Luozi, Kongo Central Province – The Congolese government’s agricultural strategy, driven by the vision of the Head of State on the “revenge of the land over the subsoil,” continues to bear fruit. This is evident in the visit of the Minister of State in charge of Agriculture and Food Security, Engineer Grégoire Mutshail Mutomb, to Nkundi, a locality near Luozi center. During his visit, he was able to witness the outcome of an ambitious project: 800 hectares of maize ready for harvest, cultivated by the Rural Support Group (GER Plus) in partnership with the central government.
This project embodies the dynamism of the national agricultural policy, which aims to reduce the country’s food dependence and promote self-sufficiency. By highlighting agriculture as a pillar of economic development, the government is directly addressing food insecurity, which still affects nearly 27 million Congolese, according to recent FAO estimates. The technical and financial support provided to farmers not only increases production but also helps to structure a local value chain that benefits farmers. Such initiatives contribute to stabilizing prices in the domestic market and reduce the bill for food imports.
The success of the Luozi project presents a major opportunity for local farmers. They not only benefit from improved incomes but also from continuous training on modern agricultural techniques. By structuring large-scale production, the goal is to facilitate access to agricultural inputs, credit, and markets for smallholder farmers so they can better leverage their work. While these advances are encouraging, they must be part of a sustainable dynamic. It is crucial to continue reforms to strengthen storage and transportation infrastructures to reduce post-harvest losses, which currently account for up to 40% of national production. Similarly, access to tailored agricultural credit remains a major challenge that needs to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of such initiatives.
The example of Luozi shows that Congolese agriculture can be a driver of inclusive growth, provided there is constant state support and good coordination between the public and private sectors. By multiplying these projects throughout the country, the DRC will not only be able to feed its population but also position itself as a major player in agricultural production in Africa. With continued efforts and strong political will, the transformation of Congolese agriculture is underway, benefiting millions of farmers and consumers across the country.
By Kilalopress
