** Israel and the DRC: towards a redefinition of agricultural exchanges for lasting peace **
On March 10, the meeting between Hinanit Koltai, president of the Israeli Development Agency Mashav, and Vital Kamerhe, President of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), raised unexplored agricultural potential. Mashav, not only committed to valuing Congolese arable lands, but also to contribute to lasting peace in the DRC, offers an approach that goes far beyond bilateral cooperation. This exchange draws attention to the crucial issues that bind agriculture, food security and political stability in a complex regional context.
### The DRC and the Food Safety Challenge
The DRC is at a delicate crossroads. With a population exceeding 100 million inhabitants, the country has large agricultural resources, but under-exploited. Studies believe that these lands could feed not only the Congolese population, but also contribute to the food of more than two billion people worldwide, thus stressing the gigantic potential of Congolese agriculture.
However, the challenge remains immense. According to FAO, sub-Saharan Africa still suffers from malnutrition, and the DRC is one of the worst students in this area, with almost 43% of the population with food insecurity. Initiatives like that of Mashav, aimed at modernizing Congolese agriculture by innovative techniques and a sharing of knowledge, could mark a decisive turning point.
### An integrated approach for peace by agriculture
The proposal for bilateral cooperation is accompanied by a larger ambition: that of weaving a link between agriculture and culture of peace. In his visit, Kamerhe highlighted the importance of the involvement of NGOs and local actors in promoting a peaceful environment. Indeed, agriculture can be a path to reconciliation and social cohesion. By integrating agricultural development into peace initiatives, Mashav could help stabilize regions sometimes torn apart by conflicts.
The examples of countries that have successfully passed this transition, such as Rwanda, show that investing in the agricultural sector can strengthen local resilience and reduce tensions that lead to conflicts. The Rwandan case, post-genocide, illustrates how an agricultural policy oriented towards innovation and food autonomy has made it possible to rebuild a ravaged country.
### towards sustainable agriculture: innovation opportunities
The development of agriculture in the DRC cannot be done without the integration of modern technologies. Mashav, by sharing its agronomic expertise, can offer innovative solutions to overcome the challenges related to climate, the effectiveness of resources and the improvement of yields. The adoption of techniques such as regenerative agriculture, intelligent irrigation and agroecology could profoundly transform the Congolese rural landscape.
In addition, urban agriculture could see the light of day in cities like Kinshasa, thus reducing food dependence while creating jobs. This model has proven itself in several major world cities, promoting both food security and economic revitalization.
### A geopolitical issue: the economy as a diplomacy tool
This initiative should also not be seen from an exclusively bilateral angle; It is part of a broader geopolitical context. At a time when Africa draws global attention, partnerships like that between Israel and the DRC could inspire other nations to adopt diplomacy based on the exchange of knowledge and resources.
Israel, with its unique experience in agricultural development projects in the arid region, can offer precious expertise to the African continent, where freshwater volumes are often limited. By supporting sustainable agriculture, these countries could also strengthen their geostrategic position, while contributing to the resolution of food crises.
### Conclusion: an optimistic vision for the future
Cooperation between Mashav and the DRC could draw a future where agriculture, beyond a simple economic sector, would become a real lever of peace and development. In addition, these exchanges could promote a shared vision of a future where natural resources are used in a sustainable manner, while guaranteeing food security.
The challenges remain numerous, but the dream of an DRC nourishing its inhabitants and exporting its food wealth could become a reality, provided that investments are accompanied by a strong political will and a mobilization of local actors. In the end, the future of the DRC could, in part, be written in Jerusalem.