FAO/WFP CROP AND FOOD SUPPLY ASSESSMENT MISSION TO BURUNDI - 27 July 2000

Abstract

An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission visited Burundi from 19 to 30 June 2000 to evaluate the second 2000 B season, forecast the minor third 2000 C season, and estimate the country's import and food aid requirements for 2000. The Mission had consultations with government officials and representatives of UN Agencies and NGOs, and visited 12 of the country's 17 provinces where security conditions permitted. Prior to the Mission's arrival, a survey was undertaken in December 1999 by na tional agricultural officers with logistic and technical assistance from FAO and WFP. The results of this evaluation formed the basis of the Mission's assessment of the first 2000 A season production. Insecurity continues to disrupt economic and agricultural activities. However, the Mission noticed a relative general improvement since the end of 1999, with the number of people in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps decreasing from 821 000 people, or 13 percent of the total population, to 704 000, or 11 percent, by mid-2000. The worst affected provinces are Bujumbura Rural with 58 percent of its population displaced, followed by Bubanza with 39 percent, Makamba with 33 percent and Bururi with 21 percent. Violent incidents escalated in June 2000, following the visit of mediator Nelson Mandela, particularly in the eastern parts of the country and in the provinces close to Tanzania.