The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a severe hunger crisis, with millions of people experiencing acute food insecurity:
Number of people affected
Between July and December 2024, approximately 25.6 million people in the DRC are experiencing high levels of food insecurity, which is about 22% of the population. This includes around 3.1 million people in critical need of food assistance.
Causes
The DRC’s hunger crisis is rooted in many factors, including:
Conflict: Violence has led to mass displacement, with 6.4 million people internally displaced.
Poverty: About 75% of the population lives on less than $2.15 per day.
Gender-based violence: Women and girls face a constant threat of sexual violence, especially when searching for firewood to sell.
Challenges
The DRC is facing severe funding shortages, fluctuating food security, and escalating conflict.
Solutions
To address the hunger crisis, stakeholders should:
Provide food assistance to women
Offer livelihood opportunities to women
End inter-community violence and conflict
Organizations like the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Action Against Hunger are working to help address the hunger crisis in the DRC.
