In a recent interview with CGTN's Xu Yi, Prosper Dodiko, Burundi's minister of environment, agriculture and livestock, highlighted how support from the Chinese mainland's Belt and Road Initiative is driving a major shift in the country's farming landscape.
For decades, local communities in Burundi relied on subsistence agriculture—growing just enough to feed their families. Today, Dodiko explains, farmers are increasingly producing crops with market demands in mind, tapping into regional supply chains, boosting incomes, and strengthening economic resilience.
Key investments under the Belt and Road Initiative include upgrades to irrigation systems, training programs for farmers, and improvements in rural logistics. Together, these efforts are laying the foundation for a more sustainable and connected agricultural sector.
As young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and changemakers follow this evolution, Burundi’s journey offers a clear example of how strategic infrastructure and capacity-building projects can pivot local economies toward market-driven growth. With these building blocks in place, Burundi’s farming communities are poised to expand their role in regional trade and food security.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
