Fatshimetrie recently reported on a promising initiative for agriculture in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Center for International Forestry Research-International Center for Research in Agroforestry (CIFOR-IGRAF) recently launched a project to distribute more than 50 tons of quality seeds to about a thousand beneficiaries in the Yangambi region, located in the Tshopo province.
This seed distribution is part of the FORETS project, funded by the European Union, which aims to increase agricultural production yields in the region by at least 30%. The seeds distributed mainly include maize, rice and peanuts, crops that are essential for food security and agricultural development in the region.
The beneficiaries of this distribution, which include associations, churches and schools, expressed their satisfaction with this initiative. Some have already prepared their land to sow rice and peanuts, hoping to improve their agricultural production for the coming season.
In addition, during the first half of 2024, twenty agri-multipliers received 7 tons of basic seeds from the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INERA). Part of the harvest was bought back by the FORETS project and distributed to beneficiaries for the current season. This system allows farmers to access quality seeds while ensuring the sustainability of the project.
Modeste Feno, CIFOR expert, explained that beneficiaries will have to reimburse the seeds received after the harvest, at a rate of 0%. A quality control will be carried out in partnership with SENASEM to ensure the conformity of the seeds and the transparency of the process.
In addition, nearly a hundred agricultural monitors from the Yangambi landscape have been retrained by CIFOR-ICRAF to support beneficiaries throughout the agricultural process, from planting to harvest. This monitoring and support ensures that farmers fully benefit from the seeds provided and implement best agricultural practices to optimize their harvests.
In conclusion, this distribution of quality seeds in the Yangambi region represents a valuable opportunity for local farmers to improve their agricultural production and contribute to the region’s food security. Through initiatives such as this, Congolese agriculture can progress towards greater autonomy and sustainability, offering positive prospects for the future of the region.