Kitoba-Lubango Water Resources Project

This project which is loacted in eastern DR Congo combines irrigation development with watershed management to address the interalated issues of povery and environmental degradation. The project will equip 5,664 ha for irrigation and implement waterhsed management measurs in basins that hotspots of degradation benefiting 15,000 farmers in the territories of Kitoba and Lubango in Goma District. The project has an investment requirement of US$ 21 million.

The Kitoba-Lubango focal area (5,664 ha) is situated in is located between the villages of Kitoba and Lubango, in the territory of Lubero, in the district of Goma, in the province of North Kivu, in eastern DR Congo. The Project is to develop 3,000 ha irrigation and watershed management and is part of the investment programs prioritized by DR Congo for preparation and implementation whose identification was undertaken in 2012.

Benefits will accrue to 15,000 beneficiaries (including 4,286 farmers) either directly or indirectly through creation of employment opportunities, water for domestic consumption, agricultural production, and livestock production. The outcomes of these benefits will be enhanced household incomes and livelihoods, environmental protection, watershed management, boosted agricultural production to match the ever increasing population and market demand at regional level thereby improving both national and regional food security, social economic development and ultimately poverty reduction.

The Project"’s expected outputs include:

• Kitoba-Lubango irrigation infrastructure to enable 5,664 ha of land to be under irrigated agriculture
• Watershed management program for catchments upstream of the proposed irrigation infrastructure
• Environmental and Social Management Plan
• Improved market infrastructure and outlets; greater participation in rural economy by small-holder farmers
• Improved water resources monitoring along three tributaries through establishment of 2 new river gauging stations.

A pre-feasibility study has been done and it is expected that this national priority project will cost USD 21.1m. Feasibility, ESIA, and detailed design is required and has been allocated USD 3m in NEL-IP.

The project objective is integrated water resources development to support food security, employment creation, sustainable livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

Benefits:

The project will provide employment opportunities, food, and water for domestic consumption, agricultural production, and livestock production. The project will benefit 15,000 people in Lubero Territory, Goma District, North Kivu Province, DR Congo.