Since 1960, agriculture in the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen little progress despite changes in government. However, history has taken a new turn with the appointment of the first female Prime Minister, Mrs. Judith Tuluka, a decision that has significant repercussions for millions of Congolese farmers.
Judith Tuluka’s appointment has elicited mixed reactions among farmers. In Upper Katanga, some expect direct government support to improve their conditions, while others remain skeptical about the potential impact of her appointment as a woman as Prime Minister. The main expectation of these farmers is for the new Prime Minister to make agriculture a priority by clearly unveiling her strategy to revitalize this long-neglected sector.
In South Kivu, farmers in the Ruzizi plain express a pressing need for access to quality agricultural inputs at affordable prices. They demand tractors, seeds, and market regulation to ensure profitable outlets for their products. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of establishing an agricultural bank to facilitate access to agricultural credit, thereby strengthening their initiatives.
Standardizing prices in the market and creating profitable outlets for agricultural products are challenges that the new Prime Minister will have to address. Without a stable and lucrative market, many farmers will continue to operate at a loss, highlighting the crucial importance of urgent reforms in the agricultural sector.
Some farmers see the appointment of a woman as Prime Minister as a sign of hope, believing that women’s compassionate nature could bring positive change to the agricultural sector. However, others remain skeptical of radical change and call for concrete reforms to save the sector. To ensure agricultural development, farmers insist on the need to build new infrastructure and rehabilitate old ones, especially agricultural access roads. Furthermore, the establishment of factories for the processing of agricultural products is considered essential to encourage investors and support farmers in the country.
Agriculture is recognized as the engine of development in the DRC, and Judith Tuluka’s appointment as Prime Minister has raised great hopes and expectations within the agricultural community. Farmers expect concrete measures from her to promote the agricultural sector and bring significant changes to their living conditions.
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