DR Congo: Democratic Republic of Congo - Food Security Outlook, October 2023 - May 2024

ReliefWeb: Updates by Country 29.02.2024 03:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Famine Early Warning System Network Please refer to the attached file. Acute food insecurity remains high in conflict zones during the lean season Key Messages Despite multiple regional and international initiatives to restore peace to the Democratic Republic of Congo , the security situation remains precarious for populations in conflict zones due to the involvement of a multitude of local and foreign armed groups operating in the country's eastern provinces. Despite increased household participation in season A, the hostile environment will not encourage improved agricultural production and will continue to erode the livelihoods of affected households, particularly internally displaced persons . Both North Kivu, affected by the 23 March Movement rebellion, and Ituri, where conflict between armed groups persists, will remain in Crisis with a proportion of households in Emergency . Despite government assurances, the state fuel subsidy system is encountering limitations. Since September, oil traders have staged strikes in several towns across the country, accusing the government of failing to meet its financial obligations for over a year. In the DRC, fuel prices have risen by more than 100 percent, negatively impacting food prices and access for poor households. The measures enacted by the government to slow the depreciation of the local currency since August, notably the requirement to pay taxes and fees in local currency, and the increase in the key commercial bank rate from 9 to 25 percent, seem to be yielding positive results. The monthly inflation rate fell from 5.8 percent in July to 0.9 percent in August 2023. As a result, prices of staple foods have remained stable in recent months. As a result, prices of staple foods have remained stable yet high in recent months; for example, maize prices in Djugu are 70 percent and 158 percent higher than the same period last year and the four-year average, respectively. This limits food access for poor households in affected areas. Taking into account the poor production of the previous season, the eastern part of the country will experience Crisis outcomes, particularly in the Kasai, Tanganyika, North Kivu, and Ituri regions, throughout the outlook period. It is, however, highly likely that a proportion of households in Crisis will change to Stressed with the conclusion of the seasonal harvests due to increased food stocks.

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