Burundi marked the 46th edition of World Food Day on 16 October 2026. Official ceremonies for the international observance took place at the stadium in Kigamba zone, located within Cankuzo commune, Buhumuza province. Organizers designated the theme for the 2026 event as 'Innover aujourd’hui pour nourrir demain'. The selection of this theme emphasizes the importance of adopting new strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of food systems across the nation.
Call for Agricultural Development
President Evariste Ndayishimiye urged citizens to engage in agriculture and livestock farming to ensure food security. He specifically called for the production of organic manure to support these efforts. During his address, President Evariste Ndayishimiye stated, "Celui qui lutte contre la faim devient un chef". This message served as a rallying cry for the population to take proactive steps in cultivating land and raising livestock to meet domestic consumption requirements.
President Evariste Ndayishimiye also delivered a donation of agricultural equipment to ITAB Kigamba. This contribution aims to support the institution's capacity for farming education and practice. The equipment includes tools intended to assist students and staff in improving local production methods. By providing these resources directly to an educational institution, the President emphasized the role of vocational training in strengthening the agricultural workforce. Through these actions, the President sought to encourage individual and collective responsibility in meeting national nutritional needs. He noted that the transition toward modernized, self-sufficient farming practices is essential for the economic and physical well-being of the Burundian people.
Local Progress and Nutrition
Denise Ndaruhekere, the governor of Buhumuza province, reported on the current status of public health in her region during the event. She stated that diseases related to malnutrition are no longer a problem in Buhumuza province. Her assessment reflects local efforts to address food security and dietary standards within the province, suggesting that provincial initiatives have successfully mitigated previous health concerns linked to inadequate food intake.
The FAO representative Eric Sabumukama addressed the ongoing cooperation between the organization and the government. Eric Sabumukama pledged continued support for the agricultural sector of Burundi to increase production and promote healthy nutrition. This commitment aims to assist national initiatives focused on improving food availability and quality for the population. By working in tandem with the government, the FAO representative indicated that technical assistance and strategic partnerships remain a priority for the organization. The collaboration is intended to bolster the resilience of local farming communities, ensuring that the agricultural sector can adapt to changing needs while maintaining a focus on nutritional health. The event concluded with a renewed emphasis on the shared goals of the government and international partners to eliminate food insecurity throughout the country.