Its contribution to socio-economic life is enormous as indicated by Cyriaque Rukundo from Ruhengeri hill, a graduate in general humanities, affirming that he completed his primary and secondary studies using means derived from sugarcane. He could easily earn a sum equivalent to between 300,000 and 400,000 BIF, or $150. A sum earned within 2 months, especially during the dry season, testifies Cyriaque Rukundo, one of the inhabitants of the hills mentioned above.

This young man, from a poor family as he himself highlighted in an interview granted to JA, is today a future candidate at Burundi universities in agricultural sciences; he indicates that he will continue his studies by drawing from the same source.

The same is true for Anatole Niyonkuru who has reached the stage of expanding his horizons in the sale of sugarcane in neighboring provinces and elsewhere such as Kirundo, Kayanza, Muyinga and Bujumbura using a rented truck.

This sugarcane businessman in the region says that since he embarked on this business his life has changed enormously. Now he is thinking about the export and industrialization of sugarcane cultivation.

The challenges

Whatever efforts have been made by this population, Gashikanwa commune needs roads to facilitate transport; and a sugarcane processing unit (mini-sugar refinery).

What does the administration think about the crop?

Aware of the contribution of this crop to the socio-economic life of the population, Pamphile Nkurunziza, development adviser at Gashikanwa, compares sugarcane to coffee cultivation because it contributes greatly to the commune's fiscal base through taxes and levies.

Mr. Nkurunziza also testifies that this crop greatly supports his population in addressing youth unemployment, which they continue to face.

For all these challenges raised above by the population, Pamphile Nkurunziza reassures them by affirming that the commune will soon manage this situation.

By Chanceline Cimpaye