The DRC is a country rich in natural resources, from vast mineral deposits to fertile lands. Less noticed, but at the same time equally promising, is the dairy industry. In this industry, there are many challenges to be overcome; however, the development of the dairy sector in Congo presents several prospects for economic growth and social uplift. This blog will provide an outlook on the current status of the dairy industry in the Congo, including an analysis of challenges, efforts to overcome them, and what this means for the prospects of the Congolese population.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a significant market for dairy products, given its population of over 100 million people. There is a huge demand for milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt, due both to rapid urbanization and a growing middle class. Recent reports quote the per capita consumption of dairy in the Congo as around 20 litres per year, compared to the world average of 113 litres per year. This difference underlines the latent potential ingrained in the sector. Most of the milk products used in the Congo are highly imported from neighbouring countries, resulting in a significant trade deficit and making the products unaffordable for the general population.

Underdeveloped local industries within the dairy sector present a significant opportunity to spur economic development. By increasing its production, Congo would decrease its reliance on imports, save foreign exchange, and create jobs. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, if this sector, from farming to processing, logistics, and retail, is well-developed, tens of thousands of jobs may be created. 

Additionally, dairy farming could be one of the significant approaches implemented to improve food security, as milk and its products are rich in vital nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamins.

The available data on the Congolese dairy industry indicates that it has faced several challenges. 

1. Among these, most milk farms are low in productivity and small-scale in nature, with very limited access to improved farming methods and resources. The national average milk yield per cow in the Congo is approximately 3-4 liters per day, compared to the global average of about 10-12 liters per day. This is partly due to poor feeding, poor veterinary services, and especially the use of non-dairy breeds that are not optimised for milk production.

2. The cold chain infrastructure is another challenge. Regularly, milk gets spoiled even before it reaches the market due to the lack of proper refrigeration. This results in great losses among farmers. Poor roads and unreliable electricity in rural areas further add to the challenge of efficiently transporting and storing milk. All this is made even more complex because the collection of milk is not organized into centers, nor is there any processing; both aspects leave many farmers with little choice but to sell the milk directly to consumers or small-scale vendors at low prices.

3. There is also the challenge coming from a regulatory environment: most of the Congolese farmers function outside any official account, and the informality of the sector is a big problem. The lack of regulation affects the quality and safety of dairy products, which may discourage consumers from purchasing locally produced milk. 

4. Additionally, the limited support provided by the government in terms of subsidies, training, and market access has led to this activity remaining underdeveloped.

Over the last couple of years, many initiatives have sought to address these challenges and reach the full potential of the Congo dairy industry. The Congolese government has initiated the implementation of relevant policies and programs aimed at promoting its dairy farmers. These include training programs that introduce improved modern farming techniques to enhance feeding, artificial insemination, and better herd management. It has also begun investing in infrastructure, such as constructing milk collection centres and processing plants in the main dairy-producing areas.

International organisations and NGOs also join in these efforts. For example, IFAD and FAO implement programs that help develop better practices of dairy farming and, therefore, greater milk production within the local community. Many of these programs will point out that farmers’ needs include quality feed for cattle, access to veterinary services, and improved breeds of dairy cattle. They also help establish cooperatives, allowing these to pool resources and provide a more structured market for dairy products.

The private sector is also rising to the challenge. Several local businesspeople have opened dairy farms and processing facilities, determined to produce high-quality products to keep imports at bay. For example, the company Laiterie du Congo has invested in modern facilities for processing dairy products and is working with local farmers to ensure a steady supply of fresh milk. 

Apart from creating employment opportunities, these businesses are contributing to developing a better value chain for dairy in Congo. Innovative solutions have been adopted by some companies to address the infrastructure deficit—for example, solar-powered refrigeration units help maintain a cold chain in remote areas.

These efforts have begun to yield results, although the process is slow and requires considerable time and effort. Among these are the establishment of dairy cooperatives, where small-scale farmers come together to share resources, expertise, and market access. The cooperatives aid in enhancing the bargaining abilities of farmers to get better prices for their milk and minimise the exploitation by middlemen.

The training programs also led to an increase in milk production. Farmers participating in this program reported an increase in milk yield and a reduction in herd morbidity. For instance, the improved feeding and periodic check-ups by veterinary experts allowed some areas to increase milk yields by 20–30%. Milk collection centres have also been established to reassure producers that their milk will be distributed effectively, minimising spoilage and ensuring a greater arrival at the market.

These investments in processing facilities by the current private sector add value to raw milk produced by local farmers. Such facilities engage in the processing of milk into pasteurized milk, cheese, and yogurt, among others, which are then sold in various local and regional markets. Indeed, this adds immense value to the economies and significantly raises the incomes of dairy farmers through the diversification of their products while offering consumers a variety of affordable dairy products.

With the growth of the dairy industry in Congo, it is beginning to feel its impact on both the economy and the social fabric of its rural communities. In the economic field, the rise of local milk production reduces dependency on imports and saves the country much-needed foreign exchange, giving a boost to local industries. The sector is joining other sectors in employment creation, mainly for women, most of whom are engaged at this level of operation in milking and processing. In its report, the World Bank stated that the dairy industry has the potential to employ as many as 50,000 people over the next decade if current growth trends are maintained.

Socially, the development within the dairy sector contributes to improved nutrition and food safety. Milk and dairy products have been considered key sources of nutrition, primarily among children and pregnant women. With increased local production, these products become more available at an affordable cost, hence helping in combating malnutrition in rural areas. The income generated from dairy farming is also improving the livelihoods of rural families, who can afford to invest in better health care, education, and housing.

The Congolese dairy sector is very well-placed to act as a catalyst for social and economic development. Given that this sector is facing many challenges, considerable improvements can be achieved through the combined efforts of the government, the private sector, and international partners. 

When Congo invests in infrastructure, training programs, and market development, this unleashes the full potential of the dairy industry, provides jobs, improves nutrition, and spurs economic development. Successive development in the dairy sector is bound to call for sustained effort and mutual cooperation, but the rewards are well worth the investment.