Kinshasa, 04 November 2024 – Persistent food insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to raise serious concerns within the international community. Despite immense agricultural potential, the country faces an alarming situation where 25.6 million Congolese suffer from a high level of food insecurity. This reality raises crucial questions about the root causes of this crisis and the actions to be taken to address it.
According to Bruno Lemarquis, United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator, the factors contributing to food insecurity in the DRC are multiple and complex. Persistent armed conflicts in some regions of the country have led to the destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of more than 6 million people, thus aggravating the situation. In addition, the effects of climate change are accentuating vulnerabilities and tensions related to natural resources, leading to limited access to essential financing for the development of the agricultural sector.
To address this crisis, ambitious reforms are needed. There is an urgent need to invest massively in agricultural research, improve rural infrastructure, strengthen land governance and support small family farms. It is also essential to promote approaches aimed at reducing dependence on humanitarian aid and encouraging the food autonomy of the Congolese populations.
Faced with these challenges, Athman MRAVILI, sub-regional coordinator, underlines the importance of concluding strategic partnerships, increasing investments and exploiting the opportunities offered by digital technologies. He highlights the need to enhance the potential of the agri-food ecosystem in Central Africa to transform food systems and guarantee food and nutritional security for populations.
The meeting organized by FAO in Kinshasa under the theme “The potential of the agri-food ecosystem in Central Africa” aims to raise awareness among key stakeholders on the challenges and opportunities of the agricultural sector. This initiative encourages dialogue and the exchange of good practices to strengthen collaboration between countries in the region to promote sustainable development and transform the agricultural economy into a growth engine for Central Africa.
In conclusion, the fight against food insecurity in the DRC requires a holistic approach and the mobilization of all stakeholders. By investing in agriculture, strengthening infrastructure and promoting the autonomy of populations, it is possible to overcome these challenges and build a more secure and prosperous future for all Congolese.