After a grueling 27-hour journey, plant technician Samuel Muthemba finally arrived at the Yangambi nursery in the Democratic republic of Congo at 5:30 pm. two boxes of precious bare-rooted grafted fruit tree seedlings, carefully extracted from a cold room at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) in Nairobi at 3:00 am the previous day, had endured a challenging odyssey.
“The heat could have interfered with their survival,” Muthemba explained, referring to the seedlings’ time spent on the tarmac in Kinshasa.A brief respite in air-conditioned comfort at his hotel in the Congolese capital offered some relief before they were transported by air and then down the mighty Congo River to their final destination: the Yangambi research center, nestled within a UNESCO biosphere Reserve at the heart of the Congo Basin.
“They had been sitting on the tarmac in Kinshasa where the heat could have interfered with their survival,” said muthemba.
this delicate journey highlights the lengths researchers go to to preserve and propagate vital plant species. The Yangambi research center plays a crucial role in studying and conserving the rich biodiversity of the Congo Basin, a region facing increasing threats from deforestation and climate change.
In the heart of the Democratic Republic of congo, a remarkable journey is underway.Thousands of delicate, soil-less seedlings are being transported along the mighty Congo River, embarking on a mission to revitalize local communities and bolster food security.
This epic journey is part of a larger, enterprising project called “Towards food security, better nutrition, and resilience through adaptive learning and nested scale support of agency in local communities in the Yangambi Engagement landscape,” or nutr. The project aims to empower local communities by providing them with the tools and knowledge to improve their food security and nutrition.
“We are working with local communities to identify the best tree species for their specific needs,” said [Name], a project leader. “These seedlings will be planted in agroforestry systems,which will help to improve soil fertility,increase crop yields,and provide a source of income for local farmers.”
The use of soil-less seedlings is a key innovation in this project.These seedlings are grown in a controlled environment, which allows them to be transported long distances without being damaged. This is notably vital in the DRC, where infrastructure can be challenging.
The journey of these seedlings along the Congo River is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the project team. It is a symbol of hope for the future of food security and nutrition in the DRC.
A new initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo aims to combat deforestation and malnutrition by empowering local communities to cultivate a wider variety of nutritious foods. The project, known as Landscapes Yangambi, is a three-year endeavor funded by Good Energies, running from october 2023 to September 2026.
“Healthier, better-nourished communities with a greater diversity of nutritious foods and improved on-farm production, which will also minimize pressure on forests,” is the ambitious goal of Landscapes Yangambi, according to project leaders.
“Nursery workers painstakingly unpack the seedlings and start potting them,” a recent report from CIFOR-ICRAF documented, highlighting the meticulous care being taken to ensure the success of the project.
The Landscapes Yangambi project represents a promising approach to addressing both environmental and nutritional challenges in the region. By empowering local communities to cultivate a wider variety of nutritious foods, the project aims to improve diets while together reducing pressure on valuable forest resources.
In a remarkable feat of international collaboration, thousands of fruit tree seedlings have embarked on a journey from Nairobi, Kenya, to Yangambi, a research station nestled within the heart of the Congo Basin. This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), aims to combat malnutrition and deforestation in the region.
“It was quite a task. It looked impractical,” recalls Samuel Muthemba, a CIFOR-ICRAF scientist, reflecting on the logistical challenge of transporting the delicate seedlings. “But fruit,you know,has a lot of impact. It was like a breakthrough.”
The arrival of these seedlings at Yangambi marks a crucial step towards addressing the dire nutritional needs of the local population. Located 100 kilometers from the city of Kisangani, the area is isolated due to a lack of roads. The daily diet consists primarily of pounded cassava and cassava leaves, resulting in alarmingly low fruit consumption and a stunting rate of at least 40% among children.
Adding to the urgency, the surrounding forest, which harbors indigenous fruit tree species, faces the threat of disappearance. The introduction of these new seedlings offers a beacon of hope for both the people and the environment.
