In the city of Goma, located in the volatile province of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an alarming situation is affecting local markets. Indeed, imported food products from abroad are flooding the stalls, relegating local products to the background. This problem has its origins in the context of war that is shaking the region, cutting off all supply routes to the city.
Due to the persistent insecurity, many local farmers have been forced to flee their lands to take refuge in displaced persons sites around Goma. This situation has led to a massive abandonment of fields, leaving room for imported food products to fill the void left by local products. Thus, on the markets of Goma, it is increasingly common to find foodstuffs from other countries rather than local production.
This reality poses many challenges for the local economy and the food self-sufficiency of the inhabitants of Goma. Indeed, increased dependence on imported products weakens the local economy and exposes residents to greater vulnerability to fluctuations in international markets. In addition, this situation highlights the destructive impacts of armed conflicts on agriculture and the food security of local populations.
Faced with this worrying situation, it is crucial to put in place measures to support local farmers and strengthen local food production. It is essential to create an environment conducive to the return of farmers to their land, by ensuring their safety and providing them with technical and financial support to restart their agricultural activities. In addition, policies to promote local products and regulate imports could help protect the local economy and guarantee the food sovereignty of Goma’s residents.
In conclusion, the issue of imported food products on Goma’s markets raises essential issues related to food security, the local economy and resilience to armed conflict. It is imperative to take rapid and effective measures to support local farmers, promote local production and preserve the food sovereignty of populations affected by the war in North Kivu.