Photo of the week : soaring bean prices worry households in Bujumbura

The rapid rise in bean prices is causing increasing concern among residents of Bujumbura, Burundi’s commercial capital, home to United Nations agencies and the country’s central administration. In just one week, the price per kilogram has increased sharply, with an estimated rise of between 1,500 and 2,000 Burundian francs, depending on the market.

Today, some types of beans have become almost unaffordable for many households. Kinure beans are selling for up to 6,500 Burundian francs per kilogram. Another type, known as Pakira Fuso, costs around 6,000 francs in several shops in the economic capital.

In some Bujumbura markets, particularly the “Chez Sion” market in the north of the city, traders say they are facing an unusual situation. Some have even suspended sales of certain bean varieties due to the exorbitant prices.

“We’ve never seen such a price surge, not even during times of shortage,” explains a vendor we met on site.

This increase is part of a general rise in prices for all foodstuffs, exacerbated by the fuel crisis that has persisted for over five years in this small East African nation.

Beans are a staple food for a large portion of the Burundian population. Their scarcity and high cost directly impact families’ daily lives. Several residents interviewed indicated that they have already begun reducing their consumption or seeking less expensive alternatives.

“If prices continue to rise, many households risk no longer being able to feed themselves properly,” warns a father living in the northern part of the city.

This situation comes as the next bean harvest is expected in June. Many hope that this period will bring a drop in prices and a gradual return to normal. Meanwhile, concerns are growing about a possible worsening of the food situation in Burundi’s economic capital.

Observers are calling on authorities to closely monitor food prices and take measures to protect consumers, especially the most vulnerable households.

Our photo : an aisle in a market in Bujumbura, Burundi’s commercial capital, where the price of beans is steadily rising, impacting business and the daily lives of households.