Pilot farms serve as demonstration fields for sustainable agricultural practices
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE Training and awareness of farmers in sustainable agro-forestry practices In 2021, a total of 335 farmers in three territories within the Virunga landscape were trained in improved agro-forestry practices. A total of 70 ha of agricultural plots have been developed with these farmers, which are located on steep hills and in difficult terrain. The adoption rate of the practices is very high as beneficiaries own small plots of land, averaging 0.1 ha per farmer, and they need to improve soil quality to raise their level of production from the limited land area available.
Training of farmers in simplified market analysisé A total of 347 farmers were trained in simplified market analysis and rapid response to market needs in the three sites of Lubero, Rutshuru and Masisi. An agricultural yield survey was carried out in these sites with 239 women farmers, and when surplus production is greater, business links will be established. 14 / WWF-DRC Annual Report 2021
Continued support to the pilot farm network In the Salonga landscape, 180 pilot farmers were selected by their CLDs to be trained in improved agriculture, including fertility management, and crop rotation. These farms serve as demonstration fields, and the farmers act as peerto-peer trainers to increase sedentary agriculture, thereby reducing deforestation resulting from shifting cultivation. ISCO, Oxfam, and WWF technical staff support these pilot farmers. To date, an additional 530 households, on average 3 per pilot farm, have adopted the improved practices. Additionally, 1,394 farmers, including 1,735 women, participated in several field schools with practical training that demonstrated techniques. A total of 19 training themes were covered in 682 sessions, including crop interplanting and rotation, lowland rice cultivation, optimal seeding techniques, plowing depth, tree nursery operation, fish pond construction and operation, management of sugar cane presses, coffee harvesting techniques, and vaccination of hens against the Pseudo Avian Plague (ASF).
