Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye has ordered administrative officials to establish a full registry of citizens and their fertilizer requirements within one week. The directive was issued on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during a meeting in Gitega. President Ndayishimiye conveyed his instruction to provincial and communal administrators, emphasizing the urgency of the task. The registration aims to address growing concerns about fertilizer access in the country, which has been a persistent challenge for agricultural productivity. This measure is a direct response to the difficulties faced by farmers across the nation.
Addressing Fertilizer Shortages
President Evariste Ndayishimiye stated that it is incomprehensible for farmers to lack fertilizer when the state purchases it, according to his remarks. He expressed strong disapproval of the current situation where vital agricultural inputs are not reaching those who need them most. He further denounced practices by various actors who divert fertilizer or clandestinely resell it at inflated prices, noting these actions as significantly contributing to the current shortages and undermining national agricultural efforts. These illicit activities, he noted, create artificial scarcity and drive up costs for already struggling farmers.
The Burundian leader emphasized that a detailed census of fertilizer needs will enable the administration to ascertain the genuine requirements of farmers and facilitate improved planning for supply and distribution. He showed that this full data collection is key for effective resource allocation. The current difficulties are directly linked to a lack of precise data available to the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, which severely hinders effective management of agricultural inputs and leads to inefficiencies in the supply chain. The registry is intended to provide the necessary information to overcome these challenges, ensuring that state-purchased fertilizer reaches its intended beneficiaries. This proactive step aims to streamline the distribution process and combat corruption within the fertilizer supply network.
Development Projects and Vision
During the same meeting, participants presented projects for an area designed to host national festivities and serve as an emblematic location for communal ceremonies. These ambitious plans reflect a broader vision for national development and cultural preservation. These projects include a dedicated space for the History of Burundi, featuring monuments honouring historical figures such as kings Ntare Rushatsi Cambarantama, Ntare Rugamba, Mwezi Gisabo, and Bihome, recognizing their significant contributions to the nation's heritage. The historical area will also incorporate monuments symbolizing Burundian unity, the struggle for independence, and democracy, serving as a powerful reminder of the country's journey and values.
A second distinct area is planned for the new generation, encompassing a library, various leisure spaces, a swimming pool, accommodation facilities, and other public amenities designed to foster education, recreation, and community engagement among young people. President Ndayishimiye called for seeking investors to develop infrastructure, specifically mentioning hotels, within these projects, to support tourism and economic growth in the area. However, President Ndayishimiye emphasized that commercial activities should not be confused with historical monuments, which must remain public spaces accessible to all citizens, preserving their cultural and educational integrity. He further recommended avoiding high walls around these areas to allow passersby to appreciate the beauty within, promoting openness and accessibility. This approach seeks to balance commercial development with the preservation of public and historical spaces.
Combating Harmful Consumption
President Evariste Ndayishimiye called for determined actions to protect the population against harmful products, according to his directives. He specifically urged for strengthening the fight against strongly alcoholic beverages, recognizing their detrimental impact on public health and national productivity. The President deplored the paradox of aiming for Burundi to become an emerging nation by 2040 and developed by 2060, while a portion of the population consumes substances detrimental to health, directly hindering these ambitious national goals. He indicated that the excessive consumption of these beverages has negatively affected physical capacities of individuals, leading to a decline in productivity and overall well-being. President Ndayishimiye further stated that this consumption constitutes a significant loss for families, due to health issues and reduced income, and for the national economy as a whole, through decreased labor output and increased healthcare costs. The directive shows a broader governmental concern regarding public health and productivity in relation to national development goals, emphasizing the need for a healthy and capable workforce to achieve the country's aspirations.