A million trees to energize DR Congo's rainforest

Growing trees on farms

In Yangambi, while shifting cultivation and the production of woodfuel are the main income generating activities of the local population, they are also the main causes of deforestation and forest degradation in the area.

To restore soil fertility and provide charcoal producers with sustainable and environment friendly alternatives, we sensitise farmers on the benefits of agroforestry systems which involve planting tree species such as the acacia within and adjacent to arable crops and livestock.

Many acacia species are valued for fuel as they make high quality charcoal. In addition to this, they provide nectar for honey bees, a canopy beneath which nutritious grasses suitable for livestock grazing can grow and the pods are important sources of protein-rich fodder for humans and livestock. Thus, the acacia tree has the potential to slow climate change, protect the environment and raise food yields thereby feeding more people.

‘By combining lines of acacia trees (Acacia auriculiformis) with improved cassava, for example, farmers obtain higher yields and earn more income. We train farmers on the technical specifications for planting acacia mixed with food crops, taking into account criteria such as distance for better

Since January 2023, thanks to your numerous donantions, we have increased the size of our acacia plantations by planting 128 550 acacia trees on 204 hectares of land. We also planted 1362 indigenous plants including Bokele (hymenocardia ulmoides) and Bosenge (Uapacar guineensis) .