After a year of partnership between PHC and IITA, the two institutions are renewing their collaboration within the framework of the Agenda for Agricultural Transformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (ATA-DRC).
The partnership between PHC and IITA has resulted in the production of quality seeds, namely 40 ha of rice, 10 ha of maize, and 24 ha of cassava cuttings, as well as the establishment of a laboratory for rapid cassava multiplication. These activities take place in the provinces of Tshopo and Mongala precisely in Lokutu and Yaligimba, respectively. The second season is already being prepared and provides for the planting of a total of 150 hectares of rice, maize and cassava seeds, in order to contribute to the improvement of agricultural productivity and the food self-sufficiency of the country.
In addition to giving Congolese farmers reliable access to high-quality seeds, the partnership also contributes to local economic development through job creation. With the implementation of the ATA-RDC program, more than 140 new jobs have been created in the provinces of Tshopo and Mongala, thanks to this partnership.
Ms. Monique Gieskes, Managing Director of PHC, said of this partnership:
"After a year of work, we see that by combining PHC's expertise in large-scale agricultural production with IITA's seed development capabilities, we can improve food security and transform the local agricultural landscape. . »
As a reminder :
ATA-RDC is an initiative of the Head of State, HE Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture with technical assistance from IITA and the African Institute for Agricultural Leadership (AALI), in close collaboration with other partners in the agricultural sector. It is in this context that on June 28, 2022 in Kinshasa, PHC and IITA signed a memorandum of understanding linking the two institutions for the intensive production of quality food crop seeds.
About PHC
Plantations et Huileries du Congo, or PHC, is the largest industrial producer of palm oil in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company's concessions cover an area of more than 100 000 hectares, spread over three operating sites in the provinces of Tshopo, Mongala and Equateur. Through its activities, PHC has created more than 7 500 contract jobs, making the company the largest private sector employer in the DRC. In line with its vision of creating shared prosperity through agribusiness, the company also promotes opportunity creation for local communities. PHC has 4 reference hospitals, 3 health centers and 18 dispensaries which serve approximately 150.000 people. To date, the company has also built 19 schools, 9 health centers, and more than 70 boreholes for the benefit of local communities.
About IITA
IITA is an award-winning research for development (R4D) organization that provides solutions to hunger, poverty and natural resource degradation in Africa. Since 1967, IITA has worked with international and national partners to improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment and preserve the integrity of natural resources. IITA has achieved over 70% of the CGIAR impact in sub-Saharan Africa and remains committed to the scientific improvement of agriculture and related food value chains. Our R4D programs focus on four crucial areas: biotechnology and genetic improvement, natural resource management, social sciences and agro-industry, crop production and plant health.
For more information
ATA-DRC Program Coordinator: Jan Helsen J.helsen@cgiar.org
Contact-Media:
IITA-DRC Communications Manager: m.kimpwene@cgiar.org
PHC Communications Manager: nadia.ilunga@phc-congo.com