Hungry Congo could help feed the world: expert

… A lack of roads to bring produce to market in Congo’s urban centres mean much of what is consumed in cities is imported.

As a result, Congo has been one of the countries worst hit by rising food prices linked to high oil and transport costs.


Though much of this can be blamed on war and the limitations of a shattered economy, von Braun said the government’s failure to prioritise farming has also stunted growth in the sector.

While 70 percent of Congolese earn a living in the sector, which makes up nearly half of Congo’s economy, only 1 to 2 percent of state spending goes to investment in farming.

“The investments in agriculture are investments in peace in this big country, but they need to be initiated now. Any waiting longer will undermine the economic growth,” von Braun said.

He warned against investing heavily in industrial farming or the large-scale agriculture of Congo’s colonial past.

Instead he urged support for small farmers and for improving farming methods and equipment through microfinance programs.

Congo also needs to build roads so farmers can sell their crops to consumers, reducing imports to create a self-sustaining domestic sector that should one day be able to export, he said.

Reuters