Econ Papers Daily / 期刊论文
冲突与经济优先事项十字路口的粮食安全：刚果民主共和国布卡武案例
Food security at the crossroads of conflict and economic priorities: the case of Bukavu, DRC
摘要
In Bukavu and other Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) cities, food security faces significant challenges due to rapid population growth, war-driven immigration, and a governmental orientation towards the mineral sector. These issues are exacerbated by the exodus from farming communities, low agricultural yields, and poor infrastructure limiting access to farming inputs and local markets. Consequently, local communities rely heavily on food imports, often becoming vulnerable to accessing only highly processed, nutrient-poor foods. This study examines how these factors, combined with reduced local food production and poor infrastructure, impact food security in the city. First, a literature review was conducted to map relevant actors and existing research on food security, nutrition, and health policies. Focus group discussions were then conducted with nutritionists, urban planners, policymakers, local authorities, private sector actors, academics, and consumers, as well as key informant interviews with users and providers of both formal and informal food services, to gain a deeper understanding of these factors. Our analysis reveals that Bukavu’s history is deeply intertwined with extractivism, marked by conflict and resource exploitation, shaping its economy, infrastructure, and governance, often at the expense of local communities and the environment. This dynamic has had lasting impacts on key food security drivers and contributed to social instability. We consider implications for improving food security in Bukavu, taking into account pressures from extractivism, the demographic boom, and ongoing conflict. This study aims to better understand food security in conflict-affected regions and offers insights for policy and intervention development.
中文摘要
在布卡武及刚果民主共和国（DRC）东部其他城市，粮食安全面临重大挑战，原因包括人口快速增长、战争驱动的移民以及政府对矿产部门的主导取向。这些问题因农业社区人口外流、农业产量低下以及基础设施薄弱限制了获取农业投入品和本地市场而加剧。因此，当地社区严重依赖粮食进口，往往只能获得高度加工、营养贫乏的食品而处于脆弱境地。本研究考察这些因素与本地粮食生产减少和基础设施薄弱相结合如何影响该城市的粮食安全。首先，进行了文献综述，以梳理相关行为主体以及关于粮食安全、营养和健康政策的现有研究。随后，与营养学家、城市规划者、政策制定者、地方当局、私营部门行为主体、学者和消费者开展了焦点小组讨论，并与正式和非正式粮食服务的使用者和提供者进行了关键知情人访谈，以更深入地理解这些因素。我们的分析表明，布卡武的历史与攫取主义深度交织，以冲突和资源开发为标志，塑造了其经济、基础设施和治理，且往往以牺牲当地社区和环境为代价。这一动态对关键粮食安全驱动因素产生了持久影响，并助长了社会不稳定。我们考虑改善布卡武粮食安全的启示，同时兼顾攫取主义、人口激增和持续冲突带来的压力。本研究旨在更好地理解受冲突影响地区的粮食安全，并为政策和干预措施的制定提供见解。