The Economic Impact of River Fishing in Democratic Republic Congo: Case Kimbemba Beach, Songololo Territory, Kongo Central Province

Research into the economic impact of river fishing on residents along the Congo River is a major issue at the very foundation of life for people living in rural areas, with countless consequences (economic, financial, health-related, educational, etc.). Indeed, based on the results of our survey, it is clear that the state of river fishing at Kimbemba Beach and its surroundings does not align with the modern model of fishing in the present century. Consequently, the equipment, methods, and techniques used in this part of the country need to be adapted to current innovations, promoting increased production for the well-being of the population. Thus, there is a need to transform this activity, which still has an empirical character, into a purely professional system with profound implications for the management of rural life; among other things, regarding fish production, the marketing of fishing gear, the sale of fresh fish, fish processing, and the marketing of processed fish (smoked, salted, preserved, etc.).