Agricultural exhibition in Kinshasa: the promotion of traditional foods for a strengthened food sovereignty
The agricultural exhibition held in Kinshasa highlighted the importance of promoting traditional foods in the context of reducing imports and strengthening food autonomy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During this event, a deep reflection was undertaken around the need to promote local crops and integrate them sustainably into agricultural practices.
The director of the agropastoral farm of the University of Kinshasa highlighted his institution’s commitment to promoting an integrated and sustainable agricultural system focused on the production and conservation of traditional foods. This approach aims not only to limit imports but also to reduce the country’s dependence on external markets for food.
At the heart of this approach, the promotion of mushrooms was presented as a promising alternative. Initiated by Professor Simon Dibaluka Mpulusu, research conducted since 1997 has enabled the establishment of a mushroom production unit called “KIN-mushrooms”. This innovative initiative is based on the use of agricultural plant waste as substrates, thus offering an ecological and economical solution for food production.
The research results presented at this event highlighted the importance of diversifying crops and agricultural practices to ensure the country’s food security. By investing in seed production, the development of livestock and agricultural projects, the University of Kinshasa and its partners are actively contributing to the construction of a sustainable and resilient agricultural model.
By highlighting these initiatives and encouraging the promotion of traditional foods, the Kinshasa agricultural exhibition sparked essential reflection on the issues of food sovereignty and agricultural development in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is by strengthening local capacities and promoting endogenous resources that the country will be able to free itself from the constraints of food dependency and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.