Agroecology in DRC :
Agriforestry as a sustainable future.
From Monoculture to Agroecological Transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Long ago, in Democratic Republic of the Congo, agriculture was based primarily on monoculture. In many rural areas, farmers devoted themselves to a single crop : rice, peanuts, corn, or cassava.. Although rooted in tradition, this practice stemmed from a subsistence farming model inherited from past generations. Families farmed primarily to feed themselves, with no real prospects for commercialization or sustainable land management.
One of the predominant methods was slash-and-burn agriculture, which involved clearing and burning fields to temporarily fertilize the soil before moving on to a new plot. While this technique once helped regenerate the soil due to low population density, it has now become a major factor in environmental degradation.
The rapid depletion of land, the loss of biodiversity, and declining crop yields have plunged many communities into a vicious cycle of poverty and food insecurity.
Faced with this reality, awareness has gradually grown. New agricultural approaches—ones that are more respectful of nature and ecological cycles—are emerging across the country. Agroecology, in particular, is emerging as a promising alternative. It encourages crop diversification, the use of natural fertilizers, soil conservation, and the promotion of local knowledge.
This transition marks a break with past practices. It restores hope to Congolese farmers by enabling them to produce more efficiently, while preserving the land for future generations. Agriculture is no longer merely a means of survival, but a driver of sustainable development, dignity, and food sovereignty for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Initiative for Agroecology.
From the west to the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a veritable « Green Revolution » is beginning to awaken. The National Confederation of Agricultural Producers of the Congo (CONAPAC) is now mobilizing its 18 federations and more than 12 896 farmers' organizations as a foundation for raising awareness and, above all, encouraging the practical application of agroecology.
This movement is no longer just an idea: it is becoming an essential step toward sustainably transforming production systems, restoring value to local knowledge, and paving the way for a more resilient, self-sufficient, and ecosystem-friendly agricultural future.
CONAPAC :
FEPASU and UPDEKIS on the front lines of the battle for agroecology.
UPDEKIS (Kisangani Farmers' Union), the capital of Tshopo Province, located in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and member of CONAPAC, comprises nearly 12 900 farmers. The organization is actively working to raise farmers’ awareness of sustainable agricultural practices.
Kitenge Tambwe Emmanuel, a farmer and member of the Elikya cooperative, one of the constituent unions ofUPDEKIS is located in PK35, 35 kilometers from Kisangani, the provincial capital. He is one of those who have become aware of the degradation of the rainforest, caused in particular by slash-and-burn agriculture, a practice he himself engaged in for many years. Today, he has decided to transition to agroforestry.
L’agroforesterie est un mode de production an agricultural practice that involves integrating trees and shrubs with food or cash crops on the same plot of land, in order to create beneficial interactions for the soil, biodiversity, and crop yields.
Now, on a single plot of land, farmers are growing cocoa, coffee, palm trees, pineapples, and fruit trees together.
South Ubangi :
the collective strength of FEPASU.
TheFederation of Agricultural Producers of South Ubangi (FEPASU) brings together a broad network of farmers’ organizations, unions, and cooperatives committed to transforming local agricultural practices. As part of this effort, the South Ubangi Agricultural Extension Workers' Cooperative (CAMSUB) plays a central role. Here, farmers are focusing on agroforestry that combines food crops—such as corn, peanuts, rice, beans, soybeans, and sorghum—with perennial crops like cacao, coffee, and oil palms.
On the ground, this strategy addresses a twofold need: to increase production while preserving ecosystems. In several villages, the cooperative is making a name for itself through reforestation campaigns. Fast-growing trees, citrus trees, and fruit trees: each species planted helps restore soil fertility and curb deforestation, which, year after year, is gradually encroaching on the farmland of South Ubangi.
CAMSUB’s Agroecological Approach It also relies on the production of compost and green manure, two essential tools for revitalizing severely depleted soils. These techniques, which were still little known just a few years ago, are now the focus of a broad awareness campaign within the cooperative.
🎤 « We produce compost and green manure to enrich the soil. And we educate our members about the dangers of soil depletion and the benefits of agroforestry. », explains Noël Bamupalabe, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CAMSUB.
