Yangambi Revives Sustainable Palm Oil Production in Congo

Yangambi, once home to a pioneering oil palm breeding program in the 1930s and 1940s, is poised for a sustainable comeback. Researchers at the National Institute for Agronomic Study of the Belgian Congo (INEAC) discovered the genetics behind the high-yielding tenera hybrid, revolutionizing palm oil production. Their work laid the foundation for global palm oil industries, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia, which now produce over 80% of the world's supply. However, Yangambi's own research capabilities declined due to decades of underinvestment, leaving aging plantations and a dormant breeding program.

A new initiative aims to revive Yangambi's palm oil sector sustainably. Led by INERA, Landscape Alliance, and the Virunga Foundation, the project focuses on replanting old plantations with improved seeds to boost yields without encroaching on surrounding forests. Since 2025, 200 hectares have been replanted, with potential to expand to 1,700 hectares. The goal is to provide smallholders with better seeds, increasing their income and reducing deforestation pressure.

Rebuilding technical expertise is critical to the initiative's success. James Asampana, a Ghanaian seed production specialist, has been training INERA technicians in controlled pollination and quality management since March 2026. The team is working to restore Yangambi's capacity to produce reliable commercial seeds, ensuring long-term sustainability. Dieudonné Amolo, an INERA engineer, emphasizes the importance of multiplying improved varieties for farmers, fulfilling the institute's mandate.

The initiative also seeks to create viable economic opportunities. By developing the palm oil value chain as part of the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor, the project aims to generate income for farmers, businesses, and INERA. The ambition is to transform research investments into profitable activities that benefit local communities and conserve the region's forests.