People in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo are being hit hard by rising food prices. Cattle meat in particular has become so expensive that locals have had to change their attitudes towards the consumption of dog meat, breaking a longstanding taboo in the process.

Passy Mubalama, Goma

A crowd has gathered at a building which serves as a butchers in the Majengo neighbourhood - a working class area in the city of Goma, Northern Kivu, to the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Interspersed among the buyers and sellers are dog owners. They have come to a small market specializing in the sale of dog meat. Dog is sold here in every form: raw, kebabs or grilled.

Less expensive
"Dog meat is very expensive on the market. Its price varies between 4 and 8 euros per kilo, it is therefore impossible to buy everyday,” explains Odette Nyabadeux, an inhabitant of the Nyabushongo neighbourhood. The financial crisis, which is affecting numerous countries in the Great Lakes region, has also severely affected the economic life of the Congolese population. Indeed, it forces people to look for alternative ways of surviving.

As the price of an entire dog can vary between 4 - 10 euros, a group of people often come together to buy an animal for two dollars each. “This allows us to eat the meat several times a week,” concludes Anto Bukasa, head of a household in Goma, who has also come to stock up on meat at the market. Dog meat is therefore appreciated for its affordable price which is true of the whole region explains Solonge Mudekereza: “even at home in Katoyi, we very easily find dog meat sold at all prices. Beef is very expensive.”

Very good taste
Previously in DRC, dog meat was only eaten by a few tribes from the province of Kasai. Other tribes considered it to be dirty or taboo. However, attitudes have changed, explains Jeannette Ndamusu, of the Bashi tribe and mother of eight children: “Many years ago, dog meat was not sold on the market because we didn’t eat this meat. If we heard that our children were eating dog meat with our neighbours, they would be severely punished. Today, our way of life forces us to eat dog because beef is extremely expensive.”

According to the statements of those who consume dog meat today, it doesn’t appear to have any harmful effects on the health of the population. “Today, I eat dog without a problem. It’s meat like any other kind and besides it is delicious,” confirms Odette Nyabadeux.