Agriculture plays a crucial role in the DRC's economy, employing a substantial portion of the population and contributing significantly to its GDP.
CIAT - now part of the Alliance - holds a Host Country Agreement signed with the DRC Government since 2008. We are currently hosted by IITA in terms of rent (Hosting agreement for Kinshasa Office only) and not as an institution. Today, the Alliance's work in DRC focuses principally on common bean breeding, seed systems, sustainable value chains, digital phenotyping, and gender, and inclusion
The DRC's vast biodiversity and agricultural potential offer a unique opportunity for the Alliance to conduct valuable research and develop innovative solutions that improve food security, promote sustainable agriculture, and enhance the resilience of communities.
The country's diverse agroecological zones and rich genetic resources provide an ideal setting for the Alliance to explore and conserve crop diversity. Research conducted in the DRC contributes to the development of climate-smart and nutritionally rich crops that are adapted to local conditions. Furthermore, the Alliance works with local farmers and communities to implement sustainable agricultural practices that improve productivity while safeguarding biodiversity.
