Burundi allows fertiliser imports amid shortages
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Breakingburundi
Burundi’s Agriculture Ministry is allowing large-scale farmers and cooperative members to apply for permits to import chemical fertilisers amid persistent shortages. The measure comes as the sole local producer, FOMI, struggles to meet demand because of difficulties obtaining foreign currency, according to the ministry and the company.
Burundi’s Ministry of Agriculture is allowing farmers cultivating large areas and members of agricultural cooperatives to apply for permits to import chemical fertilisers, according to an announcement by the ministry. Applications must specify the type and quantity of fertiliser and its country of origin.
The measure comes as Burundi faces persistent shortages of agricultural inputs. FOMI, the country’s only fertiliser factory, cannot meet demand and lacks foreign currency to import raw materials. Its deputy managing director, Herménégilde Manyange, identified the shortage of foreign currency as the main obstacle at a press conference held in early 2026.
The government is also reimbursing farmers who paid for fertiliser for the 2026 B agricultural season but did not receive their supplies. The ministry set the reimbursement period from 19 to 23 October 2026, without announcing the total amount.
The decision has been criticised by the Association for the Fight against Unemployment and Torture (ALUCHOTO). Its national coordinator, Vianney Ndayisaba, believes the money paid should be carried over to the next distribution cycle and has questioned whether interest will be paid and whether the management of sector funds is transparent.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