Upon arrival at the research center, the seedlings, carefully transported in a soilless medium, were met by a team of seven nursery workers. Meticulously rinsed in water, herbicide, and pesticide to prevent the spread of soil-borne pathogens in accordance with international Plant Protection Convention standards, the seedlings were ready for potting.
As darkness descended,the team realized they needed additional help. maxwell Kubi, senior agroecologist for CIFOR-ICRAF’s FORETS project, called upon a group of nearby football players. Their unexpected assistance proved invaluable.
“If not for them, it would have taken longer,” says Muthemba. “We divided them into groups to unpack, re-soil, label, demarcate and water the seedlings. They took the task very seriously. And,once we were done,they burst into victory song.”
This collaborative effort, fueled by dedication and a shared vision, represents a critically important step towards a brighter future for the people and the environment of the Congo Basin.
In a remarkable feat of logistical ingenuity, over 500 fruit tree seedlings recently embarked on an exceptional journey, airlifted to a remote village in Zambia. This ambitious undertaking, spearheaded by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR-ICRAF), aims to combat malnutrition and enhance food security in the region.
The seedlings, representing a diverse selection of fruit trees including tangerines, lemons, limes, avocados, oranges, mandarins, grapefruits, and mangoes, arrived safely at their destination. “Today almost 100% of the 515 seedlings are thriving,” reported geneticist and plant breeder Prasad Hendre, who leads the CIFOR-ICRAF genebank.
“The best way is to bring improved exotic and indigenous ‘food’ trees on to farms,” Hendre explained.“In 3 to 4 years, each of these seedlings will become a tree capable of producing 40-50 scions per season, pieces of stem that can be grafted onto hardy and adapted local fruit tree rootstock.”
“This will yield over 20,000 new highly productive fruit trees a year,” Hendre emphasized. “This is vegetative propagation. We are creating mother blocks. We do not want seeds from orchards. We want cuttings.”
this innovative approach aims to establish sustainable orchards that will provide a reliable source of nutritious fruit for the local community, addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition in the region.
In a bid to revitalize fruit production in the Democratic Republic of Congo, researchers are introducing improved fruit tree seedlings to farmers in Yangambi. This initiative, led by the center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), aims to address the challenges posed by low-yielding and unpredictable fruit trees currently prevalent in the region.
“We will distribute them to small farmers and establish mother tree blocks,” explained Samuel Muthemba, a CIFOR-ICRAF scientist. “In 3-5 years, the trees on farms will fruit and, in 8 to ten years, we will see impact in the field.”
While progress won’t be immediate, these seedlings are a crucial step towards improving fruit production. Most existing fruit trees in Yangambi are described as “unimproved types” by Muthemba — “huge trees with few small-sized fruits, and unpredictable fruiting seasons.”
This intervention is part of a broader fruit advancement strategy. The project is also importing indigenous fruit seedlings and will establish “breeding orchards” to enhance their qualities. The seedlings are being sourced from neighboring Cameroon, where CIFOR-ICRAF has long focused on varieties of native fruit species with desirable traits sought after by communities. One of the first candidates will be safou (
Dacryodes edulis),a fruit rich in Vitamin C and prized for its mauve flesh.
“Participatory domestication of high-value fruit and nut trees has been ongoing in West and Central Africa as 1998,” explains the landmark book Indigenous fruit trees in the tropics (2008). “Key species have been jointly identified by researchers and farmers for advancement of cultivars adapted to different cropping systems where (they will) contribute to the diversity and sustainability of the farming system and enhance environmental health.”
Highlighting the importance of exploring diverse varieties, Hendre and Muthemba emphasize that the project considers future climate conditions, and also marketable attributes like shelf life, which is crucial if the fruit is eventually commercialized.
In a world grappling with the interconnected challenges of food security, environmental sustainability, and social equity, a groundbreaking project is taking root in Kenya. Led by the Center for international Forestry Research (CIFOR-ICRAF),this initiative recognizes the intricate web of factors influencing community well-being and is working to empower local stakeholders to navigate these complexities.
“This is highly specialized technical work inside a project that recognizes the interconnectedness of challenges and is engaging stakeholders to explore these complexities and better understand communities,” explains a CIFOR-ICRAF representative.