The Practice
of agroecology.
Behind the Words : agroforestry, compost, green manure—a true silent revolution is underway. Agroforestry combines trees, food crops, and perennial plants to restore soil fertility. Compost and green manure, produced locally from organic residues, are gradually replacing chemical inputs, which have become costly and ineffective on degraded soils.
These practices, which were still marginal just a few years ago, are now paving the way for a form of agriculture that feeds people, protects the land, and ensures more stable incomes for rural families. Above all, they reflect a growing awareness: Agricultural sustainability is no longer just a slogan, but a necessity for securing the country's food future..
Kinshasa :
compost and green manures, SCOPAELI’s bet.
Kinshasa, the cooperative SCOPAELI (Elikya Agricultural Cooperative), supported by Caritas, has emerged as one of the leading forces driving the urban agroecological transition. At its training center, members learn how to make compost and green manure—two simple yet crucial techniques for restoring soil depleted by years of intensive farming.
These entirely natural methods offer a solid alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which have become costly and are often harmful to the environment. Their impact is already evident in the field:
Less pollution;
Regenerated soils;
Healthier, higher-quality crops.
At the heart of this system is The LIZIBA Agroecology Center., an initiative of Caritas Kinshasa created to support and train vegetable farmers involved in this transition.
🎤 « The LIZIBA Agroecological Center was established by Caritas Kinshasa to promote agroecological practices among the cooperative’s vegetable farmers, whom we have been supporting for nearly ten years », explains Justin Kukule, manager of the The LIZIBA Agroecology Center.
The Challenges of Agroecology in the DRC.
In Democratic Republic of the Congo, the challenges facing agriculture—or, more broadly, agroecology—remain considerable. Practices such as monoculture, slash-and-burn agriculture, and unplanned land use, which are legacies of a subsistence model, have contributed to the accelerated depletion of soils. In many provinces, natural fertility is declining, yields are falling, and population pressure is exacerbating deforestation, plunging rural communities into a cycle of poverty and food insecurity.
In addition to these environmental constraints, there are structural limitations: a lack of accessible inputs, limited technical support, a lack of mechanization, dilapidated roads, and a near-total absence of coherent public policies on agriculture. In this context, the DRC faces a paradox: a country with immense agricultural potential, yet held back by an outdated production model.
The Outlook
on agroecology in the DRC.
In the face of these challenges, agroecology is gradually emerging as a credible and promising path forward. From the Tshopo to South Ubangi, including Kinshasa, cooperatives, and agricultural federations such as CONAPAC, FEPASU, and UPDEKIS or even SCOPAELI are testing solutions that restore soil health and revitalize production systems.
Agroforestry, for example, allows for the combination of trees, food crops, and perennial crops on the same plot of land, promoting shade, moisture, biodiversity, and diversified income streams. Locally produced compost and green manure revitalize soils that have long been degraded by slash-and-burn farming.
These practices, which were once viewed merely as alternative methods, are now becoming a true driver of agricultural transformation. They offer a sustainable, resilient, and accessible approach, empowering farmers to feed their communities while preserving their environment.
Call for support from technical partners,
financial and government sectors.
For this agroecological transition to take root and truly transform the DRC’s food future, greater commitment from technical and financial partners and public institutions is essential. Initiatives led by farmers’ organizations show immense potential, but they remain fragile unless supported by sustainable investments : training, equipment, support for cooperatives, rural infrastructure, agricultural research, and supportive public policies..
Development partners, specialized NGOs, and the Congolese government have a key role to play in strengthening these local initiatives and amplifying their impact. Supporting agroecology is not just about helping farmers; it is about contributing to the fight against poverty, protecting the forests of the Congo Basin, and building a more equitable, resilient, and self-reliant agricultural model for the entire country.
To understand the PROMAGRISAD project, watch the movie « Amid the palm groves and cacao trees, life flourishes » in its entirety.
PARTNERS
The agroecological transition is a collective effort. Learn about the partners working alongside the PROMAGRISAD project.
