Fatshimetrie: The challenges of food rations for internally displaced people in North Kivu
In a context marked by massive population movements in the North Kivu region in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the challenges related to feeding internally displaced people remain worrying. The camps scattered in and around the city of Goma host thousands of people forced to flee violence and armed conflicts in the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyiragongo. Among the main concerns of the displaced are improving their food ration and adapting distributions to local eating habits.
Before their displacement, these populations were self-sufficient in their villages, growing and eating local products such as potatoes, beans, meat and fish. However, camp life has disrupted their livelihoods, making them dependent on humanitarian aid to ensure their survival. The monthly food distributions currently provided no longer appear to be sufficient to meet the nutritional needs and dietary preferences of the displaced.
Among the main criticisms expressed by beneficiaries is the discontinuity of distributions, with some displaced people reporting a cessation of food distributions for around two months. In addition, the composition of the food rations provided does not always correspond to local culinary habits, with some displaced people reporting a predominance of products such as wheat flour, which is uncommon in their traditional diet.
Another point raised by the displaced concerns the amount allocated per household for the purchase of complementary foodstuffs. With a daily ration equivalent to only 1,200 Congolese francs per person, many consider this amount insufficient to meet their basic needs. Some displaced people are thus forced to resell part of their food to obtain additional funds and buy food more suited to their nutritional needs.
Faced with these challenges, it is crucial that humanitarian organizations and local authorities work together to improve the quality and relevance of food distributions to internally displaced people in North Kivu. It is necessary to take into account the cultural and dietary specificities of displaced populations in order to guarantee adequate food assistance that meets their needs. By promoting the diversification of products distributed and adjusting financial allocations, it is possible to significantly improve the quality of life of displaced people and contribute to their long-term food autonomy.
In conclusion, the issue of food rations for internally displaced people in North Kivu remains a major challenge to overcome.. By ensuring adequate access to a varied and balanced diet, humanitarian actors can play a crucial role in the protection and well-being of displaced populations. It is imperative to place dignity and respect for culinary traditions at the heart of humanitarian actions, in order to effectively meet the food needs of the most vulnerable.