Reopening of borders and prospects for the gradual resumption of informal activities

Armed groups violence and inter-community tensions in North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri and Tanganyika during the previous month continued and caused new displacements of the population, in the midst of the growing season. This situation portends even more difficult food availability conditions in these already affected areas. According to a REACH assessment, these displacements affected 84% and 69% of localities in South Kivu and Tanganyika respectively.

In November 2020, the reopening of the borders with Uganda and Rwanda anticipates new economic prospects through the gradual resumption of informal cross-border activities led by small traders who will be able to improve their sources of income reduced since the first restrictions in connection with COVID -19. In the coming months, we expect a gradual improvement in trade flows, volumes traded and food availability in the areas concerned.

Normal rainfall at the start of the growing season A in the northeast and central-eastern areas has enabled activities to start effectively with the sowing of the main staple crops (maize, groundnuts and beans) and good yields are anticipated in the absence of any climatic disturbance. However, areas affected by conflict will see lower than normal agricultural production.

Heavy rains in October 2020, which hit Masisi territory and the surrounding area, caused flooding and extensive material damage. According to the provincial government, more than 100,000 people are affected by these floods and risk losing some or all of their crops for the agricultural season A..

North Kivu, part of Ituri and part of Tanganyika, will still be in Crisis (IPC Phase 3), and the territory of Djugu in Ituri will be in an Emergency situation (IPC Phase 4) due to conflicts and their impact on livelihoods. The north will be in Minimal (IPC Phase 1) and the central part including the north of the Kasai region, and the south-eastern zone will be in Stress (IPC Phase 2).