The Symposium on Food Security in Haut-Katanga recently highlighted the significant progress made in terms of agricultural production in the region. The intervention of Professor Lucien Kimuni of the University of Lubumbashi highlighted the notable progress made since the 2019 roundtable, highlighting an increase in local production of maize, an essential food in the Katanga region.
The figures speak for themselves: from a production of 200,000 tons of maize in 2019, Haut-Katanga is now proud to have reached 317,000 tons, thanks to the combined efforts of local actors and the provincial government. However, despite this progress, the province’s needs amount to 960,000 tons, leaving a gap of 600,000 tons to be filled.
Professor Kimuni emphasizes the need to diversify crops to meet this growing demand. By targeting beans, cassava and peanuts, farmers could not only meet local food needs, but also boost the region’s agricultural economy.
This Symposium, the result of the collaboration between the Provincial Assembly of Haut-Katanga and the University of Lubumbashi, aims to identify the socio-economic challenges of the province and propose sustainable solutions. By promoting dialogue between scientists and local decision-makers, the event positions itself as a pillar of regional governance, thus promoting the economic and social development of Haut-Katanga.
In conclusion, the issue of food security in Haut-Katanga is a crucial issue that requires concerted action by all stakeholders. By investing in crop diversification and supporting local initiatives, the region could not only meet its food needs, but also strengthen its food sovereignty and promote sustainable development.