DR Congo

Since 2012, Rikolto decided to focus on two promising agricultural value chains: Arabica coffee and rice. As of 2019, we also work in the cocoa sector. In 2021, we launched our Good Food for Cities programme in Bukavu and Goma.

Sustainable Cocoa and Coffee programme highlights for 2023

Rikolto supported over 14,465 cocoa and coffee farmers through partnerships with cooperatives and projects such as DGD (co-funded by IFAD), Coffee Circle Foundation, PIRRED-O/UNDP, ROSCAT, Beyond Chocolate and Under Grown Cocoa. Interventions focused on sustainable practices and market access. In the north, women's home gardens were supported to produce cabbage and other vegetables. In Tshopo, farmers were trained to make compost from cocoa pods, rice husks and Tithonia Diversifolia leaves. We also supported 104 young people and women to set up coffee nurseries. In parallel, the implementation of a law on cooperatives was supported. Cooperatives have been registered in every province. We also facilitated the creation of 606 jobs for young people and women.

Sustainable Rice programme highlights for 2023

As we near the conclusion of the PICAGL project, funded by the DRC government through a loan from the World Bank, we have trained 3,259 new farmers on sustainable rice production practices. Drawing from lessons learned during the past year of implementation, two significant steps were taken. In tackling the critical issue of water access, farmer cooperatives have embraced the community-based Smart Valley Approach. This initiative has resulted in the irrigation of over 1,200 hectares of land, effectively enhancing agricultural productivity. Moreover, inspired by the successful business case of the “Nyange Nyange rice” model in South Kivu, the model has been replicated in the Tanganyika region through the “Magoyo rice” label, under which sustainable rice is being successfully sold in both traditional and urban markets.

Good Food for Cities programme highlights for 2023

We partnered with 10 schools, consumers and entrepreneurs to promote healthy eating and sustainable food systems in Bukavu and Goma. More than 10,000 students, including 2,302 girls, learned about food literacy and hygiene through workshops and an ambassador programme. A revised provincial menu with nutritious options was developed with schools and the Ministry of Education. To strengthen food governance, we worked with the consumer organisation LICOSKI to organise multi-stakeholder discussions to develop local food agendas. Rikolto also set up 3 integrated and permanent school gardens for students to learn about regenerative agriculture.