FOOD SECURITY DEMARCHE DELIVERED:

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000625

SIPDIS

EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT FOR JSPECK, GCLEMENTS, DMORTON

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ETRD ECON PGOV PREL CG
SUBJECT: FOOD SECURITY DEMARCHE DELIVERED:
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE SUPPORTS USG
INITIATIVE, LOOKS TO INCREASE COOPERATION

REF: STATE 58996


1. (U) Summary: Economic Counselor delivered reftel points to
Minister of Agriculture Norbert Bashengezi Katitima, highlighting
USG initiatives and commitment to achieve global food security.
Minister Bashengezi expressed strong support for USG efforts and
voiced his appreciation for existing USAID programs in the DRC to
enhance agricultural production and marketing. Bashengezi outlined
the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (GDRC)'s
agricultural policy, highlighting the need for greater
mechanization, modernization, and commercialization of agricultural
production. Potential areas for increased cooperation in the DRC's
agricultural sector, including promotion of U.S. commercial
engagement, were also discussed. End summary.


2. (U) In discussing food security, Bashengezi underscored the
importance of the DRC's agricultural sector for the country's
development and stability. Noting the DRC's significant, but
currently largely non-commercialized, agricultural potential,
Bashengezi presented a list of urgent needs to increase the DRC's
agriculture production. Specific needs include seeds (specifically,
for cereals); agricultural equipment and machinery such as hoes and
irrigation equipment; technical assistance to support increased
mechanization of agricultural production; increased training for
DRC agricultural producers; technical assistance for veterinary
clinics and pharmaceutical products for livestock; and enhanced cold
storage facilities to promote aquaculture. Bashengezi also stressed
the key role that rehabilitation of roads and improved use of river
transport would play in developing agricultural markets throughout
the country.


3. (U) Bashengezi noted that the GDRC has already launched an
initiative aimed at modernizing agricultural production through the
acquisition of John Deer tractors. Specifically, the GDRC acquired
500 tractors in 2009; the GDRC plans to buy 700 more tractors in
2011 and 1,000 tractors in 2011. Moreover, as an incentive to boost
the modernization of the DRC's agricultural sector, the GDRC has
allowed a fiscal exoneration thru March 12, 2010 of key inputs in
the aquaculture, agricultural and livestock sectors.


4. (U) Minister Bashengezi spoke favorably of USG engagement in the
DRC's agricultural sector, including USAID's current programs to
improve agricultural productivity and strengthen agricultural
markets. On a personal level, he noted his positive view from his
youth of Peace Corps fish farming activities in his home village in
South Kivu. The model used by Peace Corps had greatly influenced
his policies for agriculture development, with an emphasis on
"practical" projects.


5. (U) Comment: Minister Bashengezi clearly understands both the
potential and the challenges for increased agricultural production
in the DRC and is open to increased engagement with the USG on these
issues. Lack of infrastructure, undeveloped market structures,
degraded productive land and inputs, and limited commercialization
and mechanization in the agricultural sector all constrain increased
production and, as a result, food security. USAID works closely
with the Ministry of Agriculture through its successful agricultural
production and marketing programs. The DRC's agricultural sector
also presents numerous opportunities for U.S. commercial engagement,
including exports of U.S. agricultural equipment and machinery.
Minister Bashengezi's strong interest in attracting U.S. companies
to the DRC to explore commercial opportunities is encouraging.
Post believes that a reverse visit program led by Minister
Bashengezi, such as those funded by USTDA, would be an excellent
opportunity to support the GDRC's efforts to enhance agricultural
productivity and food security while at the same time exploring
opportunities for U.S. exports in the agricultural sector. End
comment.

BROCK