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Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is better known in international news for armed conflict than for the daily lives of its residents. Yet, behind the headlines, there is another story unfolding – one of resilience, agriculture, and community spirit. Situated on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, with Mount Nyiragongo only 13 kilometres away, Goma’s soil is rich and fertile, shaped by volcanic eruptions that make it one of the most productive farmlands in the region. Despite insecurity, many residents rely on farming as their lifeline.
For years, agriculture has played an important role in sustaining Goma’s population, which is estimated at over two million. Farmers cultivate corn, bananas, cabbage, carrots, onions, tomatoes, and even coffee. While the mining, construction and e-commerce industries contribute to the local economy, it is farming that feeds the people and keeps market stalls filled with produce in Birere, the city’s commercial hub.
But life for farmers here is not easy. Sixty-five-year-old Joséphine Mapendano, a mother of six, moved from her small village to Goma in search of better opportunities. Today, she farms corn in Lac Vert, and the income helps her feed her family and pay her children’s school fees. Even when gunshots ring out in the distance, she refuses to leave. “This is now my home,” she says quietly, choosing to focus on her work rather than the fear of displacement.
Nonprofit groups have been stepping in to provide support. One such organisation, Udungu, trains women farmers in sustainable agricultural practices. Trainers like Paraclet Mugabo work directly in the fields, teaching methods to improve productivity and income. “We want women to have the skills to feed their families and earn a living. Farming is their strength,” she explained.
Goma was once called a “breadbasket” because of its agricultural abundance, but recurring violence and instability have disrupted farming and trade. Many farmers now practice subsistence farming, producing only enough to survive, while others who cultivate larger harvests find it hard to maintain stable markets due to conflict-related disruptions.
Despite these setbacks, local innovators and academics believe there is hope. Professor Kakule Chandrack of the Free University of the Great Lakes Countries (ULPGL) argues that urban agriculture can be part of the solution. He points out that Goma’s soil can grow unique crops such as amaranth grain, which is not easily cultivated in nearby towns like Sake or Minova. Through workshops, he and his students teach residents modern farming techniques like ridge cultivation, which helps crops thrive by preserving soil.
Agronomist Minani Patient in Bulengo district promotes permaculture, a method of sustainable farming that uses mulching to retain soil moisture. “We cover the ground with straw, water in the morning and evening, and the crops stay healthy. It is simple, but it works,” he said, showing his mulched fields.
Independent media such as OWANDJI Journal have reported on several pilot projects in Goma aimed at modernising agriculture, introducing farmers to new technologies, improved farm management, and better marketing strategies. These interventions are gradually changing attitudes and providing hope that local agriculture can bounce back.
Still, challenges remain. Food insecurity persists due to conflict, market instability, and displacement. Yet, amid the chaos, ordinary farmers continue to plant, harvest, and sell their produce. Their determination is a reminder that Goma is not only a city of conflict but also a city of survival and resilience.
The future of agriculture in Goma may depend on continued grassroots efforts, innovative techniques, and stronger community collaboration. For farmers like Joséphine, the dream is simple – to keep producing food, to earn enough to send her children to school, and to contribute her share to the community she now calls home.
At the heart of this story is the resilience of people who, in the face of adversity, choose to grow life from the ground and keep hope alive through the food they provide.
