Farmers’ movement in the Congo attracts much attention

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The farmers' movement in the Congo has achieved two significant feats to be proud of this year. In the spring, lobbying by Congolese farmers and their organisations made possible the passing of an agricultural act detailing the general principles of the agricultural sector. In October, the establishment of the national umbrella organisation of male and female farmers, the Confédération Nationale des Producteurs Agricoles du Congo (CONAPAC), expanded upon this first achievement.

A substantial number of decisive agricultural organisations exists within the Democratic Republic of Congo, although their sphere of influence is mainly regional and provincial. Until this autumn, farmers had not organised themselves nationally, partially due to the involvement of their immense country in a long-drawn-out conflict and partially due to the serious lack of infrastructure in the country. Agricultural associations are presently very busy establishing and reinforcing a national association under the leadership of the farmers' organisation in the province of North Kivu (FOPAC) and with Agriterra's active support. In October 2011, this association had its official start.

In the Congo, seventy percent of the population lives from the land. Although agriculture always has contributed more than any other sector to the national economy and is still doing so, it has been subject to severe neglect for a long period. Change is coming now with the new agricultural act. This brings recognition that family agriculture is the cornerstone of the Congolese economy, that this sector has a future and that this future is of decisive importance for the country.

The passing of the agricultural act was the first step. It is essential now that decisions implementing the act issue from this first step. These must be decisions that favour the rural population and that have their foundation in the active involvement and strong voices of leaders of farmers' organisations. The CONAPAC will have an important role to play here.