Analysis of the Effects of COVID-19 on the Trade, Transport and Health Sectors of Burundi

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Date
2021-10-08
Authors
Ndayitwayeko, Willy Marcel
Ntawiratsa, Rédempteur
Nkurunziza, Désiré
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African Economic Research Consortium
Abstract
The unprecedented crisis caused by COVID-19 is affecting all aspects of society and the economies of many countries. This study aims at analysing the impact of this pandemic on the trade, transport and health sectors of Burundi. It is based on data collected using semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides applied on key informants. In addition, the analysis relied on monthly trade data from some ministries and public databases. The results reveal that there was a decline in trade when one compares values of exports and imports during the second quarter of 2020, which is the quarter when the country was in the pandemic compared to the same period in 2019, which is the period before the pandemic. Exports decreased from 99.1 billion BIF in the second quarter in 2019 to 30.8 billion BIF in the second quarter of 2020 due to COVID-19, translating to a decline of 68.92% for exports. Restrictions on movement of people and goods have also impacted on the imports of Burundi. Imports increased from 368.5 billion BIF in the second quarter in 2019 to 416.7 billion BIF, translating to a growth of 13.08%. However, imports are estimated at 433.00 billion BIF in the first quarter of 2020 from 436 billion BIF of last quarter of 2019, meaning a slight decrease of 0.6% from the first quarter to the second quarter. The results indicate that there is a very considerable drop in the value of goods that pass through these different modes of transport. For example, there was a 73.41% drop in value of goods passing through Melchior Ndadaye International Airport. The percentage drop registered by other transport companies are: Balloré Logistics (46.75%), Maritime Rail and Port Authority (54.89%), Volcano Transport Agency (83.97%) and Memento Transport Agency (84.84%). The results of the survey indicate that there was a very considerable drop in number of passengers using the different modes of transport. The percentage drop in passengers travelling through Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, Volcano transport and Memento transport were 99.99%, 78.74% and 77.55%, respectively. In the health sector, the results indicate that the weekly positive case rate has been consistently very low. This low rate could be explained by the decline of the voluntary COVID-19 test in the designated places by government. On average, the weekly testing rate since the beginning of the pandemic in Burundi is 2 per 10,000 inhabitants (per week); this is very low compared to the average threshold of at least 10 tests per week in the WHO African region. In addition, there has been a gradual decline in the screening rate. The overall screening rate estimated at 70 tests per 10,000 inhabitants remains low, with an average number of tests of about 290 per day since the beginning of the pandemic in Burundi. From the survey results, the study recommends provision of financial incentives and subsidies for transport, storage and cold chain costs for essential products; to provide non-contact food delivery mechanisms for high-risk or infected populations; prioritization of essential transport needs in supply chains; and periodic update priorities based on current risk assessments, for example at the height of an outbreak. On the transport and health sectors, transport of medical supplies and food is to be prioritized and given the "green light" (fewer stops, controls, tolls) when crossing administrative borders. Emergency transport for essential needs, fuel, food, medical supplies and equipment need to well planned, and planning for rationing of essential food and fuel. Information and awareness actions of the population on preventive measures should be reinforced, in particular on the effective implementation of barrier measures. There is need to build capacity in human resources, and ensure cross-border surveillance.
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