Climate change and farming in North KivuCEFR A2
17 Mar 2026
Adapted from Laura, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Tim Mossholder, Unsplash
Farmers in North Kivu face shorter rainy seasons, longer droughts and sudden heavy rains. These changes destroy seedlings and reduce harvests. Hail and violent storms now happen more often, sometimes in normally dry periods.
Most people rely on rain for crops. There are two main farming seasons, one from March to May and another from August to November. Irrigation is rare because of limited money, technical skills and difficult land. Researchers and local groups suggest irrigation, crop diversity, reforestation and better planning. Experts also want a regional weather network to help farmers plan.
Difficult words
- drought — long period with little or no raindroughts
- seedling — young plant that has just started growingseedlings
- harvest — the crops collected from a fieldharvests
- hail — small balls of ice that fall from clouds
- irrigation — bringing water to land for crops
- reforestation — planting new trees to restore forest land
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which suggested solution (irrigation, crop diversity, reforestation or a weather network) do you think would help farmers most? Why?
- How do shorter rainy seasons and longer droughts affect the crops and harvests?
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