Burundi farmers face challenges in agricultural production and climate adaptation

Farmers in Burundi's Nyabiraba region are calling for improved access to chemical fertilizers to boost agricultural yields. Local producers in the Kinyami and Musenyeyi hills report that combining organic manure with inorganic fertilizers significantly improves vegetation and crop volume. They have welcomed President Evariste Ndayishimiye's decision to allow the commercialization of both industrial and biological fertilizers, while noting that the Institute of Agronomic Sciences of Burundi (ISABU) must monitor products to prevent the sale of toxic substances.

In the Gitega province, farmers are utilizing agroecology to protect soil fertility but report a lack of technical and financial support. This local struggle highlights a broader systemic issue regarding climate adaptation funding. Data presented by ActionAid indicates a significant gap between debt servicing and climate action in vulnerable nations. In many studied countries, budgeted debt repayments far exceed the funds allocated for climate initiatives, creating a cycle where climate disasters drive borrowing, which in turn reduces the capacity to fund prevention and adaptation.