CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF* (17 February)
The relative improvement in the security situation since 2004 in the country and assistance provided to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returning refugees have had some positive impact on agricultural activities in the affected areas. However, recent clashes in the eastern part of the country have displaced over 100 000 people in the area in addition to the existing 3 million IDPs. Thus, the insecurity for the producers and traders (who are forced to pay unauthorized levies on farm their produce), the shortages of basic inputs (such as improved planting materials, hand tools, fishing equipment and veterinary supplies) and the decrepit rural infrastructure (notably feeder roads) are the main constraints to food production and distribution. Furthermore, staple crops, namely, cassava and banana this season have been severely damaged by pests and diseases.
In DRC, food insecurity affects over 70 percent of the total population of 57 million. Hence, the Government and the donor community, at the Round Table conference held in March 2004, confirmed agriculture sector rehabilitation as the cornerstone of their strategy for poverty reduction. The focus will be on two main components addressing emergency needs on one hand and achieving the medium to long term rehabilitation on the other. Under the Minimum Partnership Program for Transition and Recovery, the donor community has pledged US$6.86 billion over the next 4 years, of which US$285 million are intended for agriculture. The country has also received US$39 million from the IMF under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility.