The Congolese Minister of Rural Development, Muhindo Nzangi Butondo, was in Gbadolite, North Ubangi, on October 28, 2024. During his visit, he discussed a major road project to connect national roads with agricultural areas, improving access to rural markets and supporting local development. In detail, the project involves building and repairing 11,000 kilometers of agricultural feeder roads across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Minister Butondo, on the same occasion, noted that various projects to improve waterways and feeder roads across the country have already received government funding. He also highlighted cooperation with the Régie des Voies Fluviales (RVF) and the Office des Voies de Desserte Agricole (OVDA) to better use waterways in promising rural areas. The OVDA, created in 2020, focuses on connecting production areas via waterways and lesser roads.

The official was touring many northern localities to "assess local priorities with provincial officials and create a development plan for agricultural service infrastructure”.

Regarding the 11,000km feeder roads project, its costs and timelines are currently unknown, but this commitment falls under this year’s budget. "My ministry has committed itself in this year's forecast to building and rehabilitating 11,000 km of agricultural feeder roads throughout the national territory (26 provinces)," Muhindo Nzangi said in this regard.

According to feedback from a similar project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), better feeder roads help reduce travel time and costs for getting produce to market by four times. Other benefits included quicker access to healthcare and clean water.

The DRC has immense agricultural potential but this potential is largely untapped, due to poor drainage routes and storage facilities. With donor support, the country ramps up efforts to make agriculture contribute more to the economy. At the launch of the 2024/2025 agricultural campaign, the government distributed five million seeds, tractors, pesticides, protective gear, fertilizers, cassava cuttings, motorcycles, and bicycles to provinces. 

Georges Auréole Bamba