The 2024-2025 agricultural campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo is shaping up to be a major challenge for the country. President Félix Tshisekedi recently stressed the importance of mobilizing more financial resources for the agricultural sector during a meeting of the Council of Ministers. This decision comes in a context where food and socio-economic challenges are numerous and pressing.
The President’s speech highlights the need to invest in agriculture to ensure the well-being of the Congolese population. Directives were given to support local farmers by providing improved seeds, fertilizers and agricultural equipment. The objective is to increase agricultural yields and reduce dependence on food imports.
It is crucial that the Government takes ownership of the thinking and initiatives aimed at developing profitable agricultural value chains. This approach aims not only to create jobs and stimulate the economy, but also to guarantee food security for the Congolese population.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security has been tasked with assessing government interventions in the current agricultural campaign to ensure effective preparation for the following season. Feasibility studies will be conducted in collaboration with agronomic experts to establish productive agro-pastoral hubs.
Rationalizing resources allocated to ongoing agricultural projects and coordinating initiatives across ministries are essential to optimizing the social and economic benefits of investments in agriculture. A high-level meeting is planned for early next year to finalize the agricultural strategy and ensure the coherence of government actions.
It is undeniable that agriculture plays a crucial role in the economic and social development of the DRC. By supporting farmers, investing in sustainable agricultural practices and strengthening promising agricultural sectors, the country will be able to meet the challenges of food security and contribute to the prosperity of its population.
The 2024-2025 agricultural campaign thus represents an opportunity for the DRC to transform its agricultural sector and stimulate its economic growth in an inclusive and sustainable manner. It is by investing in agriculture that the country will be able to guarantee a better future for its inhabitants and strengthen its food sovereignty.