ISABU was founded in 1962 to replace the National Institute of Agricultural Studies (INEAC), which was created in 1929 and is placed under the administrative supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

ISABU is one of the most important agro-biodiversity research institutes in Burundi. This institute includes two technical departments which are the Production Department and the Department of Environmental Studies and Production Systems. Its mission is to promote the scientific development of agriculture and livestock in Burundi. It carries out studies, research and experiments aimed at the development of agriculture and livestock in general, in order to contribute to the country's economic growth, in particular in improving the incomes of rural populations, while ensuring the careful management of natural resources.