Reduced planting in Rutana, Ruyigi, and Cankuzo due to erratic rainfall

In October and November, most areas of Burundi received slightly below-average rainfall. Despite these deficits, ground information indicates that crops are developing normally in most regions. The exception to this is in Rutana, Ruyigi, and Cankuzo where some farmers have yet to plant due to erratic rainfall. Most poor households are Stressed (IPC Phase 2), but Season C harvests and targeted assistance from WFP are improving food security. Some poor households without access to marshlands for Season C production are likely in Crisis (IPC Phase 3). 

The price of most staple commodities increased seasonally in October and remained slightly above last year. In Kirundo, the price of beans was 1,058 BIF/kg in October, 12.5 percent higher than the same time last year. Similarly, the price of beans in Ruyigi was 946 BIF/kg, 10.4 percent higher than last year. Prices are expected to reduce in December, as crops from Season A harvests enter markets. 

As of November 24, 326,170 Burundian refugees are residing in neighboring countries. The official estimate of internally displaced persons (IDPs) remains at 100,000. In Makamba, Ruyigi, Rutana, Makamba, Kirundo, Rumonge, and Cibitoke, where information on IDPs is available, the IOM estimates that half of IDPs fled their homes due to conflict and half were displaced by natural disasters. Most conflict-displaced IDPs are residing with host families, relying primarily on shared food, and are Stressed (IPC Phase 2).