The development of vegetable production in South Kivu is an essential pillar for improving food security and the incomes of local farmers. The vegetables grown in this region are a source of high quality, nutritious food but farmers face several challenges in maintaining and increasing yields to meet local demand. Every day, the city of Bukavu consumes more than 94 tonnes of fruit and vegetables, of which only 4 tonnes come from local production.
Harsh weather conditions are a constant threat. Unpredictable climate fluctuations, particularly heavy rainfall followed by long periods of drought, have a serious impact on crops. In addition, the region's soil has been depleted of essential nutrients, reducing their fertility and ability to support healthy crops.
Limited access to quality inputs, such as climate-resilient seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, is another major obstacle. Lacking these inputs, farmers are often forced to resort to conventional farming methods, which are often inefficient and poorly adapted to today's conditions, resulting in low yields and greater vulnerability to pests and diseases.
Despite these difficulties, innovative solutions are beginning to emerge. The Great Lakes Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative Rapid Delivery Hub (AID-I GLR) is a three-year, multiple-stakeholder initiative funded by Feed the Future through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). The goal of AID-I GLR is to contribute to improving food and nutrition security in the region through the rapid, large-scale adoption of proven technologies and innovations developed primarily by the CGIAR and its partners.
The AID-I GLR, implemented by Rikolto in DRC in partnership with SARCAF and VSF/Belgium, has introduced modern agricultural practices that have the potential to transform vegetable production in South Kivu, making the sector much more resilient and creating new value for all stakeholders. A profiled network of 250,000 farmers has been engaged in sustainable production through increased adoption of innovations based on vegetable seed quality.
Disease-resistant, high-yielding seeds have enabled farmers to increase yields. The use of biofertilizers and biopesticides has helped improve soil and plant health, while reducing costs and environmental impact. In addition, techniques such as biodegradable plastic mulch and irrigation with ecological pumps have optimised water use and contributed to better yields.
For the first time, we have been able to produce cabbages weighing 5 to 8 kg and more, thanks to innovative farming practices and the use of highly productive and adapted seeds. We have also introduced effective soil fertility management and irrigation techniques that have significantly improved the growth of our crops.
First-generation seeds that are drought- and disease-resistant, with higher yield potential and better quality produce, have been promoted for many different crops: amaranth varieties, African eggplant, tomato, cucumber, carrot, onion and cabbage. Farmers are witnessing changes in the horticultural farming system in the region:
"We have had steady sales since we started using the certified small seed packets and thanks to Rikolto's technical support in producing African eggplant and amaranth under different practices, my harvests have doubled, reaching up to one tonne a month for both crops. I no longer see many plant diseases on my farm and I have received farmers who want to learn from my work in my plots," said Mr Bienfait AMANI, 31, a young horticulture producer in Nyangezi. "With a plot size of 1250 square metres, I have a regular income from weekly sales, earning $160 a month from amaranth and $208 from eggplant, compared to less than $100 for both crops before".
From a medical professional background, Mr Bienfait has successfully ventured into agribusiness and benefited from the training in good vegetable production practices provided by Rikolto, as well as access to improved seeds and other project innovations. He says that after just four months, he has already saved around 3,377,750 FC (equivalent to $1,228.2) and invested in his business by renting new land, increasing the total area under cultivation to 2.1 hectares, and buying a second-hand motorcycle to transport vegetables and fertiliser.
The introduction of biofertilisers and biopesticides has made agriculture more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Biofertiliser production uses organic matter and plants to improve soil fertility. Animal manure, crop residues, ash and nutrient-rich local plant extracts are chopped up and fermented in water to release the soluble nutrients. Composting is extremely fast, taking just two weeks compared to 3/5 for traditional composting. For biopesticides, extracts of local plants known for their insecticidal, fungicidal and herbicidal properties (including garlic, papaya, chilli, tobacco and vernonia) are ground and macerated in water for 14 days to extract the active ingredients. These practices have not only reduced costs but also improved soil and plant health.
