MAMPU

Mampu was originally an industrial project. The site was chosen in 1984 by the government of Zaire to produce charcoal on a large scale to meet Kinshasa's growing energy needs. It was against this backdrop that a Dutch company planted almost 8,000 ha of acacia trees between 1987 and 1992, using shoots from a nearby nursery built for the purpose. But with the troubles of the 90s, the site was abandoned and threatened with destruction by bush fires and illegal logging. It was then that the Hanns Seidel Foundation, already active on the Batéké plateau in the CADIM project, offered to look after the Mampu plantation. With a participatory approach involving local populations, the plantation will eventually benefit over 300 families. Each family will receive 25 hectares to exploit over the years. The real benefit of this acacia forest is to maintain soil fertility while ensuring sustainable commercial production of food crops. This is by definition the philosophy of agroforestry. But the site is also seeking to diversify its activities, notably through the development of beekeeping (using acacia flowers) and livestock farming. Accommodation is available in the guest house. Catering is also provided. After visiting the forest, a short detour to the local market is in order.