The Democratic Republic of the Congo is stepping up efforts to rebuild its agricultural sector, one year after the inauguration of the Suminwa II government. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, led by Muhindo Nzangi Butondo, is implementing several reforms to enhance local production and reduce reliance on imports. These reforms span from seeds to mechanization, fertilizers, storage, and processing. The government has relaunched the seed system through INERA, CAPSA, and SENASEM.
As part of its mechanization drive, the government has distributed 400 tractors to date, with plans to deliver 3,600 more over the next two years. Additionally, the Ministry is working to establish a Congolese industry for the manufacture, assembly, and maintenance of agricultural machinery. This initiative aims to boost local production and create jobs. The government is also promoting local fertilizer production, with plans to set up production and blending units in Boma and Lubumbashi.
The Ministry has made significant progress in improving the seed system, distributing improved seeds of maize, beans, soybeans, peanuts, rice, and cassava to farmers in several provinces. Equipment for treating and processing these crops has also been installed. These efforts have contributed to an increase in production, particularly in the maize sector. According to Ministry data, the national maize deficit has decreased from around 8 million to 3.5 million tons over the past five years.
Despite this progress, the government acknowledges that imports are still necessary to meet national needs. To address this, the Ministry is working to strengthen storage, processing, and strategic food reserve capacities. This will help reduce post-harvest losses and improve response to emergency situations. The government is also focusing on perennial crops, with public nurseries operational in 14 provinces to support the development of cocoa, coffee, and oil palm.
The cocoa sector is expected to see significant growth, with around 120,000 tons of cocoa projected to be exported in 2025. The government is investing in the sector, from production to marketing, to consolidate the country's food security. However, the challenge remains substantial, with nearly 27 million Congolese facing acute food insecurity. The government is committed to pursuing investments to address this issue.
The Ministry's efforts to boost local production and reduce import dependence are critical to achieving food security in the DR Congo. By supporting farmers with improved seeds, mechanization, and fertilizers, the government aims to increase crop yields and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. The establishment of local fertilizer production units and agricultural machinery manufacturing industries will also help create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
The DR Congo's agricultural sector has the potential to drive economic growth and improve food security, but it requires sustained investment and support. The government's reforms and initiatives are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the scale of the challenge. With continued investment and commitment, the DR Congo can achieve its goal of becoming a major food producer and reducing its reliance on imports.
Key points
- The DR Congo has distributed 400 tractors and plans to deliver 3,600 more over the next two years to boost mechanization in the agricultural sector.
- The national maize deficit has decreased from around 8 million to 3.5 million tons over the past five years, according to Ministry data.
- Nearly 27 million Congolese are still facing acute food insecurity, despite progress in the agricultural sector.