"Traditionally, pest and disease control has been the biggest challenge in vegetable farming. Today, we use biopesticides made from local plants. They are just as effective as the chemical products on the market, but better for the environment and less expensive." Laince Baguma, 28, a farmer at the Kitumaini Centre in the Kabare area, explains. "In my 500 m² cabbage field, these innovations have enabled me to save $60 that I would otherwise have spent on chemical products. "
Biodegradable plastic mulches are used to conserve moisture, reduce weeds and improve soil temperature and yield. Growers have also been quick to adopt the practice because the plants are cleaner and the risk of food-borne pathogens is reduced compared to growing on bare soil.
The Money Maker Max Irrigation Pump is a game changing innovation in irrigation. This pedal-powered system can irrigate up to two acres per day, reducing irrigation costs by 95% by reducing the need for human labour. With user-friendly pedals designed for all ages, it makes pumping water both fun and effortless.
"This equipment was completely new to us and its exceptional performance has earned it the nickname Muujiza, which means 'miracle'. With the Money Maker Max pump, we are now able to irrigate our fields more effectively, significantly increasing our yields and profits." Says Mama SIFA M'Kalebo, 82, a farmer in the Walungu area.
This prototype pump is available for rent with an option to buy after a trial period. Many producers and farmer organisations have already invested in their own pumps after experiencing the benefits first-hand.
Sustainable technologies and practices have reached 187,426 farmers in South Kivu through the Village-based Advisor (VBA)/small package approach. Each farmer is given a small packet of seed (up to 100g) to test in part of their field. Based on their evaluation, farmers can then choose to buy seed from the VBA. The VBA is a farmer chosen by the community to act as a liaison between the seed companies and the farming community, but also to advise farmers on sustainable farming practices and monitor their production.
The response has been largely positive, with a high adoption rate of 65%, although some farmers remain hesitant. "While we are convinced of the benefits of these innovations, the initial cost may be too high for some of us. For example, the high quality seeds distributed are two to three times more expensive than those available in local shops. Despite their superior yield, the higher cost puts them out of reach for some farmers." Explains Murhula Dieudonné, 28, a member of the ADCOKA cooperative in Kabare.
All the vegetable seeds distributed through the AID-I GLR initiative have performed well and been widely appreciated. However, these seeds were imported from Tanzania, Rwanda or Burundi through World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), Holland Green Tech (HGT) and Seed System Group (SSG). To ensure local availability, young people supervised by Rikolto and guided by the World Vegetable Center have invested in seed production. Students from the Université Évangélique en Afrique (UEA) planted a seed field in Kashusha, while members of OP Rhulangane and OP Melharcogatrecy planted fields in Kabare and Walungu. Crops being tested include aubergine, amaranth and tomato. Two more seed production sites will be established in Kalehe and Idjwi.
A study was carried out on demonstration plots in different areas of South Kivu Province to compare yields and incomes between innovative techniques and conventional methods. The results showed that the use of new technologies led to a 45% increase in producers' incomes, driven by higher yields.
Maintaining a hygienic environment for the sale of vegetables is essential to ensure safe products, improve quality and increase consumer confidence. In South Kivu, special kiosks have been set up to sell fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, Zero Energy Charcoal Cool Chambers (ZECCC) have been built using local solutions based on cheap and affordable materials, 85% of which are locally produced, to store produce at temperatures between 10 and 14°C for up to two weeks, using only 20 litres of water per week.
"Access to the vegetable market and cold storage has been a blessing for us. Before, we had to sell our crops quickly before they spoiled, often accepting low prices. Now we can store our vegetables for longer and sell them when prices are higher. We also have a place to sell them directly. This has greatly improved our financial situation." - Jeanine M'Magore, 30, member of the Kitumaini Farmers' Organisation Centre.
With the support of an expert from Rikolto, 400 women manage these facilities. They have agreed to pay 500 Congolese francs ($0.18) per day for storage to cover maintenance costs, but also to contribute to a support fund to help cooperative members with social problems such as illness or disability. This infrastructure has not only reduced post-harvest losses and improved product quality, but has also strengthened the local economy and helped to increase producers' incomes.
The progress made by the AID-I GLR project shows that effective solutions to agricultural challenges exist, but work beyond production and market access is needed to ensure a sustainable future for farmers in the region. Working with government to develop programmes that ensure funding and subsidies for agricultural products and inputs, while providing access to low-interest loans, can help producers overcome the financial barriers associated with agricultural technologies. This would ensure the sustainability of these initiatives and create an environment conducive to the development of a holistic sustainable food system.
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