Characterizing Feeds and Feed Availability in Sud-Kivu Province, DR Congo

Animal husbandry in the Sud-Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is gradually moving towards stall feeding, due to demographic pressure (Battistin et al. 2009) and scarcity of collectable forages (DSRP-RDC 2005). Therefore, feed is considered one of the main constraints faced by livestock production, especially in the dry season (Katunga et al. 2009; Maass et al. 2012). Unaffordable, fluctuating prices and inaccessibility of feed concentrates and the lack of improved forages adapted to marginal conditions, making them non-competitive with food crops, further exacerbate the livestock feeding situation. This study within the African Food Security Initiative, with funding from AusAID, aimed to assess specific constraints and opportunities in the current feeding systems, as well as feed availability in this area

Forest restoration initiatives by local populations in Central Africa - Protocol for a Systematic Review

In tropical areas, forest restoration is considered a valuable option to improve smallholders' livelihoods and limit global warming. However, field experiences, particularly in Central Africa, have been little documented. This systematic review protocol details the methods to characterize the state of forest restoration by local population in the Congo Basin. We analysed planting methods, involvement of local populations and contextual factors influencing success or failure of past and present initiatives. Two databases will be used: Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus Collection. In addition, authors added grey literature in the document pool. The data selection included a screening stage using Rayyan®, a web app facilitating systematic reviewing. Eligibility is detailed and risks of bias analysis designed. Finally, we detail how relevant papers were analysed

Improved crop productivity and soil properties under varying planting densities of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth. and Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. in Congo Basin

AbstractSoil fertility depletion is a major constraint to agricultural production in the Congo Basin and is aggravated by climate change. Therefore, agroforestry systems (AFS) are used to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. Indeed, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Acacia auriculiformis are among the most agroforestry species used in this basin. However, smallholders are limited in their choice of agroforestry species and the spacing. Hence, this study comparatively evaluated the effects of P. macrophylla (native) and A. auriculiformis (exotic) legume tree species on soil macronutrients and food crops’ yield during four cropping seasons. To do this, a multifactor trial design was implemented in Lobilo catchment, Congo Basin, with two tree species, four tree planting densities (T1: 2500 trees × ha−1, T2: 625 trees × ha−1, T3: 278 trees × ha−1; and T0: crop monoculture), and three intercrops (cassava, maize, and peanut). The results revealed that both agroforestry species did not significantly differ regarding their impact on soil macronutrients. The total nitrogen and the pH in soil have increased with the cropping seasons. With regard to the food crops, cassava and maize yield were greater under P. macrophylla than under A. auriculiformis. However, the 2500 trees × ha−1 density negatively affected food crops’ yield and did not allow food crop production after the second cropping season. To maximize the positive effects of these AFS, it is essential to plant or co-plant these two agroforestry species at 625 trees × ha−1 density. Future research could investigate other native species and include water and light interactions.</jats:p