Area:
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25 700 sq.km
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Climate:
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Highland rainy climate with moderate temperature (200C); two rainy seasons: Feb.-May and Sept.-Nov.
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Population:
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6.66 million (2001 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: US$120 (1999)
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Specific characteristics of the country:
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Low-income food-deficit country; land-locked country
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Logistics:
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Ports: Mombasa (Kenya) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania); rail and road connections inadequate
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Major foodcrops:
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Pulses, plantains, roots, tubers, maize and sorghum
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Marketing year:
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January/December; Lean season: November-December
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Share of cereals in total calorie intake:
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34 percent
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After a succession of reduced crops, the output of the recently harvested 2001 A season crops is estimated to be satisfactory. A recent locally-organized FAO/WFP/UNICEF Assessment Mission estimated food production at 85 000 tonnes of cereals, 68 000 tonnes of pulses, 483 000 tonnes of roots and tubers and 465 000 tonnes of bananas and plantains, which is 15 percent, 10 percent, 4 percent and 1 percent respectively higher than in the 2000 A season. However, outputs remain below the pre-crisis (1988-1993) average levels, due to insecurity and disruption of agricultural production since 1994. The area planted increased significantly this season reflecting relatively a better security situation in western parts, in particular in the provinces of Bubanza and Cibitoke, and the closure of regroupment camps in Bujumbura Rural Province, which allowed farmers to return to their fields. The other factor which contributed to higher plantings this season was the timely seed distributions by the Government and international agencies, mainly in the Kirundo and Muyinga provinces, the worst affected by drought during the 2000 A season.
Despite a late start of the rainy season, precipitation was abundant and well distributed from October to November benefiting crop development. However, excessive rains in parts resulted in floods and crop losses and, in general, reduced yields, particularly for beans. Yields of bananas and plantains are expected to increase only from March/April as trees were seriously affected by previous prolonged dry weather. The small 2000 C season in the marshlands, from mid-June to September, was poor reflecting the dry weather in previous months. The food output was estimated 4 percent below the level of the 1999 C season.
The tight food situation has eased with the arrival of the new harvest. Nevertheless, following several consecutive below average harvests, persistent insecurity and population displacements, as well as a recent malaria epidemic, the food and nutrition situation of vulnerable groups remains precarious. In particular, the situation is difficult for 324 000 internally displaced people and for drought affected persons in the provinces of Karuzi, Gitega, Kayanza and Muyinga. A recent nutritional survey in 7 provinces of the country indicated a 10 percent rate of acute global malnutrition. Similarly, a recent report by MSF indicated that the number of malnourished children admitted to its therapeutic feeding centres in Karuzi province had doubled in January 2001. Emergency food aid continues to be necessary for the vulnerable sections of the population.
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Previous five years average production | 10 | 45 | 237 | 292 |
| Previous five years average imports | 21 | 4 | 28 | 53 |
| 2001 Domestic Availability | 13 | 63 | 180 | 256 |
| 2001 Production (rice in paddy terms) | 10 | 95 | 178 | 283 |
| 2001 Production (rice in milled terms) | 10 | 63 | 178 | 251 |
| Possible stock drawdown | 3 | - | 2 | 5 |
| 2001 Utilization | 38 | 63 | 261 | 362 |
| Food Use | 38 | 48 | 227 | 313 |
| of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | - | - |
| Non-food use | - | 10 | 34 | 44 |
| Exports or Re-exports | - | - | - | - |
| Possible stock build up | - | 5 | - | 5 |
| 2001 Import Requirement | 25 | - | 81 | 106 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 20 | - | 30 | 50 |
| Food aid needs | 5 | - | 51 | 56 |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | - | - | 2 | 2 |
| of which: Delivered | - | - | 2 | 2 |
| Donor-financed purchases | - | - | - | - |
| of which: for local use | - | - | - | - |
| for export | - | - | - | - |
| Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) | 6 | 7 | 34 | 47 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 2001 production as % of average: | 97 | |||
| 2001 import requirement as % of average: | 200 |
