Help Stop Slash and Burn Farming in the Congo

OCP has been assisting communities throughout the Okapi Wildlife Reserve to improve their food security. The agroforestry program has gained popularity among the farmers in more remote areas of the reserve, allowing OCP educators to make inroads to areas not previously receptive to conservation efforts.

Since the success of the program depends on secure areas, the increase of patrols has allowed more farmers to commit their participation. However, the poor road conditions still hinder outreach and education, especially during the rainy season. Because of the programs high demand, OCP is trying to surmount the difficult conditions in order to bring sustainable farming practices to more farmers living in and around  the reserve, thus reducing the rate of conversion of forest to agriculture and helping preserve the critical habitat needed for the endangered okapi.

OCP also operates 11 demonstration gardens to pique the interest of passers-by and teach them about crop selection, crop rotation and row planting to improve their crop yield. Caring about the needs of people opens doors for conversations about why we care about them and their communities – we need their help to conserve critical okapi habitat. Because we work to improve the livelihoods of the communities around the reserve, they are directly involved in helping preserve okapi habitat – as a result 95% of the forest cover remains intact in the Ituri basin.

So far in 2016:

• OCP has distributed over 10,000 tree seedlings
• Distributed 2 tons of peanut, bean and rice seeds to 188 farmers
• Established 11 new seed beds of various vegetables in Epulu and Mambasa nurseries,
• Provided agricultural tools, seedlings and training in farming to primary and secondary school students in Epulu.

The support of conservationists from around the world makes the challenging work of protecting okapi and this unique forest teaming with biodiversity possible!

Links:

• Additional updates from OCP