Strengthening Agricultural Resilience in the Upemba Landscape: A Field Mission Report

As part of the second year of the food resilience program, AGRIFOOD – an initiative aimed at combating malnutrition in communities surrounding Upemba National Park (UNP) – Special Project Manager Louise Toussaint recently led a field mission to Mitwaba Territory. Joined by the AGRIFOOD team, she engaged with local leaders, farmer representatives, and agricultural households to assess the program’s impact, address challenges, and strengthen collaborations for sustainable development.

The mission began in Kasungeshi village, where the team met with Madame Elisabeth, leader of the local farmers' organization. Their discussions centered on financial management, the implementation of an accounting workshop, and the establishment of a microcredit system between the farmers and UNP. In a gesture of hospitality, the community welcomed Louise with a symbolic gift - a rooster - signifying trust and goodwill.

Accompanied by agronomists Gael Kapembe and Désiré Kalabo, the team then visited agricultural fields where farmers cultivate rice, maize, cassava, beans, and groundnuts. Local farmer Jean-Pierre shared insights into how agricultural production has evolved since the program's introduction, highlighting key challenges such as climate-induced drought risks, competition from large-scale producers, and the pressing need for improved infrastructure, including storage facilities, milling units, and access to water sources. These discussions underscored the critical importance of expanding support mechanisms to bolster smallholder farmers' productivity and resilience.

In the afternoon, the team visited the local market, predominantly run by women selling their harvests. A key observation was that most crops are still sold in their raw state, limiting economic returns for farmers. In response, the AGRIFOOD program is prioritizing partnerships with private sector actors to develop value chains for processing and transporting agricultural products. This initiative aims to create stronger economic opportunities, ensuring better prices and improved market access for local farmers.

The mission concluded with a visit to Miji village, where the lingering effects of food insecurity remain visible, particularly among children. This final stop served as a poignant reminder of AGRIFOOD’s core mission: to enhance food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and uplift communities in the Upemba landscape.

Through continued collaboration and targeted support, AGRIFOOD remains committed to building resilient agricultural systems that empower local farmers and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

AGRIFOOD - A Strategic Program Together with the PNU for Food Sustainable Development

The AGRIFOOD project, launched in 2023 with funding from the delegation of the European Union in DRC and technical support from FAO-DRC, is a key pillar of the NaturAfrica strategy. This initiative aligns conservation efforts with local development, emphasizing the importance of agricultural transformation in the UNP landscape.

Despite its rich agricultural potential, the region faces hurdles. Traditional farming methods, limited access to markets, and lack of infrastructure have hindered growth. An estimated 88.9% of households cultivate less than 0.5 hectares of land per season. However, in Mitwaba Territory, promising signs of progress are emerging, with some farmers adopting modern techniques such as mechanization and the use of improved seeds.

To address these challenges, the AGRIFOOD program is working to develop a comprehensive agricultural strategy, integrating advisory services, innovation, mechanization, financing, and infrastructure development. The goal is to empower rural communities to shift from subsistence farming to sustainable, market-oriented agriculture, fostering long-term economic resilience while preserving the ecosystem of the UNP.

By investing in local farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector, the AGRIFOOD initiative is not only improving food security but also laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and sustainable future for the communities surrounding Upemba National Park.