Between 17th and 28th of April, AKI project manager Teklezghi Teklebrhan conducted a project steering visit in Gitega, Burundi to evaluate and monitor the progress of the ongoing project activities and make a roadmap until the completion of the project. The aim of the visit was to ensure that the project is on track and that all partners are working together effectively.

During the visit, the progress of the project was evaluated, and a detailed analysis of the project's achievements and challenges was carried out. The meeting was fruitful, and new ideas were exchanged, which will contribute to the success of the project.

Developing the bread value chain is the core objective of the project this year. Currently, bread is made with wheat. However, wheat production in Gitega and the neighboring provinces is limited. Incorporating other grains into the recipe can provide both qualitative and cost-effective benefits. In this framework, the project identified new partners.

In collaboration with the organization "Brot gegen Not", a training will be provided on bread making with different cereal and tubes varieties such as corn, sweet potato, casava and other cereals. This can increase the nutritional value, improve taste and consistency, and reduce overall costs. Experimenting with different grains and tubes can lead to new and unique bread creations in the project area with potential spillover effects for the whole country. In collaboration with Universality Bujumbura, the acceptance of breads with alternative flours will be analyzed.

In conclusion, the project steering visit to Gitega, Burundi was successful in evaluating and monitoring the progress of the project and identifying areas that need improvement. The exchange with partners and opportunities for future collaborations will enable the project to reach its full potential and achieve its objectives. The team is confident that with the roadmap in place, the project will further be successfully implemented.