for Burundi from the cruel grasp of poverty.

Burundi, an East African country, is an undeveloped country fighting with poverty, food security, unemployment, lower production, etc. But it is blessed with some resources that can push the country a few steps ahead of the others. Livestock farming in Burundi can be a way out of poverty.

This article will take a deep look at the livestock sector, the projected growth, the factors behind them, etc. Besides, there are several challenges in livestock farming. Go through the article to know everything about Burundi’s livestock sector.

Burundi is among one of the least meat consumers in the world with an average consumption of 3.68 kg.

The country’s livestock industry can be a game-changer as forecasted by economic reports from several organizations.

Burundi can become one of the top exporters of livestock products from the African block.

The livestock sector in Burundi has seen several changes from the pre-colonial era. The sector experienced two important phases during the 1962-1970 period and 1978-1992. Now, it is one of the most important sectors of the country.

According to Burundi’s National Development Plan 2018-2027, the agriculture and livestock sectors jointly contribute 95% of the country’s food supply. Livestock alone contributes 4.6%. Though the agriculture sector is the sole driver contributing 50% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), livestock remains an important sector for Burundi.

Burundi’s livestock sector is comprised of cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry. It provides food, generates income, and throttles the economy. The national livestock census stated that there are 948,038 cattle, 548,608 sheep, 3,249,827 goats, 706,077 pigs, 514,977 rabbits, 1,047,223 guinea pigs, and 2,949,537 poultry in Burundi. Most of the livestock farming is taken care of by rural farmers and the rest are from small to big-sized farms.

Farmers often face challenges such as veterinary service, quality feeds, transportation, poor facilities, etc. These challenges are stopping the sector from full growth. The government is also trying to implement various measures to address the challenges. With support from national, regional, and international organizations, the sector will soon witness its better days.

The livestock sector in Burundi has significant potential in animal health, genetics, value chain development, etc. The current state though not performing well, can be turned into a whole new area of economic activity.

Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world with a less than $1/day per capita income. About 85% of the country’s households are food insecure. Agriculture is the key driver of the economy as well as the major employment provider. As it lacks food security, the average intake of protein is significantly lower than the standard amount. Thus, livestock farming becomes an important sector for the country to help it with food production and meet the demand for food.

Apart from food security and providing the minimum protein demand, livestock is important for earning foreign exchange as well. Burundi lacks foreign income due to low-income generator sectors. Agriculture, again, provides 80% of the country’s foreign exchange income. However, the sector is affected by several challenges. Agriculture is promising in Burundi, but the country needs to find other sources rather than depending on one.

Among the other sectors, livestock is the most promising to add value to the economy. Besides providing meat, milk, and other dairy products, the sector creates employment opportunities. Livestock products are also good fertilizers that can be used in the agricultural sectors to boost production.

While livestock farming can be a way out of poverty for the Burundian people, there are several challenges for the existing farmers. Here are some challenges that farmers often face:

Limited Access to Resources

The very first problem farmers face in Burundi is the lack of resources. Quality feed, water, and breeding stock are hard to find and access. The country heavily relies on natural resources for all activities of agriculture. However, the lack of quality hampers production and decreases profitability. This traps the farmers in a low-income loop.

Animal Diseases

Africa is known as a place where diseases and viruses make their homes. Both domestic and wild animals face the same. Burundi cannot do much to eliminate animal diseases. As a result, livestock is often attacked by Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Fasciolosis, Rift Valley Fever (RVF), East Coast Fever (ECF), etc. These diseases pose a major threat to production.

Market Barriers

Farmers often find themselves in trouble as a result of market barriers. Limited infrastructures, transportation, storage, and processing facilities restrict farmers from accessing the market. It is also a major constraint for exporting. So, farmers are forced to sell at a lower price in domestic markets.

Policy Gaps

The government is supportive but lacks policies and institutional approaches to handle the livestock industry. Despite its endless tries, there are insufficient funds for research and training. Without the presence of an effective regulatory plan, the sector can not utilize its resources and reach the expected potential.

Environmental Constraints

There are environmental challenges as well. New diseases and rise in the temperature create unhabitable and uncomfortable situations for the animals. Thus, they suffer from health complications and other problems. Limited access to drinkable water is another constraint for the sector.

The challenges can be the possible solutions for transforming the livestock sector in Burundi. To do so, the country needs to launch and adopt some strategies. It can follow these:

Improved breeding practices

Improved breeding practices can prompt the transformation of Buurnndi’s livestock farming by enhancing productivity. Higher-yielding breeds that are also adapted to the local environment will have better growth rates and reproduction. The aim is to gain as many meat and dairy products as possible without compromising the quality, the improved breeds will be able to deliver the same. Thus, using the improved breeding practices will make farmers more profitable and contribute to the overall economy of Burundi.

Animal Health Services

The livestock sector will only bloom if the animals are healthy and maintained well. Veterinary care, medication, consultation, vaccination, disease prevention, and diagnostic services are a must to ensure a smooth livestock sector. These services can significantly reduce the risk of mortality and increase productivity. Burundi should take a strategic approach like initiating mobile veterinary units as the country can spend little on establishing clinics in every area. To prevent disease outbreaks, it can implement disease surveillance systems.

