Arabfields, Maleeka Kassou, East, West & Central Africa Agriculture Correspondent — Farmers in Kitshanga, located in North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, say the recent distribution of seeds and farming tools by the Food and Agriculture Organization has renewed confidence ahead of the planting season. Local producers believe the assistance will help restore agricultural activity after months of disruption caused by insecurity and population displacement.
Several beneficiaries explained that the arrival of improved seeds and basic farming equipment came at a critical time, when many households had exhausted their reserves and lacked the resources needed to cultivate their land. Community leaders noted that access to quality inputs could improve harvests while strengthening food availability in surrounding villages.
According to farmers interviewed in the area, many families had been forced to reduce the size of their fields because they could not afford essential agricultural materials. The new support is expected to allow them to return to larger plots and increase production during the coming months. Some growers also expressed hope that better harvests would generate additional income to cover school fees, healthcare expenses and household needs.
Agriculture remains the primary source of income for most rural households in eastern DR Congo, where repeated conflicts have weakened local food systems. Humanitarian organizations continue to emphasize that restoring agricultural production is one of the most effective ways to improve food security and reduce long term dependence on emergency assistance.
Current agricultural estimates for 2026 indicate that more than 70 percent of households in the region rely directly on farming for their livelihoods, while food insecurity continues to affect millions of people across eastern provinces. Experts believe that improved access to certified seeds and farming tools can increase crop yields by up to 25 percent under favorable weather conditions, helping communities recover more quickly from successive crises.
Looking ahead, agricultural specialists expect that continued investment in quality inputs, farmer training and local market access could further strengthen production over the next few seasons. If security conditions improve and support programs remain consistent, communities such as Kitshanga are expected to expand cultivated land, increase staple food output and gradually rebuild resilient rural economies.
