In the east, Season A starts with below-average precipitation

Agricultural season A activities have resumed in the northeast and central-east zones of the country, despite estimated below-average rainfall. According to NOAA forecasts, this rainfall is but still able to support a crop cycle. Sowing of the main food crops, notably maize, groundnuts and beans, was carried out at the right time in both zones. Household access to land is reduced due to recent population displacements, supporting poor forecasts for the season's performance.

The Ituri territory of Mambasa has seen a recent escalation in violence perpetrated by ADF incursions into the area.  In addition, there have been clashes between the FARDC and various armed groups in the same area. Against this backdrop of uncertainty, agricultural recovery efforts in this part of Ituri are becoming virtually impossible, and farming households that are dependent on the sale of their produce will see their incomes dwindle.

Since July 2022, the price of petrol has risen sharply, up by almost 71 percent compared with the previous year's average, and by 16 percent compared with August 2022. These prices increases are due to the significant drop in stocks in the country, a situation which has led to a substantial increase in transport costs and in the price of foodstuffs and services. These prices increased will limit access to food, particularly for populations in conflict-affected areas where agricultural recovery remains compromised.

During this lean season in the bimodal areas of the east, populations in conflict zones will experience food consumption deficits earlier than usual. These areas, namely the provinces of Kasai, Sankuru, Maniema, Tanganyika, Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, will remain in Crisis (IPC Phase 3).  On the other hand, areas with minimally adequate food consumption (Maniema, Lomami, Lwalaba) will remain Stressed (IPC Phase 2).  Stable areas in the north, such as Tshopo, Bas-Uele and Haut-Uele, will remain in Minimal (IPC Phase 1) in September and October, while some areas in the center-east will be Stressed (IPC Phase 2).