Agricultural Loans and Food Security: Evidence from Rural Households in Ngozi, Burundi
Privat Rwasa *
Food Security and Human Nutrition Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Lambert Niyoyitungiye
Food Security and Human Nutrition Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi, Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi, Centre for Research in Natural and Environmental Sciences (CRNSE), University of Burundi, Faculty of Sciences, Bujumbura, P.O. Box 2700, Burundi and Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burundi, P.O. Box. 2700, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Alexis Ndayizeye
University Centre for Research for Economic and Social Development (CURDES), P.O. Box 1049, Bujumbura, Burundi and Doctoral School of the University of Burundi, Avenue de l’ UNESCO No2, P.O. Box 1550, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Laetitia Irakoze
Doctoral School of the University of Burundi, Avenue de l’ UNESCO No2, P.O. Box 1550, Bujumbura, Burundi, Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Kamenge University Hospital Center, University of Burundi, P.O. Box 2210, Bujumbura, Burundi and East African Nutritional Sciences Institute, University of Burundi, P.O. Box 2700, Bujumbura, Burundi.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In Burundi, agriculture is the pillar of food security, but smallholders face financing constraints. This study aims to assess the impact of agricultural loans on the food security of rural households in the commune of Ngozi. A cross-sectional survey conducted in May 2025 collected data from 384 households (192 credit beneficiaries and 192 non-beneficiaries) using a structured questionnaire on KoBoCollect. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25. Descriptive analysis (frequencies, means) was supplemented by statistical tests: Chi-square test for associations, ANOVA for comparisons of means, and regressions (multiple linear and logistic) to identify the determinants of food security. The results show that beneficiaries have a significantly higher Food Consumption Score (FCS) (51.6% "acceptable" versus 32.3%; p < 0.001) and a higher frequency of meals. This impact is mediated by increased access to modern inputs (78.4% vs. 21.6%) and increased production (66.5% vs. 33.5%). Logistic regression confirmed that improved meal frequency (p < 0.001) and production increases (p = 0.006) were key predictors of food security status. However, 85.9% of beneficiaries consider the amounts to be insufficient and 49.5% of farmers cite lack of information as a major obstacle, followed by complex administrative procedures with 16.1%. In addition, the unpredictability of crop prices is cited by 25.0% of borrowers as a constraint on repayment, followed by high labor and transport costs (23.4%) and high interest rates (18.2%). Agricultural risks (climate and disease) and the lack of other sources of income come in at 13% and 9.9% respectively. The study concludes that agricultural credit positively influences food security, particularly when paired with improved access to inputs and market stability; however, maximizing its social impact requires reforms addressing information asymmetry, gender-inclusive product design, and risk-mitigation mechanisms.
Keywords: Agricultural credit, food security, food consumption score, Burundi, Ngozi