Farmers across Burundi are raising alarm over a severe shortage of agricultural inputs, just as the A-season crop cycle nears its end. Despite paying in advance for essential supplies, many are still waiting for their orders to be fulfilled, raising concerns about the quality and quantity of their upcoming harvests.
The Federation of Agricultural Producers of Burundi (FOPABU) has called for urgent action to ensure the availability of inputs, warning that the country faces the risk of widespread food shortages.
In various regions, farmers express frustration after having paid for inputs, including fertilizers, but have yet to receive them. One farmer from central Burundi said: “We’ve already paid for the inputs, but there’s no sign of them. We’re afraid the harvest will be poor, as crucial inputs like Fomi Bagara aren’t available at this critical time.”
The situation is no better in the northern region, where farmers in Kayanza province are also awaiting agricultural inputs as it is weeding time. They are concerned that with time running out, their crops may suffer irreparable damage. “We’ve been waiting for these inputs for a long time, but there’s still no word on distribution. We don’t know what to do,” said one frustrated farmer.
The FOPABU has called on both the FOMI — a company that manufactures and supplies fertilizers in Burundi — and the government to take immediate action to provide the necessary supplies for farmers, who fear that their already low-quality land will yield even poorer results without the proper inputs.
Jean Marie Niyongabo, chairman of the FOPABU, has said that without urgent intervention, the expected harvests will fall short. “The decision-makers must hear these complaints. It’s already December, and farmers have paid for fertilizers, yet distribution hasn’t begun. The crops are showing signs of distress, with yellowing leaves everywhere. We are calling for a change in FOMI’s approach, or there will be no harvest,” Niyongabo warned.
As the agricultural season enters a critical phase, the situation remains dire, with farmers urging the government to act quickly to prevent a crisis that could exacerbate food insecurity in Burundi.
1 Comment