Canadian University Projects in International Development Database (CUPID)
Program details
Africa
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Renforcement des capacités visant la sécurité alimentaire en République démocratique du Congo
| Canadian partner: | Laurentian University of Sudbury | |
|---|---|---|
| Developing country partner: | Université de Kinshasa | |
| Project duration: | March 2005 - July 2011 |
Project purpose:
The purpose of the project is to enhance the capacity of the faculty of agronomy of the University of Kinshasa to offer a first-rate higher education and, in partnership with the non-governmental organization Caritas, to support communities with respect to sustainable development and food security.
Key results to date:
In addition to program planning for the Diplôme d'études approfondies (DEA), which is aimed at food safety, this project also created a PhD program in agronomy at the University of Kinshasa. Twenty-six students obtained their DEA, and 10 others have either started the program or completed their doctoral research in the community. A multimedia room was set up, where 5,050 students have already received computer training. Two new virtual libraries were created, and 4,000 books were donated. Students now have access to over one million periodicals and books.
More than 1,800 families received help with activities related to harvesting and food preservation. Two hundred and fifty tonnes of improved seeds (maize and legumes) were produced. Eighty five community members representing NGOs and the government took part in training sessions on seed production and preservation. A documentation centre including a library, computer room and classroom were set up for a community. Thanks to this project, the Congolese partners received $20 million in additional funding.