In order to increase food production, the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Burundi (ISABU) has initiated a process of reflection for agricultural research to be restructured and become:

• scientific and economic research allowing sustained growth in production and consumption per inhabitant through a balanced geographical distribution;
• research that takes into account production systems and socio-economic reality through a multidisciplinary approach in order to reach the majority of the rural population;
• research aimed at introducing a viable intensification of land use and production by combining production with environmental protection.

This restructuring effort is triggered by the development of a “Research Master Plan: vision 2010-2020” which identifies the priorities that will be respected and the areas of strength that will be followed. This master plan will:

• develop participatory and systemic research to better meet the needs of farmers;
• increase crop and animal production to improve food safety and security;
• better understand the relationships between agriculture and the environment in order to sustainably manage rural areas;
• prepare and support public policies to reduce poverty and inequalities.