“As the end-of-year festivities are fast approaching, the city of Kikwit, located in the Kwilu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is witnessing a surge in the prices of cows and other animals on local markets. This sudden increase in prices raises many questions and concerns among residents and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
According to Jean Manwana, head of the livestock trading market in Kazamba, animal prices have risen significantly in recent days, also causing an increase in livestock thefts. This worrying situation has been brought to the attention of local authorities in order to put in place effective measures to strengthen the security of sales locations.
The figures speak for themselves: a goat that was sold for between 160,000 and 300,000 Congolese francs (FC) a short time ago is now selling at even higher prices. Similarly, the price of a sheep has exceeded the mark of 200,000 FC, whereas it was initially capped at 150,000 FC. As for cows, their value has reached new heights, trading between 2,000,000 and 5,000,000 FC, where they previously sold for around 1,600,000 FC.
Several factors explain this surge in prices. First of all, the approach of the end-of-year festivities plays a major role in this sudden increase in demand. Residents are looking to acquire livestock to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, which stimulates the market. In addition, the opening of a new market in Tshikapa, which competes with the one in Kikwit since the asphalting of the road linking the two cities, has also contributed to this increase in prices. Finally, the various taxes imposed by the General Directorate of Revenue of Kwilu have had an impact on the selling prices of animals.
In the face of this worrying situation, it is essential that local authorities take adequate measures to secure trading sites and combat livestock theft. Transparency and market regulation are also key issues to ensure fair transactions for breeders and buyers. During this festive season, it is crucial to ensure that everyone can celebrate in peace, without suffering the consequences of excessive speculation on animal prices.”