New Urban Consumption Patterns and Local Agriculture: Application to the Bukavu HORECA Sector (DRC)

The rapid urbanization experienced by all developing countries is recognized as a key factor in the current evolution of food consumption. In Bukavu, consumption patterns are evolving and diversifying into out-of-home catering in a new restauration mode. The purpose of this study is analyzing whether this new consumption pattern can constitute an opportunity for local agricultural products. The study surveyed 45 sampled restaurants in Bukavu city. A survey questionnaire based on food types, offers for consumers, frequency of consumption, and income was submitted to the restaurateurs. Two main types of restaurants were identified, of which 71% were ‘Malewa’ and 29% were modern restaurants. In all these restaurants both local and imported products were generally used. The survey results show that in Malewa restaurants type 58% of the income from sales was used for purchasing local products and only 18% was used for purchasing imported products and in the modern restaurants type 38% of the sales income was used for purchasing local products against 31% of the income used for purchasing imported products. Hence, there is an opportunity for local agricultural producers as they can find new remunerative outlets in this new consumption mode.