Food prices decrease as Season B harvests replenish market and household stocks

Conflict and poor macroeconomic conditions continue to impact poor urban households. The Burundian Franc (BIF) continues to depreciate in both the formal and secondary markets and conflict and insecurity have reduced informal income-earning opportunities for poor households. With below-average income and depreciating currency, many poor households remain Stressed (IPC Phase 2).  

The March to June Season B rainy season ended three to four weeks earlier than normal in most areas of the country. However, rainfall was above average and most farmers planted early and, as a result, above-average national production is expected. The ongoing harvest is replenishing market stocks, causing food prices to seasonally decline. Prices are also slightly lower than last year. In Muyinga, the price of a kilogram of beans is 700 BIF, down from 738 in July 2015.

Between January and June 2016 there were 4.2 million cases of malaria reported in Burundi, nearly double the same time period last year. This is due to heavy rainfall that increased the incidence of waterborne disease, as well as Government budget cuts to healthcare centers of roughly 50 percent. Some poor households are likely diverting income from food purchases to healthcare expenses. 

Although peace talks between the Government and the opposition are ongoing, violence continues. Throughout June, approximately 160 people fled Burundi daily. According to UNHCR, since April 2015, 271,578 Burundians have sought refuge in neighboring countries, the majority in Tanzania and Rwanda. The agency also reported that 4,176 Burundian economic migrants were forced to leave Rwanda in the last two months due to tense relations between the two countries.