The World Food Programme (WFP) has reported widespread food shortages and increased vulnerability to hunger in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with 1.5 million people in emergency levels of food insecurity.
Development Diaries reports that the ongoing political instability and armed conflicts in the country have devastated food production and distribution systems.
In eastern DRC, there are currently more than 100 separate armed factions battling for dominance. As families evacuate their homes in search of safety, this violence is leading to a tremendous displacement of people and critical humanitarian needs.
It is understood that millions of people are at risk of a hunger crisis as the WFP has received limited funding to maintain humanitarian support.
Farmers’ capacity to cultivate their farms is hampered by the continual danger of violence, which lowers agricultural yields and restricts their access to markets.
Data from WFP reveals that DRC is the largest food crisis in the world, with 25.8 million people being food insecure.
Also, there are 6.3 million internally displaced persons in the country.
Food insecurity, malnutrition, health, education, access to clean water, and housing are all impacted by the fighting in eastern DRC.
Despite all of these, WFP has decried a huge funding gap of U.S.$ 567 million, equivalent to 78 percent of the required funds for the next six months.
Development Diaries urges donors and humanitarian partners to step up funding capacities to salvage the already deteriorating situation in the country.
Photo source: United Nations
