FAO Concludes Mission to DRC, Calls for Urgent Agricultural and Humanitarian Aid

Andre Jean Marie in Democratic Republic of Congo

GOMA – In a bid to highlight the escalating food security crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), senior officials from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have wrapped up a seven-day mission aimed at mobilizing international support and increasing emergency agricultural aid for the embattled nation.

The delegation, led by FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa Abebe Haile-Gabriel, and Director of the Office of Emergencies and Resilience Rein Paulsen, raised the alarm over the dire situation, particularly in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Their visit coincided with the recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, which shows 25.6 million people in the DRC—22 percent of the population—facing acute food insecurity, with many IDP sites classified as IPC Phase 4 (Emergency).

“Crisis Is Both Urgent and Chronic”
Speaking during the mission, Bechdol described the situation as a “critical moment for the DRC,” urging swift action to prevent a catastrophe while laying the foundation for resilience. “FAO’s role in providing emergency agricultural aid is crucial in addressing immediate needs while unlocking the nation’s vast potential for agricultural productivity,” she said.

Paulsen emphasized the dignity and impact of emergency agriculture, highlighting initiatives such as micro-gardening within IDP camps that are delivering life-saving food. “Agricultural interventions can go beyond immediate aid to strengthen resilience against future shocks,” he noted.

Partnership with the DRC Government
Minister of Agriculture Gregoire Mutshail Mutomb joined the delegation in Goma, praising FAO’s longstanding partnership with the DRC government. He highlighted the success of projects such as school gardens, seed distribution, and agricultural kits, which have alleviated hardship for populations living in extreme conditions.

Field Visits Show Progress and Challenges
The mission included site visits to North and South Kivu, where the delegation observed FAO’s impactful interventions. At the Rusayo 2 IDP site outside Goma, they witnessed the distribution of cash+ packages—comprising cash transfers, micro-gardening inputs, and livestock resources. In South Kivu, they visited FAO-supported fish hatcheries, seed multiplication sites, and Dimitra Clubs, which empower rural women and youth to drive community development.

These projects, officials noted, underscore the importance of timely access to agricultural inputs and support for local food production to prevent a worsening food crisis.

Appeal for Funding to Sustain Efforts
Concluding their mission, FAO officials appealed for $330 million in 2025 to expand emergency and resilience interventions, a slight increase from previous years to address the deteriorating situation. The funds aim to assist over three million people, supporting households with tools to rebuild livelihoods and strengthen food security.

“Breaking the vicious cycle of food insecurity in the DRC requires sustained investment in both emergency aid and long-term resilience,” Bechdol stressed.

The DRC faces compounded crises, including armed conflict, disease outbreaks, and economic challenges, exacerbating the already fragile food security landscape. FAO’s initiatives remain pivotal in providing hope and tangible support to the millions struggling to survive amidst these challenges.

The mission concluded with a press conference in Goma, where officials reiterated their commitment to standing with the people of the DRC in their time of need.