Burundi has taken a major step forward in the agricultural sector with the official inauguration of the Sungura Net Rabbit Breeding Center in Muyange, Mugina Commune, Cibitoke Province.
The ceremony, which took place weekend, was attended by President Évariste Ndayishimiye, alongside key stakeholders from the Youth Economic Empowerment and Employment Program (PAEEJ-Burundi) and international partners.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to modernize rabbit farming in the country, with specialized housing and a steady supply of quality feed to ensure optimal breeding conditions.
Professor Desiré Manirakiza, National Coordinator of PAEEJ-Burundi, emphasized the center’s role in empowering young people and boosting rabbit production.
“This multiplication center consists of young people selected by the program because they already have knowledge in rabbit farming.
It has received 308 rabbits imported from France, including 266 breeding females and several males. Our goal is to produce 8,700 rabbits every two months, amounting to 50,000 rabbits annually,” he said.
The initiative is expected to benefit 10,000 households and young farmers per year, with each receiving five rabbits to kickstart their own breeding efforts.
The success of the project is credited to the collaboration with international rabbit farming experts.
Aziz Agossou from Benin led the design of the rabbit housing structures, while French specialists Eric, Daniel, and Hervé provided expertise in housing construction, genetics, and nutrition.
The newly opened facility features four modern buildings, designed to optimize rabbit breeding and growth. The imported breeds are known for their rapid growth, reaching five kilograms in just four months.