Dried shelled legumes market in Burundi

Earlier Report Observations

The dried shelled legumes market in Burundi expanded sharply from 817 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 1 266 thousand tonnes in 2019. This surge was primarily driven by the implementation of 11 harmonized East African Community standards for cereals and legumes, which became legally binding in June 2018. These standards, covering parameters like aflatoxin levels and moisture content, improved product quality and marketability, encouraging increased production and market volume. Concurrently, the administrative decentralization process launched in 2018 reshaped local governance of agricultural production and trade.

Market volume contracted to 942 thousand tonnes in 2020 following a ministerial reorganization that affected trade and industry policies, introducing temporary uncertainty. Recovery began in 2021, reaching 1 010 thousand tonnes, aided by the relocation of fruit and vegetable wholesalers from Cotebu to Ngagara market, which enhanced distribution channels. Growth continued into 2022, with volume peaking at 1 102 thousand tonnes, though the market then eased to 1 008 thousand tonnes in 2023.

Production dried shelled legumes in Burundi

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

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

Burundi's production of dried shelled legumes declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 942.0 thousand tonnes, marking a 25.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 19.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.2%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 261.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 55.5% occurring that same year.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from Burundi

Exports in kind, t

The market for dried shelled legumes exports from Burundi showed significant volatility during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a dramatic difference of 3 066 times between these two years. In 2020, Burundi exported 16 tonnes, representing a modest increase of 2.1% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 100.0% drop, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2019 at 31 426.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Rwanda was the primary destination for Burundi's dried shelled legumes exports, accounting for 82.8% of total export volumes. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of 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

Export values for dried shelled legumes from Burundi displayed an unstable pattern throughout the observed timeframe. The lowest value was recorded in 2018, while the highest occurred in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 1 588 times. In 2020, export value stood at 20 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 1 083.2% compared to the previous year. The largest decline happened in 2018 with a 99.9% decrease, and the most significant increase was in 2019 at 2 968.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Burundi's dried shelled legumes exports in value terms were heavily concentrated on Rwanda, which accounted for 80.1% of total export value. The remaining 19.9% was distributed among other trading partners.

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 legumes to Burundi

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of dried shelled legumes into Burundi experienced considerable volatility during these years. Imports reached their highest level in 2018 and fell to their lowest in 2020, with a 95-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Burundi imported 58 tonnes, representing a substantial reduction of 98.6% compared to 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 110.4% rise.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Uganda (54.7% of import volume), Italy (16.0%), and Kenya (8.8%) were the key sources for Burundi's dried shelled legumes imports. Together, these three countries accounted for 79.5% of total import volumes.

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

Import values for dried shelled legumes into Burundi showed an unstable trend during this timeframe. Values peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 301-fold difference between these years. In 2020, import value amounted to 9 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep decline of 99.5% year-over-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a 90.0% rise.

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

During 2017-2020, Uganda (47.4% of import value), Italy (21.1%), and Kenya (11.0%) accounted for the largest shares of Burundi's dried shelled legumes imports in value terms. Collectively, these three partners represented 79.5% of total import value.

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

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