Evaluation of the use of fertilizers in the territories of Aru, Djugu and Irumu (Ituri); of Gemena (Sud-ubangi); Kabongo (haut-lomami) and of Mbanza-ngungu (kongo-central) in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Surveys were carried out in 2015, 2016, 2017 and in 2019 in the territories of Aru, Djugu and Irumu; of Gemena, Kabongo and Mbanza - Ngungu; respectively in the provinces of Ituri, Sud-Ubangi, Haut-Lomami and Kongo-Central in DR Congo. The aim was to evaluate the level of the use of fertilizers in these territories and also to appreciate the evolution of the modernization of Congolese agriculture. The use of fertilizers in DR Congo constitutes a problem given the lack of reliable statistics. In order to apprehend their importance in Congolese agriculture, we have evaluated the level of their use in the above mentioned territories. To achieve this objective, surveys implicating 561 cooperating and accessible peasant farmers selected in these administrative entities were conducted. The results showed that a small percentage of Congolese peasant farmers are using chemical fertilizers as observed in Aru (9.2%) and Mbanza-Ngungu (25,0%). The temperate climate prevailing in the territory of Mbanza-Ngungu allowing the growing of temperate crops and the proximity of the territory of Aru to the Ugandan border through which many manufactured products pass, may justify, although timid, the use of chemical fertilizers in these regions. However; 38.8% of the surveyed farmers use the organic fertilizers made up with different organic materials. Their rate of use is particularly high in Kabongo territory in Haut-Lomami followed by Gemena territory in Sud-Ubangi. The usual practices of the peasants farmers (case of Kabongo territory) and the abundant source of plant materials due to the presence of equatorial forest (case of Gemena territory), probably justify the importance given to their use in these areas.The general trend is that a small percentage of Congolese peasant farmers (5.7%) are using inorganic fertilizers. Although some of them (38,8%) do use the organic fertilizers, the majority (55,5%) however do not apply any type of fertilizers in their farms. The use of chemical fertilizers has therefore not yet reached a threshold that can help to boost Congolese agriculture and promote the enormous potential of its agroecosystems. That is why the country is still importing its basic foodstuffs. Efforts must be made within the framework of the agricultural policy in order to demonstrate the benefits of agricultural inputs and particularly those of fertilizers for Congolese agriculture which represents an important development potential of the DR Congo. However, an assessment of the quality and quantity of fertilizers according to the needs of the crops grown in the study areas is recommended. Also, the use of seeds with high productive potential that can enhance the use of fertilizers leading to high yields and which can generate a satisfactory income for farmers can encourage their use. Keywords: Evaluation, fertilizers, level, rate, use