In the vast territory of Kasongolunda, Kwango province, an alarming problem is emerging: the illicit sale of hemp, a growing practice that is seriously harming the local economy and the food security of the inhabitants. At the heart of this worrying situation is the phenomenon of “Mogroso”, an anarchic cultivation and marketing of hemp that is gradually supplanting traditional crops such as corn or cassava. This transformation of local agricultural practices has harmful consequences for the population, particularly in terms of malnutrition and food insecurity.
The administrator of the territory of Kasongolunda, Arsène Kukangidila, is sounding the alarm on this worrying reality. He highlights the fact that hemp cultivation, largely encouraged by the arrival of buyers from Kinshasa and sometimes uncontrolled armed elements, has created a vicious circle of economic and social dependence. Indeed, the predominance of “Mogroso” deprives the inhabitants of the region of essential food resources, thus weakening the security and stability of the local community.
The territory of Kasongolunda, due to its strategic geographical position on the border with Angola, is at the heart of this crucial issue. Its impressive surface area of 26,648 km² makes it a bastion of natural resources to be protected, but also a prime target for hemp traffickers and criminal networks. The presence of the Wamba, Bakali and Kwango, these rivers that crisscross the territory, adds a complex dimension to the problem, since these waterways promote the illicit transport of prohibited goods.
Faced with this worrying situation, it is imperative that local and national authorities take concrete measures to combat the hemp trade and restore the region’s food sovereignty. Awareness-raising actions, crackdowns on trafficking networks and promotion of local food crops are essential to protect the population of Kasongolunda from the ravages of the “Mogroso”. It is time to act collectively to preserve the integrity and prosperity of this region with immense potential, and thus guarantee a sustainable and balanced future for its inhabitants.