Climate change and farming in North KivuCEFR B1
17 Mar 2026
Adapted from Laura, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Tim Mossholder, Unsplash
Climate change is altering rainfall patterns in North Kivu, putting harvests and food security at risk. Research published in 2012 in Geo‑Eco‑Trop finds annual rainfall still near 1,500 mm but shows a small rise in daily rainfall intensity and more frequent heavy‑rain days. The study reports the rainy season has shortened from nine months to seven months and links increased flooding mainly to rapid, uncontrolled urbanization.
Local institutions including ENRA Beni, ITAV Butembo and INERA Yangambi also report more intense weather. Farmers now face hail, violent storms and episodes of heavy rain during normally dry times; these events destroy seedlings and increase plant diseases such as mildew and fungal infestations, which lower yields.
Most farmers depend on rain. CAID describes four climate seasons and agricultural experts note two farming seasons: March–May and August–November. Irrigation remains rare because of limited finance, technical capacity and rugged terrain, and communities often cannot capture available water. Researchers, NGOs and authorities promote planning, irrigation, crop diversification, resilient seeds, agroforestry and reforestation. Scientists note a 1.8 °C temperature rise over fifty years and warn that continued greenhouse gas emissions could threaten smallholder farming.
Difficult words
- intensity — how strong rainfall is during a short time
- flooding — when water covers land that is usually dry
- urbanization — growth and spread of towns and cities
- seedling — a young plant recently grown from seedseedlings
- mildew — a fungus that grows on plants or surfaces
- diversification — adding different crops or activities on farms
- irrigation — supplying water to land for crop growth
- agroforestry — farming system combining trees with crops or animals
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which of the article's suggested solutions (for example irrigation, crop diversification or agroforestry) would help farmers in your area most, and why?
- The article says communities often cannot capture available water. How could local people try to capture and store water despite difficult terrain?
- How might more frequent heavy‑rain days and higher daily rainfall intensity change the way farmers plan their planting and harvesting?
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