In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a remarkable transformation is taking place through an ambitious agroforestry project that is rejuvenating biodiversity and enhancing the livelihoods of local communities. Situated just 20 kilometers from the city of Mbuji-Mayi, Dorcas Tshabu has realized her childhood dream of creating a flourishing forest where once there was only savanna. Her initiative is part of the Integrated Redd+ Project, funded by the African Development Bank’s Forest Investment Programme (FIP).
A Personal Journey to Restoration
Dorcas’s journey began in 2021, when she set out to restore a landscape that had been depleted of its natural resources. “It was all savanna around here,” she recalls with a smile. “But I have turned it into a forest, and did it with my own hands. Everyone who passes through here appreciates it, which makes me happy.” Over the past few years, she has transformed 50 hectares of land into a vibrant forest, employing over 100 local workers in the process. This project not only provided job opportunities but also fostered a sense of community involvement in environmental stewardship.
Her forest now features a diverse array of flora and fauna, including a prominent field of acacia trees. This initiative has served as a beacon of hope for restoring natural habitats for various species such as snakes, monkeys, jackals, and numerous bird species. “I thought that if I could recreate the forest, I could bring back what had been lost,” Dorcas reflects, emphasizing the project’s role in restoring biodiversity.
The Broader Impact of the Integrated Redd+ Project
Dorcas’s forest project is a key component of the broader Integrated Redd+ Project, a collaborative effort addressing the main drivers of deforestation and forest degradation across Mbuji-Mayi, Kananga, and Kisangani. With €21.5 million in funding, the initiative aims to revive ecosystems while simultaneously supporting local livelihoods.
Vital Kavuanda, who leads the NGO Union Fait la Force (UFF) in the village of Bena Mbala, initially faced skepticism when he proposed planting trees on barren land. “Nobody believed in it,” he recounts. Yet today, just 500 meters from his village lies a flourishing forest of acacia trees, where once there was nothing but unproductive land. “My best memories are of the trees we have planted. I’m a happy man when I see animals returning to the farm and the abundant rain induced because of the forest,” he adds, highlighting the ecological benefits resulting from the project.
The positive outcomes of the project extend to individuals like Emmanuel Nkita Bungi, a 37-year-old site manager at AGRIEL farm in Kasaï-Central. “I got married thanks to this project. Now, I have a wife and two children. The project has been very positive for me,” he states. Through his involvement, Emmanuel has gained valuable skills in sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, and beekeeping. Last year, he harvested several liters of honey from his beehives to sell in Kananga, showcasing the project’s impact on personal livelihoods.
Quantifiable Successes and Community Engagement
The success of the Integrated Redd+ Project is not limited to tree planting alone. As reported by project coordinator Évariste Kafumba Bukasa, afforestation efforts have achieved an impressive 87 percent of their target, while agroforestry initiatives have reached 83 percent. Local management committees were established in villages to ensure community involvement in forest management, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility toward conservation efforts.
In Kazumba, near Kananga, Alidor Mubiayi Pasua, President of the farming association Tshau Katambayi, experienced firsthand the transformative effects of the project. Previously, he lived in a small house in the savanna, which was devastated by clay brick production. “The brick manufacturers cut down all the trees, and the forests here were gone,” he lamented. However, with the support of the African Development Bank, his association planted 50 hectares of acacia forest.
The farming association now comprises 20 farmers, and environmental service payments received from the project have enabled local management committees to engage the entire village in forestry activities. Alidor fondly recalls the joy of managing a pig unit, a hencoop, and witnessing the forest produce caterpillars annually. “The project has been a real success. People get lots of benefits from it. They gather wood for heating or building houses and no longer have to travel far to farm. They have the forest right behind their houses. It benefits everyone,” states Simon Dikebele Kebe, the project coordinator in Kasaï-Central.
A Sustainable Future for Communities
The impact of the Integrated Redd+ Project resonates throughout the three provinces involved. A total of 10,886 hectares of land have been reforested, with 3,073 hectares dedicated to agroforestry. Additionally, the initiative has distributed 9,000 improved stoves across the three provinces, promoting sustainable practices and reducing dependence on wood for energy. The project has provided jobs for 21,662 people, including 12,662 women, and economically benefited 21,700 households.
The integrated Redd+ project in the Mbuji-Mayi, Kananga, and Kisangani basins exemplifies how agroforestry can simultaneously restore degraded ecosystems and transform lives. By reforesting thousands of hectares, the project not only protects biodiversity but also creates economic opportunities for local communities and reduces carbon emissions. This project is a testament to Africa’s potential for combining sustainable development and climate resilience, showcasing a successful model for environmental restoration and community empowerment.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the successes of the Integrated Redd+ Project are noteworthy, challenges remain in ensuring the long-term sustainability of these efforts. Climate change, population growth, and ongoing pressures from agriculture and resource extraction pose significant threats to the ecosystems being restored. Engaging local communities in the continued management of forests is crucial for maintaining these areas and preventing future degradation.
Furthermore, as the project progresses, it is essential to monitor the ecological impact of the reforestation efforts closely. Conducting ongoing assessments will provide valuable data to adapt strategies as needed and ensure that the goals of biodiversity enhancement and livelihood improvement are met sustainably.
Conclusion
The agroforestry project in the Democratic Republic of Congo illustrates a powerful narrative of hope, resilience, and community empowerment in the face of environmental degradation. Through the combined efforts of dedicated individuals like Dorcas Tshabu and the support of organizations such as the African Development Bank, a sustainable future is being crafted for both the environment and the people who depend on it. The success of this project serves as a beacon for similar initiatives worldwide, demonstrating that with vision and commitment, it is possible to heal our planet while simultaneously uplifting communities.
