Near-average Season B crop production stabilizes food prices

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Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes are anticipated in Imbo Plains and the Northern Lowlands during the current post-harvest period. In addition to macroeconomic challenges, the flooding and overflow of Tanganyika Lake have resulted in below-average crops production and income sources in Imbo Plains. Limited access to cross-border opportunities in the north have further reduced income access and purchasing capacity of poor households. However, Minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes are expected to persist in the rest of the country, supported by near-average Season B agricultural production and average availability of income sources.
As highlighted in the June 2024 FSO, critical macroeconomic indicators have caused instability in the BIF and worsened official exchange rates, which are now up to half of the parallel market rate, reducing import capacity. The low foreign currency reserve forces traders to increasingly rely on the parallel market for imports, resulting in higher prices for imported goods, including food and basic non-food items. One significant consequence of the decreased import capacity is a fuel shortage across the country, leading to increased transport costs and limiting the movement of food at the national level.
In June 2024, national-level food prices remained above five-year averages but followed a seasonal decrease in the post-harvest period and were stable compared to the previous year, supported by near-average food stocks from the 2024 Season B. Except for potatoes, which increased by about 10 percent compared to last year, the prices of other staple commodities fluctuated 10 percent above and below last year’s prices, but were 20 to 50 percent above the five-year averages. The area planted with Irish potatoes has decreased due to the limited availability of planting materials for 2024 Season A and B.
According to the WFP’s June brief, approximately 57,000 refugees and asylum seekers received about 70 percent of their typical monthly food ration in June due to funding shortages; only 15 percent of the 2024 humanitarian needs are funded. This shortage of humanitarian assistance is expected to result in Stressed! (IPC Phase 2!) outcomes in these households. Additionally, humanitarian food assistance covering a three-month ration has been provided to 1,500 returnees, addressing food and non-food needs. A UNHCR report from April estimates that around two years are required for returnees to re-establish their normal food and income sources. The returnees are primarily located in the Northern and Eastern Lowlands, Eastern Dry Plateau, and Buragane livelihood zones.

Recommended citation: FEWS NET. Burundi Key Message Update July 2024: Near-average Season B crop production stabilizes food prices, 2024.

This Key Message Update provides a high-level analysis of current acute food insecurity conditions and any changes to FEWS NET's latest projection of acute food insecurity outcomes in the specified geography. Learn more here.