Scaling Agroecology: Regional partnership launches Azolla drive to transform smallholder farming in Burundi

BY ILAKUT BEN MOSES

BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI — In a major effort to build climate resilience and lower farming expenses across Eastern Africa, the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), alongside the Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Burundi (ISABU), has launched a joint initiative to deploy Azolla technology as a game-changing bio-fertilizer and high-protein livestock feed.

The launch, supported by experts from Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), and Agape Innovations, directly feeds into the rollout of the Burundi National Agroecology Strategy due to to be validated from September 14 to 18 weeks in Bujumbura.

Tackling climate and economic shocks

Farmers in the region face steep hurdles, including soaring input costs, soil degradation, and erratic climate conditions. Addressing stakeholders at the launch, ASARECA Executive Director Dr. Sylvester Dickson Baguma emphasized that traditional approaches no longer suffice in the face of these combined challenges.

“Conventional agriculture alone can no longer provide the answer. This is why ASARECA has placed agroecology and green transition at the heart of our new Strategic Plan,” said Dr. Sylvester Dickson Baguma. “Azolla is a small but mighty aquatic fern… fixing up to 40kg of nitrogen per hectare, reducing dependence on costly inorganic fertilizers, and serving as a high-protein feed for livestock, poultry, and fish.”

Financed by the European Union through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the CAADP-XP4 Programme, the project aims to transform local science into practical community solutions.

Breaking systemic barriers to adoption

Despite its benefits, the aquatic fern has historically struggled to gain traction outside research settings. ASARECA Programme Officer for Capacity Development, Ms. Blaise Amony, pointed out the structural gaps that previously held back the technology.

“The systemic barriers that historically kept these discoveries stranded in laboratories were occasioned by weak technology transfer systems and lack of hands-on technical training for local extension agents,” explained Ms. Blaise Amony. “Communities lacked practical demonstration sites to observe the technology in action, leaving them with crippling material shortages when attempting to access starter cultures, pond liners, and necessary nutrient supplements.”

To bridge these gaps, the partnership focuses on practical distribution, supplying starter kits, technical manuals, and digital extension guides, alongside establishing regional demonstration hubs in Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda.

Policy alignment and hands-on application

The initiative strongly aligns with the Government of Burundi’s strategic vision for climate-resilient agriculture.

Highlighting its potential for fast returns, ISABU Director General Dr. Samson Musomerimana underlined the national commitment to getting these tools directly to smallholders.

“Azolla is a simple technology adapted to smallholder farmers with a fast return rate due to regular harvesting periods,” stated Dr. Samson Musomerimana. “The establishment of Azolla demonstration ponds is laying a foundation for a network of community Azolla banks across the country… ISABU will support the population by taking up the training of trainers to ensure quality work with extension agents and NGOs as ambassadors for this agroecological transition.”

Dr. Musomerimana also urged researchers to systematically document field lessons from neighboring Uganda and Rwanda to ensure local farmers gain maximum benefit.

 

Putting science into practice

Following the formal launch, participants including extension agents, researchers, youth, and women leaders gathered at ISABU for practical field training on pond installation and cultivation.

• Soil-Free Growth: Azolla grows directly in water with normal pH levels without requiring soil as a growth medium.
• Shallow Water Setup: Ponds require a shallow depth of roughly 4 inches, filled with only 1 inch of water.
• Nutrient Ratios: A standard setup uses 5 kilograms of well-decomposed organic manure (providing essential phosphorus) per 1 kilogram of Azolla starter culture.
• Filtered Application: To preserve water quality, organic fertilizers should be strained into the pond using porous filter bags.

By uniting regional research institutes, national governments, and local extension networks, the initiative provides a practical roadmap for smallholders transitioning toward resilient, low-cost sustainable agriculture.