Building Climate-Resilience in Agriculture – Democratic Republic of the Congo

In this activity, new climate-resilient crop varieties have been developed for use in central Africa. Involving a successful collaboration between national institutions – and seed multipliers in the testing of adapted seeds – the project has facilitated the introduction of improved and resilient high-yield varieties of maize, rice, and cassava in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The initiative is promoting climate-smart agriculture by fostering innovation and farming changes that adapt to and mitigate climate change, while sustainably increasing productivity and supporting food security.

Fast facts:

Four improved and resilient varieties/clones for corn, peanut, and rice crops;
40% increase in yield per hectare;
44 associations involved in the selection process;
70 tons of resilient seeds produced;
At least 1,540 farmers benefitted;

The problem

Climate change is expected to affect agricultural productivity, particularly for developing countries in Africa that are already at risk of famine. However, factors including low supply chain and agricultural support capacity in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo are hindering an urgent need for technology and knowledge transfer relating to climate-adapted varieties of staple crops. Relevant research on improved seeds could provide enhanced crops for farmers, whose role in food security is utterly vital.

The solution

The project “Building the Capacity of the Agriculture Sector in DR Congo” is supporting deployment of a supply chain for adapted seeds for three staple crops (maize, rice, and cassava). Hundreds of varieties of cassava, maize, peanuts, cowpea, beans, and rice were screened in the country’s three major ecological zones. Crops were strategically chosen to both contribute to food security and improve rural incomes.

Tests were carried out under standardized protocols and different climatic conditions (wet and dry seasons)during two variable agricultural seasons (wet and dry years). Hundreds of plant seeds and cuttings were tested both in laboratories and onsite, with different watering and temperature. In the end, resilient, high-yield varieties were selected and passed along to “agrimultipliers” who produced large quantities of the seeds for sale to farmers.

Helping the planet

Planting of high-yield crops that are resistant to drought better utilizes existing water and land, contributing to the sustainable use of natural resources.

Helping people

Farmers who receive improved seeds work less to earn more, while the production of climate-resilient seeds has also created jobs. The activities are expected to support the development of more sustainable livelihoods and benefit children particularly through improved nutrition. Regions where the improved seeds are used witness enhanced resilience to weather-related risks or environmental disasters.

Scaling up

Like the improved crops, the project is also growing. In a second phase, a private sector investment model will be developed where private banks and development finance institutions will be called upon to channel finances to key actors. In addition, the government is seeking out ways of providing potential tax rebates for the purchase of climate-resilient seeds, lowering purchasing prices for farmers. Further investment is also planned to increase the supply of seeds. Based on impacts so far, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has decided to replicate the initiative at seven other sites. Finally, sharing the practical results of the initiative to wider stakeholders will allow for further improvement in local agricultural resilience.