The Center for International Forestry Research – International Center for Research in Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) is currently carrying out a major initiative in the Yangambi region, distributing more than 50 tons of quality seeds to nearly a thousand beneficiaries. This action originates from the FORETS project, generously funded by the European Union, which aims to increase agricultural production yields by at least 30% in this specific area of the country.
The seeds distributed mainly include maize, rice and peanuts, crops that are essential for food and the local economy. With quantities ranging from 12.5 to 25 kg for maize, 20 to 40 kg for rice and 30 to 60 kg for peanuts, the beneficiaries have received valuable support for their farms.
The reactions of the beneficiaries to this distribution are marked by satisfaction and gratitude. A poignant testimony from Pauline, a farmer’s daughter, highlights the importance of this aid for her family, who are already busy on two hectares of land in preparation for the new rice and peanut seeds.
The project is not in its infancy, since during the first half of 2024, twenty agri-multipliers received 7 tons of basic seeds from the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INERA). Part of the harvest from these seeds was bought back by the project to be redistributed during this current agricultural season.
To ensure monitoring and support beneficiaries until the harvest, nearly a hundred agricultural monitors from the Yangambi landscape were retrained and mobilized by CIFOR-ICRAF. This approach aims to guarantee the effective use of the seeds distributed, as well as the quality and productivity of future harvests.
The choice of these key crops, the distribution methodology and the personalized monitoring of farmers demonstrate CIFOR-ICRAF’s commitment to contributing to sustainable development and food security in the Yangambi region. This initiative represents a significant step towards more efficient and sustainable agriculture, providing new opportunities for farming communities and thus strengthening the resilience of local food systems.