Market Development and Value Addition

These two can increase profits and transform the entire livestock sector. Burundi has limited access to the regional and international livestock markets because of value addition sectors. Better infrastructure and processing facilities can increase sales and also get access to overseas markets. Value-added products like leather goods and dairy products can help farmers to generate more income. Meat tracing is another key thing that farmers can practice to scale up their income as well as export meat to regional markets like Europe, America, etc.

Government and Policy Support

To acquire all the strategies and make them happen, government and policy support is a must. The government must oversee the livestock sector and bring adequate policies. Land tenure, subsidies, investments, and tax incentives should be prioritized to create an equitable allocation of resources. Supporting investments and public-private partnerships through friendly laws can be a great addition. Besides, governing bodies should work independently to give effect to these policies.

Community-Based Solutions

Local farmers can be encouraged to build communities. This will help in resource allocation and knowledge sharing. Also, it will reduce the risks of market exploitation by the middlemen and syndicates. Groups can process their products together to reduce production costs. Promoting these community practices will also allow the farmers to manage their livestock more effectively. Thus, community-based activities will bring several solutions to the existing challenges.

Research and Development

Though this is a far-reaching target for Burundi right now, research and development have a massive impact on the overall system. In livestock production and business, the need for researching to source and introduce new products is crucial. It will help the farmers to fight the climate challenge risks and improve productivity. But the government must, first, establish research facilities and develop solutions. Using the latest technologies for livestock management will not only enhance the efficiency but will allow Burundi to compete on the regional stage.

Burundi needs investment from both national and international entities to boost the productivity and the overall livestock sector. Direct investments can transform the whole sector. The investments can be made in different sectors such as breeding hubs, research facilities, processing plants, etc. Here’s how investment can change the dynamics of livestock in Burundi.

Sustainability

Investment can build a sustainable livestock sector. Farmers will adopt new techniques and practices that can help mitigate environmental degradation. This will allow the preservation and maintenance of productivity.

Employment

Investment can boost the activities in the livestock sector, resulting in the creation of a wide range of jobs. These jobs will make a positive impact on the livelihoods of people in Burundi. As the unemployment rate is high in the country and people are entirely dependent on agriculture, livestock can be an opportunistic sector.

Economic Growth

Burundi’s GDP is based on agriculture. While livestock does not have much contribution to the sector, investment can accelerate it. Increased production will boost the income of farmers which will help the overall economy to grow.

Export Potential

Investment can be directed to the quality as well as the quantity of dairy products. It will increase the demand for Burundi’s products in the overseas market. Thus, new markets will open export opportunities for the country. The demand for meat and dairy products is growing, and Burundi can utilize this opportunity.

Food Security

Burundi is one of the few countries with the lowest meat consumption. The country suffers from poverty and fighting food insecurity. Investment in the livestock sector will increase production and improve the overall food security.

Rural Development

Burundi’s livestock sector is based in rural areas and the hands of the farmers. Investment in this sector will develop the condition. Farmers will receive more attention, healthcare, and essential services. 

Livestock farming in Burundi has seen many ups and downs. The country couldn’t get out of poverty, leaving a population in hunger and poverty. However, international organizations and NGOs took several initiatives to promote and protect the livestock industry. The smallholders were part of development projects. One of the most successful projects in Burundi was taken by the World Bank in 2017.

The PRDAIGL Project

Among the different approaches, the World Bank has taken a project named The Great Lakes Regional Integrated Agriculture Development Project (PRDAIGL) which will support Burundi’s agriculture. The project included livestock, technical assistance, and financial support for the rural people. PRDAIGL started in November 2017 with a $75 million fund. It heavily influenced the lives of beneficiaries. About 38,000 people received improved breed cows and training to change their lives. The most surprising thing is that 35% of the number was women.

The Story of Mrs. Christine

The PRDAIGL project has left several successful people, marking the significance and importance of such projects. One such beneficiary is Christine Nyabenda, a 56-year-old widow from Bujumbura, Burundi. Her husband died nearly two decades ago and left her with nothing.

“Before the Great Lakes Regional Integrated Agriculture Development Project (PRDAIGL), I was living in deplorable conditions. My family and I had few means of subsistence, and we were facing a high level of malnutrition. Six of my children had to drop out of school at an early age because our family was lacking resources,” said 56-year-old Christine Nyabenda.

But after getting attached to the PRDAIGL project, she received a cow and training. She can now feed her children regularly and also employs four people. Her business, not limited to cow breeding and milk production, also includes the manufacture of costras, a type of brick used in construction that makes ventilation possible. She can now also use manure for the crops she grows.

Livestock farming remains an important sector for Burundi for ensuring food security and creating a sustainable practices. The current state of livestock production is not so quotable but it can be accelerated to a massive extent for creating jobs, food security, economic boost, rural development, and so on.

Investment in this sector can boost the condition and create new markets including an increase in export potential. Burundi can use the livestock sector as a way out of poverty.