The eruption of Nyiragongo volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo has several economic consequences, particularly in the coffee sector. The harvest that is currently taking place in the region is still being done, but the processing of the coffee beans and their transport is on schedule. As a result, planters run the risk of losing money.
The disorganization of the coffee sector mainly affects growers. Due to circulation problems, the harvested coffee beans cannot be transported to sorting and washing stations. The treatment is therefore done by the producers, but in a more traditional way. And this lowers prices, explains Emmanuel Rwakagara, founder of the company Virunga Coffee: “We are obliged to let the producers process their own production, and there the quality is sacrificed. The farmer mixes everything, without separating the best and without fermenting and drying it properly. He now goes to the lowest price and he does not win “.
Difficulties in selling the crops
Another consequence is that planters have a harder time selling their harvest because buyers do not have the money to pay for it. These financing problems also weigh on exports, adds Emmanuel Rwakagara: “The effect on the delay in transporting the coffee container to the port of Mombassa and Dar el Salam from Goma, because you have to buy sugar. You have to pay the staff, you have to pay this or that and all that And without money, everything stays ”.
These slowdowns are now consequently the impatience of some European traders who want to see their boxes of coffee leave Goma.
►Read also: Eruption of Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Buhene, a lava-washed village
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