FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 10/96

BURUNDI

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Area: 26 000 sq.km
Climate: Highland rainy climate with moderate temperature (200C); two rainy seasons (Feb.-May and Sept.-Nov.)
Population: 6.39 million (1995 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 150 (1994)
Specific characteristics of the country: Low-income food-deficit country; land-locked country
Logistics: Ports: Mombasa (Kenya) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania); rail and road connections inadequate
Major foodcrops: Pulses, plantains, roots, tubers, maize and sorghum
Marketing year: January/December; Lean season: November-December
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 34 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

Harvesting of the 1996 second season foodcrops is complete whilst that of the third season is underway. With the exception of some pockets affected by drought, growing conditions during the season have been generally favourable. Although no firm estimates of output are available, the escalation in civil conflict in recent months, which lead to fresh waves of population displacement and disrupted agricultural activities is highly likely to have adversely affected the outcome. An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission which was scheduled to visit the country in early August has been postponed due to the security situation.

The food supply situation has tightened following the political events of late July and the trade embargo from neighbouring countries. Food prices are reported to have increased sharply in the past three weeks in urban areas and petrol has been rationed. The economic and food situation is likely to worsen in the next months. Production of vegetables in the remainder of 1996 is expected to be reduced as most seeds for non-African vegetables are imported. While all 1996 cereal and pulses crops have already been harvested, consumption will be negatively affected by the ban on imports of cereals and other foods. It is estimated that at least 60 000 tons of cereals and pulse imports, representing 20 percent of normal consumption requirements of these staple foods in the second half of 1996, will not be possible. Large sections of the displaced and vulnerable population are in need of food assistance.