In a heartfelt plea, the Union of Farmers, Fishermen, and Livestock Breeders of Congo (UNAGRICO) calls for better representation of farmers in the national institutions of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to Ms. Elysée Mbuyi, a member of UNAGRICO, farmers often feel excluded and their demands are ignored by decision-making bodies. To address this situation, UNAGRICO wishes for farmers to be elected to the lower house of Parliament to advocate for their profession’s interests.
Agriculture plays a vital role in the country’s economy and can contribute to food self-sufficiency. However, despite the efforts made by farmers, their initiatives have often been in vain. Under the leadership of Mr. Pierre Bukasa Katambay, UNAGRICO has made significant progress in the agricultural sector, including securing agricultural sites, advocating for agricultural laws, and strengthening farmers’ capacities.
It is essential to acknowledge the importance of farmers, fishermen, and livestock breeders in Congolese society and give them a voice within national institutions. UNAGRICO, alongside other agricultural organizations, aims to foster mutual understanding among different stakeholders in the profession and raise awareness among farmers and the general public about the challenges they face. The representation of farmers is a crucial issue for the future of agriculture in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Féret-lumbu-Gédéon from Kinshasa.