International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has introduced four new rice varieties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to enhance food security and increase farmer incomes. This initiative is part of the Great Lakes Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative Rapid Delivery Hub, also known as the Kugwiza Project, which operates in DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda.
Developed in partnership with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), CGIAR centres and local stakeholders, the initiative aims to reach 1.2 million households across the three countries. The new varieties: Tengetenge, Kirera Bana, Mubusi and Rutete, were bred at IRRI’s headquarters in the Philippines and the Regional Crop Improvement Hub at the University of Burundi.
For farmers in DRC, the introduction marks a significant shift. Many still rely on traditional rice varieties that produce low yields and poor quality. The new seeds are disease-resistant, deliver higher yields, and provide better milling recovery and market value. Crucially, they were bred to match local preferences, non-sticky, easy to cook, and appealing in colour.
To speed up adoption, demonstration plots have been set up in lowland and mid-altitude regions, where many farmers are new to rice cultivation. Training sessions on irrigation and crop management have also been conducted, with farmers given seed samples to test the performance of the varieties themselves.
Rice production in DRC has long been constrained by the absence of improved varieties, leaving farmers dependent on low-yielding traditional crops. The newly introduced seeds are expected to boost productivity in irrigated lowland areas and play a key role in strengthening the country’s food security.
Since 2011, IRRI and its partners have released 56 improved rice varieties across sub-Saharan Africa. With these four additions, the number has now reached 60, underscoring growing efforts to expand rice production in the region.
