In the bustling town of Kenge, located in the heart of Kwango, a compelling daily drama unfolds, intertwining commerce, product scarcity, and soaring prices. The dominant figures in the local market are cassava sellers who wield significant influence, setting prices based on the laws of supply and demand.
Cassava, a vital staple food in many regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has transformed into a precious commodity in Kenge. Sellers go to great lengths, traveling over 50 kilometers to acquire bags of cassava at times extravagant prices. The limited production by local farmers, combined with inadequate road conditions, contributes to the price hikes. Consequently, cassava remains scarce and in high demand in the market.
Capitalizing on the strong demand for cassava, sellers adjust prices according to product availability. This fluctuation prompts tensions, as some traders are accused of inflating prices to maximize profits. Consumers are left with challenging decisions, compelled to accept the prices dictated by sellers.
Despite the predicament, the Kenge town hall appears powerless to intervene effectively. Local authorities are urging major traders to procure directly from producers in an attempt to lower market prices. However, this initiative encounters obstacles, leaving consumers trapped amidst scarcity and high costs.
Additionally, essential products like caterpillars, peanuts, and tomatoes are also facing increased scarcity in Kenge. This situation underscores the agricultural challenges in the Kwango province, even with existing projects such as the Bukangalonzo Agro-Industrial Park, designed to enhance food self-sufficiency and stimulate the local economy but falling short of expectations. This leaves the population vulnerable to food shortages.
The plight of cassava sellers in Kenge mirrors the struggles encountered by many Congolese communities, living precariously and dependent on basic necessities. This reality underscores the importance of investing in local agriculture, supporting small-scale producers, and championing sustainable initiatives to ensure food security for all.
[Original article link](https://eng.fatshimetrie.org/2024/04/19/cassava-sellers-dictating-prices-in-kenge-market/)
[External article link](https://actualite.cd/2024/04/19/kwango-le-manioc-produit-le-plus-couteux-et-rare-du-marche-de-kenge-les-vendeurs-dictent)