Farming context: Burundi
Burundi fertilizer estimates use the selected crop, field, soil and product assumptions from the BI agriculture dataset. Check local conditions before applying national averages.
| Agriculture share of GDP | ~30% |
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| Arable land | 1,400,000 ha |
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| Irrigated share | ~2% |
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| Main food crops | common bean, banana, cassava, sweet potato, maize, rice |
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| Main export crops | coffee arabica, tea |
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Country context from the AfroTools agriculture dataset - planning reference, not agronomic advice. Confirm with local extension services.
Fertilizer Use in Burundi
Burundi is one of Africa's most densely populated countries, with over 90% of the population engaged in agriculture on very small landholdings averaging less than 0.5 hectares. The country's hilly terrain and intensive cultivation have led to significant soil degradation and nutrient depletion. Annual fertilizer consumption is relatively low at around 15,000 to 25,000 tonnes, far below recommended rates for the country's intensive farming systems. Key crops include coffee (the main export), tea, bananas, beans, cassava, and sweet potatoes. Burundi imports all its mineral fertilizers, primarily through the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, with high transport costs adding to the final price. The government recognizes fertilizer use as critical for food security given the extremely limited potential for expanding cultivated area.
Common Fertilizer Types
DAP (18-46-0) is the most widely used fertilizer in Burundi, valued for its high phosphorus content on the country's acidic, phosphorus-deficient volcanic soils. Urea (46-0-0) is the primary nitrogen source, used as a top-dressing for maize, rice, and coffee. NPK 17-17-17 is promoted for general food crop use by government extension services. For coffee, the dominant export crop, specialized fertilizer programs provide NPK 20-10-10 or similar high-nitrogen blends suited to coffee's nutrient requirements. Lime is critically needed across much of the country's acidic soils but remains underutilized due to cost and availability constraints. Organic fertilizers, including compost and green manures from Tithonia diversifolia hedgerows, are actively promoted by ISABU (national agricultural research institute) and NGOs as complements to mineral fertilizer use.
Subsidy Programs & Access
Burundi's fertilizer subsidy program is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, with the national fertilizer distribution company (DPAE offices at provincial level) coordinating supply. The government has historically subsidized fertilizer at rates of 30 to 50% below market prices, though the program's scope and budget have fluctuated with fiscal constraints. Registered farmers obtain subsidized fertilizer by presenting their national identity card and a cultivation attestation from their local colline (hill community) administrator. Distribution points are established at commune level during the planting seasons (Season A: September to January and Season B: February to June). International partners, including IFAD, the Belgian development agency, and the World Bank, have supported fertilizer subsidy and distribution programs. Coffee farmers access subsidized inputs through ARFIC (the coffee sector regulatory authority) and local coffee washing stations that serve as input distribution points.