Farmers in North Kivu, a key agricultural region in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are increasingly adapting their farming practices as climate change disrupts traditional growing seasons and threatens food production.

Longer droughts, shortened rainy seasons and more intense storms are reshaping agriculture across the province, forcing communities to find new ways to maintain crop yields in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

Although North Kivu has historically benefited from favourable weather conditions and abundant rainfall, experts say changing climate patterns are making farming more difficult and raising concerns about long-term food security.

Climate Change Shortens Rainy Seasons in North Kivu

Research published in the Geo-Eco-Trop journal indicates that while annual rainfall levels in North Kivu remain close to 1,500 millimetres, the intensity of rainfall events has increased over recent decades.

The study found that days receiving more than 10 millimetres of rainfall have become more frequent, while the region’s traditional nine-month rainy season has shortened to approximately seven months. These changes have increased the risk of flooding, soil erosion and crop damage, creating new challenges for farmers who depend on predictable weather conditions.

Scientists warn that these shifting rainfall patterns are directly affecting agricultural productivity and threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farming households across the province.

Small-Scale Farmers Remain Highly Dependent on Rainfall

Agriculture remains the backbone of North Kivu’s economy, with most farming activities conducted by smallholder farmers who rely heavily on seasonal rainfall.

According to agricultural engineer and land-use planning expert Mulondi Gloire, local agriculture remains largely family-run and rain-fed, making farmers particularly vulnerable to climate variability.

Limited irrigation infrastructure continues to be a major challenge. Despite the region’s abundant rivers, streams and groundwater resources, many farmers lack the financial resources, technical expertise and infrastructure needed to effectively collect and manage water for irrigation purposes.

As a result, agricultural production remains heavily dependent on increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

Extreme Weather Events Are Becoming More Common

Researchers and agricultural institutions in North Kivu have recorded significant changes in rainfall behaviour in recent years.

Climate data collected by regional research organisations, including the National Institute for Agronomic Research and other agricultural institutions, show that rainfall events are becoming more intense, even though total annual rainfall has changed little.

Severe thunderstorms, hailstorms and unexpected heavy downpours are now occurring more frequently, often during periods that were traditionally considered dry seasons. These extreme weather events can destroy crops, wash away seedlings and reduce harvest yields, placing additional pressure on farming communities.

At the same time, changing weather conditions have created favourable environments for crop diseases and fungal infections, including mildew, further threatening agricultural productivity.

Farmers Turn to Climate-Resilient Crops and Sustainable Practices

As climate pressures increase, farmers, researchers, non-governmental organisations and government agencies are working together to develop more resilient agricultural systems.

Efforts are underway to introduce improved seed varieties capable of withstanding drought, excessive rainfall and disease outbreaks. Agricultural experts believe that adopting climate-resilient crops will play a crucial role in safeguarding food production as weather conditions become more volatile.

Plant researcher Héritier Mbusa argues that agriculture in North Kivu must move beyond traditional subsistence farming and embrace modern adaptation strategies.

According to Mbusa, the future of farming in the region depends on improved planning, irrigation systems, crop diversification and greater use of technology. Reforestation initiatives and the introduction of climate-adapted crop varieties are also viewed as essential components of long-term resilience.

Rising Temperatures Pose Long-Term Risks to Agriculture

Climate experts warn that rising temperatures are adding another layer of complexity to agricultural production in North Kivu.

Research indicates that average temperatures in the region have increased by approximately 1.8 degrees Celsius over the past five decades. Combined with increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, these changes are disrupting planting schedules and reducing crop productivity.

Natural disaster management expert Sahani Walere believes climate adaptation can no longer be treated as an optional strategy for the agricultural sector.

He argues that without stronger climate adaptation measures, smallholder farming—the foundation of the local economy—could face severe long-term challenges. Walere has called for the establishment of a regional network of weather stations to improve climate monitoring and provide farmers with more reliable information for planning agricultural activities.

Agroforestry and Agroecology Offer a Path Forward

Agricultural specialists increasingly see agroforestry and agroecology as critical tools for helping farmers adapt to climate change while protecting natural resources.

Experts recommend integrating trees into farming systems to improve soil health, reduce erosion and enhance resilience against extreme weather. Agroforestry practices can also help capture carbon emissions while supporting biodiversity and sustainable land management.

Mulondi believes that transitioning to climate-smart agriculture will require a combination of scientific innovation, environmental conservation and modern technology.

Tools such as satellite imagery, digital agricultural platforms and soil mapping technologies can help farmers make more informed decisions about land use and crop management. At the same time, reducing deforestation and limiting slash-and-burn farming practices will be essential to preserving soil fertility and protecting ecosystems.

Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture in the DRC

The challenges facing farmers in North Kivu reflect broader concerns about climate change and food security across Africa. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, agricultural communities must adapt to protect livelihoods and ensure sustainable food production.

Researchers agree that the future of agriculture in eastern DRC will depend on a combination of climate-resilient farming practices, improved water management, stronger agricultural policies and greater investment in research and innovation.

For North Kivu’s farmers, adapting to climate change is no longer simply an option—it has become a necessity for survival and long-term economic stability.