Large numbers of internally displaced persons have been unable to produce their own food and are largely dependent on international humanitarian assistance. This dependence on coffee has increased Burundi's vulnerability to seasonal yields and international coffee prices.
Coffee is the largest state-owned enterprise.
In recent years, the government has tried to attract private investment to this sector, with some success. Efforts to privatize other publicly held enterprises have stalled. Other principal exports include tea and raw cotton. Little industry exists except the processing of agricultural exports. Although potential wealth in petroleum, nickel, copper, and other natural resources is being explored, the uncertain security situation has prevented meaningful investor interest.