Bananas are among the main crops in Burundi. In some agro-ecological areas of our country, it occupies a leading position on farms and represents the main source of income for rural households. In addition to its economic importance, it plays an important role in the socio-cultural life of the Burundian population.

In the past, the banana plant has received very little interest from research and policy makers despite its importance in Burundi. However, over the past 5 years, ISABU, in collaboration with its partners, has started a research program on this culture. These efforts have been supported by the Government of Burundi by including bananas among the 5 priority crops since 2011.
This manual therefore supports the actions already undertaken by ISABU and its partners to develop banana cultivation. It provides a theoretical and practical reference base for anyone (extension workers, model farmers, etc.) who wants to ensure a good monitoring of the banana plant in order to bring it from the rank of a low-productive food crop to that of a high-yielding and economically profitable crop.

We have no doubt that this book will benefit users and allow them to grow bananas in a more productive way.
In conclusion, we commend the efforts made by the authors who produced this manual and thank all the actors who contributed to its production.