Fatshimetrie, a media outlet committed to highlighting socio-economic issues in Africa, is today looking at a major problem affecting the city of Tshikapa, located in the Kasai province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since last September, a worrying phenomenon has taken hold: the growing scarcity of basic necessities, particularly corn and cassava, on local markets.
The inhabitants of Tshikapa are facing major challenges, as essential foodstuffs are becoming increasingly rare and unaffordable. The price of corn, for example, has exploded, going from 12,000 to 25,000 Congolese francs in the space of a few weeks. This surge in prices is pushing many households into a precarious situation, exacerbating the difficulties linked to food insecurity.
Binjamin Mbomo, acting sector chief and administrative secretary of the Sud-Banga sector in Kasai, is sounding the alarm. He encourages village chiefs to become more involved in the fight against this crisis by working alongside traders to ensure a regular supply of basic foodstuffs. He also calls on provincial authorities to take effective and rapid measures to alleviate this worrying situation.
The consequences of this scarcity of basic necessities are multiple. The most vulnerable households find themselves in a situation of increased precariousness, struggling to feed themselves decently. In addition, the region’s economic activity is suffering, with traders facing supply and sales difficulties. State agents and civil servants are not spared, their purchasing power being impacted by this food crisis.
This situation seems to be linked to the presence of unscrupulous traders who store foodstuffs to resell them at exorbitant prices. This practice contributes to the scarcity of products on local markets and worsens the precariousness of already weakened populations. It is urgent that measures be taken to regulate the market and ensure equitable access to food for all residents of Tshikapa.
In conclusion, the crisis of scarcity of basic necessities in Tshikapa is a real challenge for the local population. It is imperative that concrete actions be put in place to ensure food security for all, and to combat speculative practices that contribute to this worrying situation. Fatshimetrie will continue to closely monitor the evolution of this crisis and raise public awareness on the crucial issues of food in Africa.