RougeCongo

Overview

RougeCongo revitalizes artisanal palm oil production through an agroecological approach, partnering with smallholder farmers to plant on degraded savanna land while maintaining a strict zero-deforestation commitment. The project provides quality seedlings, agroecological training, and guaranteed market access through a local oil mill, creating a fully traceable value chain from nursery to consumer.

The model avoids land grabbing by working exclusively with farmers on their own private or customary plots, building equitable benefits across the community while reducing DRC’s reliance on imported palm oil.

The Challenge

Annual bush fires degrade the region’s distinct savanna landscapes, increasing deforestation risks linked to agricultural expansion and land use changes. Simultaneously, the DRC imports most of its over palm oil from large producer countries in Southeast Asia, where conventional production is widely associated with tropical deforestation, biodiversity loss, and other social and environmental harms.

This dependence on imported, often unsustainably produced palm oil undermines the development of a competitive local value chain and deepens food and economic insecurity, even though the DRC has significant potential to expand its own sustainable palm production.

In addition, the agricultural sector remains fragmented and male-dominated, with women often excluded from value chain benefits. Sectoral challenges also remain as local smallholders lack access to agroecology training, quality planting material, and stable markets for their agricultural products.

Canopy Trust Involvement – Technical Assistance

Canopy Trust support consists of a focused Deforestation Impact Assessment to quantify its potential to prevent deforestation pressures and achieve free-deforestation production. This study should establish environmental credibility for the company’s scaling and reinforce its sustainable approach.

Our Target Impact

RougeCongo restores degraded savannas through live hedgerows and cover crops, prevents fire-driven degradation, and builds a local palm oil economy that benefits farmers through stable incomes and training while protecting surrounding forests.