AGRI 1110: Agriculture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

These flashcards cover key concepts discussed in the lectures about memory retention strategies and subsistence agriculture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

What is the significance of Africa in terms of human evolution?

Humans evolved in Africa alongside primate ancestors, which facilitated the spread of pathogens such as HIV.

How large is the Democratic Republic of the Congo in terms of size and population?

DR Congo has a size of 2,344,885 km² and a population of over 95 million as of 2023.

What is the predominant language spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

French is the predominant language spoken in the DR Congo.

What was the impact of colonization on the population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

During Belgian colonization, approximately 10 million people (50% of the population) died due to disease or genocide.

What was Mobutu Sese Seko known for during his rule in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

He was known as Africa’s most corrupt dictator, amassing a personal fortune of over $5 billion which limited agricultural infrastructure funding.

What are some staple crops chosen by subsistence farmers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Staple crops include carbohydrates like cereals and starchy root crops, along with proteins such as legumes.

What is a significant dietary concern regarding cassava?

Cassava must be boiled to reduce cyanide content, which is a pesticide and contributes to its pest resistance.

What are the components of a subsistence agriculture survival strategy as discussed in the lecture?

The strategy includes steps like deciding what to plant, water management, pest control, and marketing.

What is the significance of Africa in terms of human evolution?

Humans evolved in Africa alongside primate ancestors, which facilitated the spread of pathogens such as HIV.

How large is the Democratic Republic of the Congo in terms of size and population?

DR Congo has a size of 2,344,885 km
deaths attributable to the war, mostly from disease and starvation, making it the deadliest conflict since World War II.

What was Mobutu Sese Seko known for during his rule in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

He was known as Africa’s most corrupt dictator, amassing a personal fortune of over $5 billion which limited agricultural infrastructure funding.

What are some staple crops chosen by subsistence farmers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Staple crops include carbohydrates like cereals and starchy root crops, along with proteins such as legumes.

What is a significant dietary concern regarding cassava?

Cassava must be boiled to reduce cyanide content, which is a pesticide and contributes to its pest resistance.

What are the components of a subsistence agriculture survival strategy as discussed in the lecture?

The strategy includes steps like deciding what to plant, water management, pest control, and marketing.

What factors do subsistence farmers consider when selecting crops to plant?

Farmers consider factors such as nutritional value (e.g., carbohydrates like cereals and starchy root crops, proteins like legumes), pest resistance, and preparation requirements (e.g., boiling cassava to reduce cyanide).

What is the significance of Africa in terms of human evolution?

Humans evolved in Africa alongside primate ancestors, which facilitated the spread of pathogens such as HIV.

How large is the Democratic Republic of the Congo in terms of size and population?

DR Congo has a size of 2,344,885 km

deaths attributable to the war, mostly from disease and starvation, making it the deadliest conflict since World War II.

What was Mobutu Sese Seko known for during his rule in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

He was known as Africa’s most corrupt dictator, amassing a personal fortune of over $5 billion which limited agricultural infrastructure funding.

What are some staple crops chosen by subsistence farmers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Staple crops include carbohydrates like cereals and starchy root crops, along with proteins such as legumes.

What is a significant dietary concern regarding cassava?

Cassava must be boiled to reduce cyanide content, which is a pesticide and contributes to its pest resistance.

What are the components of a subsistence agriculture survival strategy as discussed in the lecture?

The strategy includes steps like deciding what to plant, water management, pest control, and marketing.

What factors do subsistence farmers consider when selecting crops to plant?

Farmers consider factors such as nutritional value (e.g., carbohydrates like cereals and starchy root crops, proteins like legumes), pest resistance, and preparation requirements (e.g., boiling cassava to reduce cyanide).

What role do cereals play in the diet of subsistence farmers in the DR Congo?

Cereals are a primary source of carbohydrates, providing essential caloric energy for subsistence farmers.

Beyond cassava, what is a general characteristic of starchy root crops in subsistence farming?

Starchy root crops, such as yams and sweet potatoes, are valued for their high caloric content and ability to grow in various soil conditions, contributing significantly to food security.

What are the dual benefits of legumes for subsistence

What are the characteristics and benefits of sorghum for subsistence farmers?

Sorghum is a drought-tolerant cereal crop, valued for its nutritional content and adaptability to harsh growing conditions, providing a reliable food source.

Why is pearl millet an important crop for subsistence agriculture?

Pearl millet is a highly resilient cereal, thriving in arid and semi-arid regions with poor soils, and offers significant nutritional value, making it crucial for food security