Africa
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Renforcement des capacités visant la sécurité alimentaire en République démocratique du Congo
Canadian partner: Laurentian University of Sudbury
Developing country partner: Université de Kinshasa
Project duration: March 2005 - March 2011
Project purpose: The purpose of the project is to enhance the capacity of the faculty of agronomy of the University of Kinshasa to offer a first-rate higher education and, in partnership with the non-governmental organization Caritas, to support communities with respect to sustainable development and food security. Key results to date: Six hundred families have been supported in food crop production and conservation activities. Forty tonnes of higher quality seeds have been produced and have attracted an investment of 5 million Euros in storage facilities. Training sessions were conducted on seed production, soil fertility and plant protection for 30 members of NGOs and rural associations. A doctoral program focusing on food security has been launched at the Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN) and a centre for improved seed varieties has been established. One professional obtained a PhD in genetics and biodiversity and 10 agricultural engineering students (eight men, two women) have completed their master degree research. The computer lab has been equipped and 1,500 students have received training. A multimedia room has been established for teaching 10 new courses and seminar presentations. A new virtual library gives students access to over a million periodicals and books. Community training centres have been strengthened with the provision of computer equipment, books and teaching materials. For further information, see the detailed project profile (available in French only).
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