VZCZCXRO3806
RR RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #0625 1821426
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 011426Z JUL 09
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9834
INFO RUCNSAD/SADC COLLECTIVE
RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHDC

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