Bubanza : CNDD-FDD favoritism in the distribution of fertilizers

Farmers in the district of Bubanza (western Burundi) are sounding the alarm over a critical situation : the shortage of FOMI (organo-mineral fertilizers) chemical fertilizers of the urea type. According to several testimonies, the rare quantities available are distributed clandestinely, mainly benefiting influential members of the ruling CNDD-FDD party.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

Residents denounce unfair distributions. A few days ago, about 500 bags of these agricultural inputs were delivered to the district stock of Bubanza. However, according to local sources, the entire stock was discreetly recovered by members of the CNDD-FDD during the same night – a practice that has sparked outrage among farmers, who are already facing a shortage of fertilizers.

“For this agricultural season A, we paid to obtain the quantities of fertilizers we need, but deliveries are largely insufficient compared to the demand,” explains a farmer.

Growing frustrations

A rice farmer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounts his ordeal : “I paid for 15 bags, I am a rice farmer, but when I go to the store in the district of Bubanza, they give us 50 kg of urea for 2 people. I helplessly watch the losses I incur for a rice field that I rented due to a lack of chemical fertilizers.”

The head of the district stock acknowledges that demand far exceeds the quantities available. However, farmers deplore favoritism in the distribution of the few bags available.

“During the night, it is members of the CNDD-FDD who are contacted first and grab everything. I paid for 15 bags, and I am only offered one bag. What am I going to do with that?”, complains another farmer.

Serious economic consequences

Faced with this situation, many farmers are turning to the black market to obtain fertilizers, but at exorbitant prices.

“We are forced to buy a 25 kg bag of urea for 75,000 Burundi francs, while the official price is 31,000 francs. It costs more than double. We have no other options,” regrets a farmer.

With rising costs and a lack of fertilizers, the harvest prospects for agricultural season A are bleak. Farmers, who have already paid for the inputs, fear a significant drop in production, which could worsen food insecurity in the region.

A situation calling for reforms

As tensions rise, local and national authorities are being called upon to intervene to ensure fair distribution of agricultural inputs. Transparency in stock management and respect for farmers’ rights appear to be urgent priorities to avoid a major agricultural crisis.

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Police officers supervise the distribution of chemical fertilizers at a fertilizer sales point in Bubanza (SOS Médias Burundi)