diff --git a/pkgs/development/python-modules/smbus-cffi/default.nix b/pkgs/development/python-modules/smbus-cffi/default.nix
index 6715cfd60d95..ffb22d1c4b42 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/python-modules/smbus-cffi/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/python-modules/smbus-cffi/default.nix
@@ -24,6 +24,8 @@ buildPythonPackage rec {
     })
   ];
 
+  propagatedNativeBuildInputs = [ cffi ];
+
   propagatedBuildInputs = [ cffi ];
 
   installCheckPhase = ''