Cultivators in Gitega province, central Burundi, are facing a critical shortage of FOMI fertilizers ahead of the 'season C' marshland cultural season. The scarcity of these essential agricultural inputs, reported on July 28, 2026, has raised concerns among farmers regarding potential crop failures. This situation threatens the productivity of the upcoming planting season in the region, which is key for the livelihoods of many. The current predicament is particularly worrying for farmers who rely heavily on these inputs to ensure a successful harvest.
Farmers' Growing Concerns
Générose Nahimana, a 70-year-old farmer from Ntobwe, stated that several cultivators have not yet received the necessary fertilizers for the new cultural season. Ms. Nahimana also indicated that authorities have not contacted them to pay advances for these agricultural inputs, leaving many in a state of uncertainty. She is personally owed two bags of fertilizer from season B, a significant amount for a small-scale farmer. As a result, cultivators are being forced to sow maize and beans without chemical fertilizers, a practice that is widely expected to yield poorer results. The lack of these vital resources is forcing farmers to adapt their traditional methods, often at the expense of productivity.
Chantal Uwimana, 48, from Nyabugogo, expressed concern that the absence of FOMI fertilizers could seriously compromise harvests. She noted that production will not be as good as before when using traditional fertilizers, noting the dependency on modern agricultural inputs for optimal yields. "Jusqu’ici, aucune communication du ministère de l’Environnement, de l’Agriculture et de l’Élevage ne nous indique quand les fertilisants FOMI seront disponibles. Nous vivons dans une confusion totale," Ms. Uwimana said, showing the lack of official guidance. She added, "Déjà lors de la saison culturale B, la récolte de haricots a été très mauvaise en raison du manque de fertilisants FOMI," pointing to a preceding season where similar issues led to poor outcomes. This past experience amplifies the current fears among the farming community. Some farmers have not received fertilizers for which they paid advances months or even years ago, further eroding trust and financial stability within the agricultural sector.
Official Confirmation and Advice
Jean Séverin Sinzobatohana, provincial director of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock in Gitega, confirmed that FOMI fertilizers will not be available for the upcoming season C. This official confirmation solidifies the grim outlook for farmers in the region. Mr. Sinzobatohana advised cultivators in the region to utilize traditional fertilizers as an alternative while they await an improved supply of agricultural inputs. This guidance comes amidst widespread reports from several regions across Burundi, where farmers continue to experience delays in the distribution of essential agricultural supplies. The provincial director's confirmation shows the ongoing challenges faced by the farming community as they prepare for the new cultural season, and the advice to revert to traditional methods reflects the severity of the shortage.
Broader Economic and Environmental Context
Chantal Uwimana, a farmer from Nyabugogo, stated that the ongoing fertilizer scarcity risks famine and a rise in food prices, a dire prediction with significant implications for the broader population. She reiterated, "Jusqu’ici, aucune communication du ministère de l’Environnement, de l’Agriculture et de l’Élevage ne nous indique quand les fertilisants FOMI seront disponibles. Nous vivons dans une confusion totale. Déjà lors de la saison culturale B, la récolte de haricots a été très mauvaise en raison du manque de fertilisants FOMI." The broader agricultural landscape in Burundi faces challenges, as many marshlands remain undeveloped, which often favors floods and contributes to weak agricultural yields. This situation is particularly critical given that agriculture serves as the main source of income for a large portion of the Burundian population. The lack of development in these key farming areas exacerbates the vulnerability of farmers to input shortages and environmental factors.
Outlook and Demands
The FOMI fertilizer shortage is raising concerns about future harvests, potentially reducing yields and increasing food insecurity in Burundi. This situation is particularly critical given the country's rising living costs and declining household purchasing power, which make any reduction in food supply or increase in prices especially burdensome for families. Several cultivators in Gitega province are demanding the rapid availability of agricultural inputs to mitigate these potential impacts, emphasizing the urgency of their situation. The agricultural community hopes for swift intervention to avert a more severe crisis in the coming months.