Dr Niko Nicolas is a researcher in Crop Protection Unit of ISABU Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Burundi (ISABU) since 2004. He obtained Agricultural Engineer degree from the University of Burundi in 2000. He received his Master degree from the University of Gembloux, Belgium in 2006 and his PhD from University of Montpellier in 2024.

Niko has been involved in implementing various projects notably.

• 2015: Country Team Leader for Regional project “Integrated Management of Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease In ECA”
• 2013: Country Team Leader for Regional Project “Disaster Preparedness for Food Security Risks in the Great Lakes Region – Improving responses to the threat of banana diseases” financed by FAO.
• 2012: Country Team Leader for Regional Project “Upscaling Banana Xanthomonas Wilt Control in Eastern and Central Africa” with funding from ASARECA.
• 2011: Country Team Leader for the Project “Food Security risks in the Great lakes Region – Rapid response to the threat of banana diseases” financed by FAO.
• 2009: Country Team Leader for Regional Project “Enhanced Management of Xanthomonas Wilt for Sustainable Banana Productivity in East and Central Africa” financed by

Publications

• 2024: “Genetic diversity of Colletotrichum kahawae populations in Burundi”. Niko, L. Blondin, N. Motisi, C. Cilas, C. Neema. Journal of Plant Pathology
• 2019: “Farmer Reported Pest and Disease Impacts on Root, Tuber, and Banana Crops and Livelihoods in Rwanda and Burundi”. Joshua Sikhu Okonya , Walter Ocimati , Anastase Nduwayezu, Déo Kantungeko,Nicolas Niko, Guy Blomme , James Peter Legg and Jürgen Krosche. Sustainability
• 2016: “Distribution, incidence and farmers knowledge of banana Xanthomonas wilt in Burundi”. P. Ndayihanzamaso, Niko, C. Niyongere, S. Bizimana, A. Nibasumba, P. Lepoint, W.Tinzaara, S. Kaboneka, E. Sakayoya, W. Jogo, T. Mugiraneza and E. Karamura. African Journal of Agricultural Research.
• 2013: “Farmers knowledge of banana crop management as related to the control of banana diseases in Burundi”. P. Ndayihanzamaso, Niko, S. Bizimana, A. Nibasumba, C. Niyongere, P. Lepoint, S. Kaboneka, W. Jogo, W. Tinzaara and E. Karamura. African Journal of Agricultural Research.
• 2011: “Overcoming seed potato quality constraints to tackle food insecurity and poverty in eastern and central Africa in the 21st Century”. M. Kinyua, A. Bararyenya, E. Schulte-Geldermann, B.O. Obura, I.N. Kashaija, S. Tindimubona, F. Opio, D. Oyena, I. Rwomushana, W.M. Muriithi, J. Kinoti, P. Namugga, G. Kimoone, M. Inamahoro, N. Niko and P. Ndayihanzamaso. African Crop Science journal.