Constraints encountered by nursery operators in establishing agroforestry tree nurseries in Burundi

Abstract

A nursery operator survey was conducted to identify major constraints encountered by nursery operators for tree nursery establishment in Burundi. The survey covered two main contrasting agro-ecological zones of the country in Muruta commune and Bugesera region in Bugabira and Busoni communes. It was found that most planting materials used by nursery operators were collected from sources of unknown genetic quality. It was also noted that few tree species were raised in nurseries of Muruta and Bugesera areas. The growing medium used in individual and group nurseries was of low quality. The lack of capital and nursery material inputs was another impediment to small-scale nursery sustainability. Most nursery operators lacked sufficient technical knowledge on nursery establishment techniques and had limited skills on vegetative propagation techniques. The low involvement of non-governmental organizations and government agencies impedes the sustainability of nursery operations in the two areas of study. Finally, the low demand and price for tree seedlings do not motivate nursery operators to produce seedlings for income generation. The government intervention may develop a well-structured nursery management system to support sustainable production of high-quality seedlings. It is then necessary to organize trainings of nursery operators on source and collection techniques of germplasm or planting material. The establishment of seed orchards and seed production areas of a large number of tree species is also of great importance. The support of nursery operators in financial and material inputs may promote tree species diversity and increase seedling production. The link of tree operators to good market may improve the sustainability of tree nursery operations.