Partnership between PHC and IITA for agricultural transformation in the DRC
The Plantations and Oil Mills of Congo (PHC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) renew their partnership within the framework of the “Agenda for Agricultural Transformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (ATA-DRC)” program. This partnership aims to improve agricultural productivity and promote food self-sufficiency in the country.
For a year, PHC and IITA have worked together to provide Congolese farmers with quality seeds. Thus, 40 hectares of rice, 10 hectares of maize and 24 hectares of cassava cuttings were cultivated in the provinces of Tshopo and Mongala, in Lokutu and Yaligimba respectively. In addition, a rapid cassava multiplication laboratory has been set up.
This partnership is not limited only to the supply of quality seeds. It also contributes to local economic development by creating new jobs. Thanks to the implementation of the ATA-RDC program, more than 140 jobs have been created in the provinces of Tshopo and Mongala.
Ms. Monique Gieskes, Director General of PHC, underlines the importance of this partnership in improving food security and transforming the local agricultural landscape. She says, “By combining PHC’s expertise in large-scale agricultural production with IITA’s seed development capabilities, we can improve food security and transform the local agricultural landscape.”
The ATA-RDC program is an initiative of the Congolese Head of State, H.E.M. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture. It benefits from the technical assistance of the IITA and the African Institute for Agricultural Leadership (AALI). This program aims to promote the intensive production of quality food seeds in order to strengthen the country’s food self-sufficiency.
PHC is the largest industrial producer of palm oil in the DRC, covering an area of over 100,000 hectares spread over three operating sites. In addition to their involvement in agribusiness, PHCs also contribute to the social development of local communities by building infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and health centers.
IITA is a research for development organization that provides solutions to fight hunger, poverty and the degradation of natural resources in Africa. Since 1967, IITA has worked with national and international partners to improve people’s living conditions by enhancing food security, creating jobs and preserving natural resources.
This partnership between PHC and IITA shows the importance of collaboration between the private sector and research institutions to promote agricultural development in the DRC. By combining their respective expertise, they contribute to the transformation of the agricultural landscape and the improvement of the living conditions of Congolese farmers.