Kabare: farmer organizations receive seeds to strengthen resilience in the face of security and climate crises

By Janvier BARHAHIGA

In the villages along the shores of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (PNKB), hope is rekindled within agricultural communities hard hit by the security crisis and the effects of climate change. Thanks to funding from the Global Greengrants Fund (GGF), the Center for Support to Development and Environment Management (CADGE) distributed seeds on September 25, 2025, and initiated a series of practical trainings for 124 members of four farmer organizations: OP La Confiance Plus, OP Mamans Tonde Tonde, OP Rhugwasikanye, and OP Écolo Femmes.

These farmers, many of whom had exhausted their seed reserves due to the armed conflict between AFC/M23 and the Wazalendo groups, now benefit from technical guidance on intercropping (peanuts, beans, soy, peas, maize) and line sowing. These techniques help reduce losses, improve soil fertility, and protect the biodiversity of PNKB. According to Kely Matabaro, agronomist at CADGE:

“Our objective is to adapt local agriculture to current climate realities while protecting the unique biodiversity of PNKB. When farmers practice sustainable crops, it reduces pressure on the forest and supports food security, especially in this period marked by insecurity.”
For Espérance Murandikire, coordinator of OP Écolo Femmes, this aid is vital:

“Our seeds had been consumed due to the war and many families turned to wood cutting in the park to survive. Today, thanks to CADGE’s support and its funder, we can not only have seeds but also produce our own food. This gives us hope.”
Feza M’wa Mwambusa, a beneficiary, expresses gratitude but notes a challenge:

“The seed aid relieves us after depleting our stocks and the prohibition of commerce during the war. But more needs to be done, because seeds are given to associations, while many households still lack fields and means to cultivate.”

In addition to seed distribution, the project includes trainings on line sowing, pest control, and the prudent use of fertilizers innovative practices that strengthen agricultural resilience while protecting UNESCO-listed UNESCO World Heritage PNKB.

By combining material support, capacity building, and environmental conservation, this initiative helps relieve vulnerable households and lays the groundwork for sustainable agriculture in South Kivu.