Food sovereignty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Background information

The province of Kwango - where the agricultural project focuses - is one of the 26 provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and covers an area around twice the size of Switzerland. It is between one and two days' journey from the capital Kinshasa. The population here is largely self-sufficient. The basic infrastructure is not guaranteed by the state; the project region has neither paved roads nor electricity or water supplies. The province of Kwango is characterized by self-sufficient agriculture, from which over 90 percent of the population live. The main crops grown are manioc, peanuts and soy.

The lack of seeds, suitable tools and fertilizers, the difficult access to land and the small size of the plots mean that agricultural production remains low in terms of quantity and diversity.

Project goals

Smallholders can improve their food situation thanks to sustainable agriculture. Through targeted training and education, they are informed about how to obtain the best seeds, which harvesting methods lead to high yields, which are the methods for sustainable agriculture, and finally how to promote income. The local population is also sensitized and informed about good nutritional practices through radio broadcasts and community visits.

Target group

The project's target group includes small farming families in the province of Kwango. One of the locations where activities are developed and supported is also near Kinshasa. The agricultural project focuses on strengthening female farmers, as they are responsible for ensuring food security in accordance with the gender-specific division of labor in Kwango and bear the main responsibility for food production.

Activities

Improving the food situation through agroecological agriculture:

• Mushroom cultivation: Construction of two model production sites, training of farming families on mushroom production, production of mushrooms.
• Chicken breeding: Construction of barns, training and breeding
• Vegetable cultivation: improving production by teaching agroecological methods.
• Production of honey: training and setting up hives
• High quality seed production
• Prevention of erosion through reforestation and roadworks

Income-generating measures:

• As income-generating measures, small animal and cattle breeding and the creation of fish ponds are promoted in various villages.

Project progress

After mushroom cultivation began in Kasongo Lunda in 2022, the project was successfully expanded in 2023. After just a short time, there was a large harvest. The mushrooms are distributed and sold to the local population in order to generate income for the project. There are also mushroom cultivation training courses in other communities in Kwango.

The chicken coop for breeding was completed in 2022 and was put into operation in 2023. Over 100 poultry farmers have already been trained. In addition, 80 beekeepers were trained in 2023.

Livestock farming in Kazembe has been successfully increased. The animals are sold to generate funds for the project.

Radio emissions on balanced nutrition or, for example, on obtaining seeds, such as corn or amaranth, have been carried out at regular intervals since 2022 until today. The project manager reports on sustainable agriculture during the radio broadcasts, and listeners can contact him directly via telephone to ask questions.