Fatshimetrie, a look at the vegetable economy in Kinshasa
In the hustle and bustle of Kinshasa’s markets, a trend has recently caught the attention of consumers and small traders: the fluctuation in the prices of vegetables from the city of Mbanza-Ngungu, located in the Kongo Central province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A local market gardener, Carine Landu, pointed out that the price of a kilogram of cabbages from this region has dropped significantly, from 7,000 FC to 3,000 FC, a decrease of 133.3%.
This price variation is mainly explained by seasonal factors and the abundant availability of cabbages on local markets. Indeed, the excess supply of this vegetable has led to a decrease in its market value, thus offering local consumers the opportunity to buy fresh produce at more advantageous prices.
But the drop in prices is not limited to cabbages; Other products such as cassava leaves, okra, yam buds, amaranth and sweet potato leaves have also seen their market value decrease. This situation reflects a certain stability in the prices of widely consumed vegetables, thus highlighting the importance of closely monitoring market developments in order to make judicious purchasing choices.
At the same time, some vegetables have maintained their prices, reflecting the seasonal characteristics of their production. This is the case for Kikalakasa leaves, sorrel and eggplant leaves, whose prices have remained stable despite the fluctuations observed on other products.
This economic dynamic of vegetables in Kinshasa highlights the importance of diversifying supply sources and consumer vigilance in the face of price variations on the markets. By encouraging local consumption and supporting small producers, it is possible to create a sustainable economic balance for the entire community.