La problématique de l’agriculture dans le groupement de Mbinga-Sud, territoire de Kalehe, RD Congo

L’article analyse les facteurs structurels, socio-économiques et environnementaux qui entravent le développement agricole dans le groupement de Mbinga-Sud, territoire de Kalehe. Il met en évidence la dégradation des sols, le manque d’intrants, l’enclavement, les conflits fonciers, l’insécurité et les effets du changement climatique, puis propose des pistes de modernisation agricole et de développement rural durable.

Agriculture in the Mbinga-Sud Grouping, located in Kalehe Territory (South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo), faces numerous challenges despite its strategic location on the shores of Lake Kivu and its significant agroecological potential. The local population depends heavily on agriculture for its livelihood; however, farming remains largely traditional, poorly mechanized, and characterized by low productivity. The main challenges identified include: soil degradation resulting from deforestation and inappropriate farming practices; lack of agricultural inputs (improved seeds, fertilizers, and farming tools) and inadequate technical support; poor accessibility and insufficient transport infrastructure, which hinder the marketing of agricultural products; land tenure insecurity and land-use conflicts; and socio-political instability and persistent insecurity, which disrupt access to farmland and agricultural planning. In response to this situation, the article highlights the need for coordinated interventions involving local stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and the government to modernize agriculture, strengthen farmers’ capacities, secure access to land, and improve rural infrastructure. Such an approach is essential for ensuring food security, increasing agricultural incomes, and promoting sustainable territorial development. The study aims to analyze the structural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors that hinder agricultural development in the Mbinga-Sud Grouping, Kalehe Territory, in order to propose sustainable solutions for improving agricultural productivity and the living conditions of local farmers. To achieve this objective, the study seeks to: identify the main constraints (technical, economic, land-related, climatic, and security-related) affecting agricultural activities in Mbinga-Sud; assess current farming practices among smallholder farmers and their impact on productivity and sustainability; analyze land tenure dynamics and conflicts affecting farmers’ security of access to land; examine the effects of insecurity and climate change on agricultural production cycles and the resilience of rural communities; and propose intervention strategies for the revitalization and modernization of agriculture in the grouping, based on local resources and community initiatives.