Impact of the expiry of the Black Sea grain agreement on food supply in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a potential shock in its food supply following the expiration of the Black Sea grain agreement. This agreement, which will expire on July 18, is crucial for African countries, including the DRC, which depend on imports to meet domestic demand.
The expiration of the cereals agreement could lead to a spike in the prices of cereals, particularly rice, maize and wheat, staple food products in the DRC. The country already spends more than USD 2 billion a year on food imports to meet domestic demand, due to a lack of strategic food reserves.
The DRC imports hundreds of thousands of tons of maize and maize flour each year, as well as significant quantities of rice. However, the shortage of cereals is already noticeable in certain regions of the country. The temporary solution is to rely on neighbors, but that doesn’t solve the long-term problem.
The Black Sea Grains Agreement, which involves Russia and Ukraine as major grain exporters to Africa, plays a crucial role in the food supply of many African countries, including the DRC. However, differences between the Western and Russian parties prevented the extension of this agreement.
The consequences of this situation are worrying for the DRC, which is facing a growing need for food for its population. The country’s unexploited arable land offers enormous potential for agriculture, but insufficient domestic production makes the country highly dependent on imports.
It is therefore imperative that measures be taken to guarantee food security in the DRC. It is essential to invest in local agriculture, to encourage the national production of cereals and to promote policies favorable to food self-sufficiency.
In conclusion, the expiry of the Black Sea grain agreement may have a major impact on the food supply in the DRC. To deal with this situation, it is essential to take measures to strengthen domestic production and reduce dependence on imports. Food security should be a top priority to ensure the well-being of the Congolese population