Farmers in Burundi's Ruyigi commune, Buhumuza province, have endured three consecutive cultural seasons without access to chemical fertilizers. This critical shortage persists despite farmers taking various steps with authorities to address the issue. The agricultural community in Ruyigi, located within Buhumuza province, has now passed three full cultural seasons without receiving these essential inputs, severely impacting their yields and livelihoods. A country-wide registration operation, intended to document agricultural needs, recently concluded in Ruyigi on Wednesday after spanning three days. This operation, which took place over three days across the entire country, marked its conclusion in Ruyigi on Wednesday. Several farmers confirmed they have not received chemical fertilizers for three cultural seasons, showing ongoing challenges in agricultural input supply and noting the prolonged nature of their predicament.
Farmers' Growing Despair
Farmers in Ruyigi expressed fears that the recent registration operation will yield the same results as previous attempts to secure agricultural inputs. They worry that chemical fertilizers will either be unavailable at the key planting time or remain priced beyond the reach of small-scale producers. This concern stems from a history of unfulfilled promises and logistical hurdles that have consistently left them without necessary supplies. According to several farmers, the ongoing situation has significantly worsened their economic difficulties, pushing many to the brink.
The financial strain has forced some farmers to resort to selling plots of land or livestock, critical assets, to finance their agricultural activities and meet essential needs for their families. Other producers have taken out bank loans to invest in agriculture, only to subsequently find themselves unable to repay these debts due to poor yields directly attributable to the lack of fertilizers. Citizens across the region are reportedly weary of official announcements that, in their view, consistently fail to translate into tangible solutions and concrete improvements in their agricultural practices. The challenges observed in Ruyigi are not unique, as access to chemical fertilizers and other vital agricultural inputs continues to be a major concern for producers in various regions across Burundi, indicating a systemic issue affecting the nation's agricultural sector.
Registration Drive Amidst Skepticism
A new registration operation for beneficiaries of chemical fertilizers recently concluded in Burundi. This initiative was met with a stern warning from authorities, who stated that individuals attempting to obstruct the registration process would be considered to be committing "high treason against their country." Despite these strong declarations, citizens reported concerns regarding the practical implementation of the registration. Many noted a perceived lack of expertise among some registration agents, raising questions about the accuracy and reliability of the data being collected. They also cited insufficient technical equipment for correctly measuring agricultural areas, a key step for determining appropriate fertilizer allocations.
Residents further accused some local officials at the 'colline' level of demanding money for procedures related to the registration operation, adding another layer of frustration and distrust to the process. These allegations point to potential corruption hindering the equitable distribution of resources. In a notable instance, local officials in Masama, who had been implicated by the population in such illicit activities, were taken to security services for investigation. This information was confirmed by Boussessia Nkezimana, a high-ranking official, lending credence to the public's grievances and demonstrating that some action is being taken against alleged malpractices.
Official Assurances and High-Level Attention
Boussessia Nkezimana, second vice-president of the National Assembly, visited seven zones in Ruyigi commune on Monday and Tuesday, directly addressing the concerns of local farmers. During his visit, Nkezimana assured residents that the issue of chemical fertilizers is being followed at the highest level of the state. He emphasized the government's commitment to resolving the long-standing challenges faced by agricultural producers in the region, acknowledging the severity and persistence of the problem.
According to Nkezimana, President Évariste Ndayishimiye has personally taken up the file to find a lasting solution to difficulties related to agricultural inputs. This high-level intervention aims to address the persistent shortages and ensure that farmers receive necessary supplies for cultivation in a timely and equitable manner. The assurance comes amid widespread frustration among farmers who have experienced three consecutive cultural seasons without access to chemical fertilizers, leading to significant economic hardship and jeopardizing food security. The involvement of the President shows the national importance of the issue and offers a glimmer of hope for a resolution to the agricultural community in Burundi.