The African Agricultural Leadership Institute (AALI), in consortium with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Virunga Foundation, organized five practical field days in Lubero Territory, from 1 to 5 December 2025. These sessions brought together local wheat producers, agricultural technicians, and youth and women engaged in farming to demonstrate sustainable practices aimed at improving wheat production.
The activities focused on enhancing farmers’ technical skills, particularly in integrated soil fertility management (GIFS), while promoting the adoption of locally adapted technologies. Through hands-on demonstrations, participants learned practical approaches to boost productivity, preserve soil health, and strengthen the resilience of their farms.
At the heart of the initiative, the AALI Youth Brigade provided close technical support, facilitating knowledge transfer, mentoring, and collaboration between local producers and consortium experts. Their involvement ensured that the lessons from the field were directly applied, creating tangible improvements in farming practices.
This initiative highlights the consortium’s role—AALI, IITA, and Virunga Foundation—as a driver of agricultural transformation in Lubero. By linking innovation, technical expertise, and community engagement, the program promotes a more productive, resilient, and inclusive wheat value chain in North Kivu.
The series of field days demonstrates the measurable impact of multi-stakeholder collaboration in strengthening local capacities, improving agricultural outcomes, and positioning youth and women at the center of sustainable farming solutions.
Through this initiative, AALI and its partners continue to empower local communities, foster agricultural innovation, and support the revival of wheat production as a cornerstone of food security and economic development in North Kivu.