Burundi authorizes selective fertilizer imports to combat shortages

The Burundian Ministry of Agriculture has authorized agricultural cooperatives and large-scale farmers to apply for permits to import chemical fertilizers. This measure aims to address persistent shortages of agricultural inputs that have plagued the country for several years.

To obtain authorization, applicants must specify the fertilizer type, the quantity in kilograms or tonnes, and the country of origin. While certain organo-mineral fertilizers are permitted, the importation of liquid substances remains prohibited.

The shortage is partly attributed to difficulties faced by FOMI, Burundi’s sole fertilizer manufacturing plant, which has struggled to secure the foreign currency required to import raw materials. In response to the supply crisis, the government has also scheduled reimbursements for farmers who paid for the 2026 cropping season but did not receive their supplies.

The decision has met with mixed reactions. While some groups have welcomed the initiative to support the agricultural sector, civil society organizations like PARCEM and ALUCHOTO have raised concerns. Critics warn of a potential oligopoly where import privileges are concentrated among a limited number of actors, and argue that the reimbursement process may undermine citizens’ rights.