Congo background and African crops

What is the predominant language in the Congo?

french. following the pattern of african countries adopting prior colonizers’ language

Approximately how many ethnic groups are there in the Congo?

There are approximately 250 ethnic groups.

In what year did the Congo achieve independence?

The Congo achieved independence in 1960.

M. Joseph's family example

5 wives in diff villages that ran the farm with their children.

What was the infant mortality rate for children under the age of 5 in the Congo, as mentioned in the lecture?

The infant mortality rate under the age of 5 was almost 10%.

What was the approximate income per capita in the Congo according to the source material?

The income per capita was $680 USD per year.

In 2018, what percentage of the Congolese population lived on less than $1.90 USD per day?

73%

When did the First Congo War take place?

The First Congo War took place from 1996 to 1998.

The Second Congo War, which occurred from 1998-2003, is also known as '_____'.

Africa’s great war

How many nations were involved in the Second Congo War?

Seven nations were involved in the conflict.

What was the estimated death toll of the Second Congo War, making it the deadliest conflict since WWII?

The war killed an estimated 5.4 million people.

How many Congolese people have died from disease since 2004, with half being children under 5?

An estimated 2.7 million Congolese have died of disease since 2004.

What is a primary reason cited for the involvement of multiple nations in the Congo Wars?

Ethnic groups are divided across national borders.

What are two primary factors that farmers in Ontario consider when deciding what crops to grow?

They consider what will be profitable and what grows well in their region.

What are two key questions a Congolese female farmer considers when deciding what crops to grow?

She considers what seeds are available and what food is required for her family.

How do Congolese subsistence farmers typically acquire seeds for planting?

They primarily acquire seeds by harvesting and reusing them from the previous season.

What is a key characteristic of Pearl millet that makes it a suitable crop for the region?

Pearl millet is a drought-resistant crop.

What type of crop is primarily grown to satisfy a family's need for carbohydrates?

Starchy root crops or trees are grown for carbohydrates.

What types of crops are primarily grown to satisfy a family's need for protein?

Cereals and legumes are grown for protein.

Cassava

A perennial, starchy root crop that is easy to grow and contains a natural insecticide (cyanide). Can be grinded down into paste or flour or into chips.

Crops that are easy to grow in the Congo are typically high in starch but low in _____.

protein

Which legume is described as the most important in East Africa?

The common bean is the most important legume in East Africa.

What is the status of soybeans in Congolese agriculture?

Soybeans are just being introduced.

The introduction of peanuts as a crop in Africa had what effect on indigenous plants?

It displaced an indigenous crop.

What indigenous African plant is related to the peanut, can tolerate very little rainfall, and is rich in balanced proteins?

The Bambara groundnut.

Prior to colonization, the Bambara groundnut was as important to Africa as _____ are to China.

soybeans

Is the sweet potato an indigenous crop to Africa?

No, the sweet potato is not indigenous to Africa.

What nutritional benefit does okra provide, especially when consumed with corn and other starches?

Okra has important amino acids that are missing from corn and other starches.

Leafy greens are noted to be high in which two micronutrients?

Leafy greens are high in zinc and vitamins.

What are two key benefits of leafy greens for human health mentioned in the text?

They are important for the gut microbiome and brain function.

Which leafy green is noted for being rich in protein and can be harvested every few weeks by cutting it like hay?

Amaranth leaves.

For what part of the plant is the Egusi melon, a staple food crop in West Africa, primarily eaten?

The Egusi melon is eaten for its seeds.

Which drought-tolerant legume, indigenous to Africa, has not undergone significant breeding efforts?

The cowpea.

Why do many people in the Congo prefer to raise smaller animals like goats and sheep over cattle?

They are cheaper and easier to handle.

What are five key issues for agriculture in the Congo listed in the source material?

Weeds, pests and diseases, future income, mechanization, and post-harvest storage.

The Second Congo War resulted in the creation of _____ million refugees and the mass use of rape as a tool of war.

3.4

What is a major challenge regarding the availability of planting materials for Congolese farmers?

Crop diseases and pests are a major challenge.

What is an example of an innovative breeding solution mentioned in the source material?

The development of a wild salt water drinking camel.

Is the lentil an indigenous crop to Africa?

No, the lentil is not indigenous to Africa.