RESSAC, in partnership with DLDH, is continuing to implement the project to strengthen farmers' capacities in agroecology in Maniema in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The objective of this project is to promote agroecological practices (particularly Integrated Production and Pest Management) for healthy and sustainable agriculture, drawing on the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach in the territories of Kailo, Kibombo, Kasongo, and Kabambare in Maniema province, Democratic Republic of Congo. The mid-term evaluation of the project highlights and confirms the following results:

1. The adoption of agroecological practices (particularly the use of biopesticides and biofertilizers) has resulted in improved yields while preserving fragile ecosystems in Congo and will strengthen the resilience of 817 small producers in the face of climate change. This high-quality, pesticide-free production will improve food and nutritional security for populations in the territories of Kailo, Kibombo, Kasongo, and Kabambare in Maniema province, Democratic Republic of Congo.
2. The project helped consolidate 22 existing FFSs and build the capacity of smallholder farmers in agroecological practices. A training workshop was organized on the preparation and use of biopesticides, in partnership with RESSAC member POs in Maniema. This theoretical and practical training benefited FFS managers and facilitators, as well as a small group of market gardeners from Kindu. The project conducted a technical and economic analysis to assess input availability. It emerged that all groups have established productive alliances with suppliers located in their respective localities for the supply of local seeds, fertilizers, plant protection products, and equipment. A baseline study on the use of conventional pesticides was conducted through this project. The results of this study were used to raise awareness among the beneficiaries of this project. Finally, an inventory of the marketing system was carried out in all the target areas of the project.