BUJUMBURA, June 16 (ABP) – The University of Burundi, in collaboration with the International Fertilizer Development Company (IFDC), organized a two-day forum on dolomite and soil acidity in Burundi. The event brought together stakeholders involved in soil acidity management for discussions and consultations on this issue, which is one of the key factors limiting food and nutritional security in Burundi.
The vice-chancellor of the University of Burundi, Prof. Dr. Audace Manirambona, stated in his opening speech that Burundian soil represents the primary productive capital of agriculture. Therefore, protecting and sustainably managing this “soil” capital is a critical and major priority for increasing agricultural yields and incomes, and for sustainably improving the living conditions of rural farming households. In the same context, he explained that a large portion of Burundi’s soils are degraded due to acidification, severely depleted in bases (Ca, Mg, and K), overloaded with aluminum, and poor in nutrients. This alarming situation was recently confirmed by a soil mapping study conducted by the Institute of Agronomic Sciences of Burundi (ISABU), funded by the IFDC’s PAGRIS project. The study revealed that 73% of Burundi’s soils are acidic.
According to Prof. Dr. Manirambona, soil acidity is a widespread problem across Burundi, except in the Imbo plain and the northern depressions. “However, we must be aware that even the least affected regions today, the effects of recurring climate change could impact them in the future.”
He pointed out that soil reaction is particularly serious as it leads to a series of constraints on plant growth, productivity, and production, both in quantity and quality. It also affects the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils.
Among its consequences are the unavailability of nutrients, metal toxicity and solubility, such as aluminum, iron, and manganese, the inhibition of microbial activity, and the disruption of optimal functioning of biogeochemical cycles such as the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and micronutrient cycles.
The director of soil fertilization at the ministry in charge of agriculture, Venant Sibomana, who gave a presentation on the use of dolomite in Burundi, also emphasized that soil acidity is a real and widespread problem affecting the majority of Burundian soils, leading to soil degradation and yield losses. The correction of this acidity, which affects one in four (1/4) of Burundi’s soils, involves promoting the use of organic manure and dolomite, as well as implementing anti-erosion policies. Dolomite is currently subsidized at a rate of 73.7% under the national fertilizer subsidy program in Burundi. He noted that the quantity of dolomite distributed in the past five years has increased from 9 tons to 38,000 tons per year. He also reminded participants that dolomite distribution is carried out every agricultural season according to a schedule set by the ministry in 368 distribution zones across the country, representing 93% of all administrative zones.
Speaking about the major challenges in the dolomite sector, Mr. Sibomana cited delays in distribution, lack of investors, fuel shortages, and an insufficient number of partners in the sector. To address these challenges, he called on anyone with the means to invest in the sector to ensure that dolomite distribution aligns with the agricultural calendar. Burundian farmers were urged to use dolomite mixed with manure to fertilize their fields in order to increase production.