Fresh produce is a good source of nutrients. Congolese, especially the poor, do not eat a lot of fresh produce. Why?
Fresh produce spoil quite fast due to lack of refrigeration. In a country without reliable transportation, it is impossible to move large quantities of fresh produce from the farms to the village or city centers. Congolese women must take the fresh produce to the market by foot and on their heads on a daily basis.
As a result, farmers grow less fresh produce. They grow more sturdy items such as rice, corn, beans, and cassava. Accordingly, the price of fresh produce demands a higher price. So the poor people eat less fresh produce.
