Residents of the city of Bandundu, in the Kwilu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, are facing an alarming increase in the prices of agricultural products, particularly corn and cassava. During this festive period, the surge in prices has reached worrying levels, directly impacting the budget of households in the region.
The figures speak for themselves: a bag of cassava, which was initially sold for around 60,000 Congolese francs, has soared to 90,000 or even 100,000 francs. For its part, a bag of corn, which was sold for 120,000 francs, now displays prices ranging from 180,000 to 200,000 Congolese francs. Even a small measure of corn, commonly called “Ekolo”, has seen its price double, going from 1,200 to 2,500, or even 3,000 Congolese francs.
The reasons for this surge in prices are multiple. According to vendors interviewed on site, the rainy season disrupted the supply of agricultural products, thus increasing the scarcity of basic foodstuffs. In addition, the deterioration of roads and insecurity in Kwamouth have contributed to this critical situation. The Mobondo militia, currently active in the region, is also disrupting the flow of goods, further impacting prices on the market.
This dizzying rise in prices weighs heavily on the daily lives of households in Bandundu. Testifying to their distress, Tyty Bintu, met at the central market of Mampuya, expressed her concern: “Prices have become exorbitant. We are suffering here in Bandundu. Everything costs more, from fish to fufu, including corn. This unbalances the family budget. Purchases must be reduced to the bare minimum, which complicates household management.”
In addition to corn and cassava, other agricultural products have also seen their prices increase in Bandundu, impacting the household basket as a whole. Peanuts, vegetables and other foodstuffs have followed the upward trend, making the economic situation of the city’s inhabitants increasingly precarious.
Faced with this price crisis, it is becoming imperative to find sustainable solutions to guarantee the regular supply of agricultural products and ensure the stability of prices on the market. Local and national authorities are called upon to take adequate measures to relieve the financial pressure weighing on Bandundu families. Only a concerted action plan can address this surge in prices and prevent a deeper deterioration of the economic situation in the region.