Analysis of the Intensity of Burundi’s Rice Imports from Tanzania
J. C. Ndayisaba *
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, P.O.Box 536, Egerton-20115, Kenya.
J. K. Lagat
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, P.O.Box 536, Egerton-20115, Kenya.
W. M. Ndayitwayeko
Department of Rural Economics, University of Burundi, Burundi.
S. K. Kiprop
Department of Economics, Egerton University, P.O.Box 536, Egerton-20115, Kenya.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Neighboring countries usually exchange goods and services, taking advantage of proximity and other shared socio-economic characteristics among citizens. This study explored the intensity of Burundi’s rice imports from Tanzania. First of all it determined and analyzed the evolution of the intensity of rice imports. Secondly, it estimated the factors which influence the intensity of rice imports. The results indicated that Burundi’s rice imports from Tanzania remained more intensive over 2003-2018. However the financial crisis which slapped the world in 2007-2008 harmed Burundi’s rice imports from Tanzania probably due to lack of finance to import. Moreover, the results revealed that the Burundian national income, its exchange rate and its trade openness significantly had a positive effect on the intensity of Burundi’s rice imports from Tanzania.
Keywords: Imports, neighboring countries, intensity of trade, food trade.