Dried shelled beans market in Burundi

Earlier Report Observations

Burundi's dried shelled bean production expanded sharply from 393.2 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 619.2 thousand tonnes in 2019. This growth was primarily driven by the implementation of the National Development Plan (PND) 2018-2027, which focused on modernizing agriculture and promoting bean production as a key food crop.

Production fell to 460.0 thousand tonnes in 2020, a year in which the government homologated 52 improved bean varieties and disseminated technical cultivation guides to strengthen the sector. Output then recovered, reaching 520.0 thousand tonnes in 2022 as rising bean prices due to transport costs and trader speculation incentivized production. In 2023, production declined to 490.0 thousand tonnes despite ongoing price increases. By 2024, the government announced price reduction measures for fresh beans and advanced projects like the reconstruction of Bujumbura's central market.

Production dried shelled beans in Burundi

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Burundi was one of the world's top producers of dried shelled beans, ranking 17th globally by production volume.

Top producers of dried shelled beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled beans, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of growth, Burundi's production of dried shelled beans fell in 2020. That year, the country produced 460.0 thousand tons, marking a sharp year-over-year decline of 25.7%. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, however, production increased by 23.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.4%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 619.2 thousand tons, which represented the largest annual increase of 57.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Burundi in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports dried shelled beans from Burundi

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed significant fluctuations during this period. They reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a dramatic 3,066-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Burundi exported 6 tons of dried shelled beans, which was 61.4% lower than in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 100.0%, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2019 at 30,707.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Burundi in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Rwanda was the primary export destination for dried shelled beans in kind, accounting for 87.8% of total flows. The remaining exports were distributed among a long tail of smaller trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Burundi in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. Export values hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a 1,588-fold variation between these extremes. In 2020, Burundi's dried shelled bean exports totaled 17 thousand US dollars, representing a substantial year-over-year increase of 975.6%. The largest decline was in 2018 at 99.9%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019 at 2,659.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Burundi in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, Rwanda accounted for 83.0% of total export value. The remaining flows were spread across a broad group of smaller countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Burundi in value, 2017-2020

Imports dried shelled beans to Burundi

Imports in kind, t

Import data revealed irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Volumes were at their lowest in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 136-fold shift between these years. In 2020, Burundi imported 40 tons of dried shelled beans, reflecting a sharp decline of 99.0% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 109.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Burundi in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Uganda, Italy, and Kenya were the leading sources of imports in kind. Uganda contributed 54.9%, Italy 15.9%, and Kenya 8.8%, together accounting for 79.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Burundi in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Import values dropped to their lowest in 2020 after peaking in 2018, with a 481-fold change between these points. In 2020, Burundi's dried shelled bean imports reached 6 thousand US dollars, indicating a decrease of 99.7% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was in 2018 at 88.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Burundi in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In the 2017-2020 period, Uganda, Italy, and Kenya consistently served as the main sources for imports in value terms. Uganda accounted for 47.7%, Italy for 20.8%, and Kenya for 11.0%, collectively making up 79.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Burundi in value, 2017-2020