Political instability and armed conflicts in DRC “devastate food production and distribution systems,” flags WFP

23 Aug 2023 --- The DRC has become the “largest food crisis in the world,” with 25.8 million people marred by food insecurity, the country’s director of the World Food Programme (WFP) laments to the international press at a briefing in Switzerland. Widespread food shortages are rampant in the region and vulnerability to hunger has increased significantly, with at least 1.5 million people at emergency levels of food insecurity.

“The constant threat of violence hampers farmers’ ability to cultivate their lands, resulting in reduced crop yields and limited market access,” says Peter Musoko, DRC director, WFP. “Ongoing political instability and armed conflicts in the DRC have devastated food production and distribution systems.

Malnutrition affects about 4.4 million Congolese, while lack of access to essential services has increased the dangers civilians face exacerbated, including gender-based violence. The WFP is drowning in a funding deficit of 78%, with at least US$ 567 million needed in the coming six months to get the situation under control.

Exhausting resources and resolve 
The WFP is making ends meet with flexible funding, procuring vital complementary food commodities such as pulses, oil, and salt, known as a “comprehensive nutritional approach.” However, the reality the organization faces is that response efforts in the east of the DRC will take around US$728 million to patch up.

“Some 6.7 million food-insecure people reside in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu – equaling 44% of the province’s population,” Musoko says. “Some 6.3 million people are internally displaced in the country. Of this, approximately six million are within the three eastern provinces.” 

The conflict in eastern DRC is an interconnected crisis, affecting food insecurity, malnutrition, health, education, access to clean water and shelter. In the coming six months, WFP response efforts will cost hundreds of millions of dollars (Credit: WFP/Jacques David).

“The DRC needs immediate attention and support to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. We ask governments, donors, and humanitarian partners to stand with us in this time of need,” Musoko urges.

Slipping through the cracks
The essential humanitarian aid that WFP provides is hanging on a thread as funding dwindles. In July, WFP assisted 1.2 million people, which is likely to drop as the organization’s budget is well below half its target.

“In my conversations with those displaced, I am struck by their strength in the face of adversity. Their challenges, such as the daily struggle to secure enough food and the additional dangers women face when seeking sustenance, are deeply concerning,” says Musoko.

“It’s evident that the assistance we provide, though impactful, must be reinforced to ensure their well-being.”

Meanwhile, African leaders gathered to call for “more commitment and accountability in Africa’s efforts to achieve continental and global goals for nutrition, ahead of the 2025 World Health Assembly Nutrition target deadline.” 

By Inga de Jong