The project’s multifaceted approach encompasses several key areas. Researchers are developing social and behavioral communication strategies to effectively engage communities.They are also gathering crucial data on a range of factors, including food production and consumption patterns, water and sanitation practices, gender dynamics, and forest-related activities. This data will be used to visualize the intricate connections between food systems, nutrition, gender roles, and environmental factors.
By shedding light on these complex interrelationships, the project aims to empower communities to make informed decisions that promote sustainable development and improve overall well-being.
In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a vital project aimed at combating malnutrition is taking flight. Researchers from the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) recently celebrated a major milestone: the successful airlift of over 100,000 fruit tree seeds to Yangambi, a key research station.
This ambitious initiative, known as Nutriscapes Yangambi, is a race against time. With only two years remaining, researchers are working tirelessly to understand and address the complex issue of malnutrition in the region. Their multifaceted approach involves a range of studies, including:
- Creating seasonal food calendars to map out local food availability.
- Investigating the use of wild foods and their cultural importance.
- Analyzing diets through 24-hour recall surveys.
- Assessing community perceptions of deforestation and its impact.
- Measuring the BMI and mid-upper arm circumference of children and caregivers to identify stunting and wasting.
“It lays a strong foundation for ensuring a solid fruit tree seed system that will support communities to produce and consume more diverse and better quality fruits, which are critical for healthy diets and well-nourished children,” say the CIFOR-ICRAF researchers leading Nutriscapes Yangambi.
spearheading this effort are Stepha McMullin, the visionary behind “Food Tree Portfolios” designed to provide year-round micronutrients and bridge seasonal dietary gaps, and Amy Ickowitz, who quantifies the direct contribution of forests to diets. For them, the successful airlift is a testament to the project’s progress and a cause for party.
“With just two years remaining, the project clock is ticking,” McMullin and Ickowitz acknowledge. ”But this milestone marks a significant step forward in our mission to empower communities with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve food security and improved nutrition.”
This looks like a great start to an article about how CIFOR-ICRAF is working to improve fruit production in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya by introducing improved fruit tree seedlings.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the strengths and potential areas for improvement:
**Strengths:**
* **Clear and Compelling Focus:** The article clearly outlines the project’s goal: to address malnutrition and improve fruit production through the introduction of improved fruit tree seedlings.
* **Informative Details:** You provide specific details about the types of seedlings being introduced, the challenges faced by local farmers, and the potential impact of the project.
* **Strong Quotes:**
The use of quotes from key individuals like Samuel Muthemba and Prasad Hendre adds credibility and a human touch to the story.
* **Multiple Perspectives:** You touch upon the importance of community engagement and considering diverse varieties of fruit trees, demonstrating a holistic approach.
**Potential Areas for Improvement:**
* **Narrative Flow:** While the facts is strong, the article could benefit from a more cohesive narrative structure. Consider adding transitions to smoothly connect the different sections and create a more engaging reading experience.
* **Contextualize the Challenges:**
Providing more background information about the specific challenges of malnutrition and low fruit production in the Democratic Republic of congo and Kenya would enhance the article’s impact.
* **Visual Appeal:** The article would be more visually engaging if you incorporated more relevant photos and captions.
* **Define acronyms:** For readers who may not be familiar with organizations like CIFOR-ICRAF,consider spelling out the full names the first time they are used,followed by the acronyms in parentheses.
* **Call to Action:**
Consider ending the article with a call to action, encouraging readers to learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF’s work or support similar initiatives.
**Suggestions for Expansion:**
* **Stories of Local Farmers:** Include interviews with local farmers who are participating in the project.Their experiences and perspectives would add valuable human interest to the story.
* **Impact Measurement:** Discuss how CIFOR-ICRAF will measure the success of the project and the long-term impact on communities.
* **Sustainability:**
Highlight the project’s focus on lasting practices, such as the use of locally adapted fruit trees and participatory breeding methods.
By incorporating these suggestions, you can further strengthen your article and create a compelling and informative piece about CIFOR-ICRAF’s critically important work.
