National Institute for Agronomic Study of the Belgian Congo facts for kids
The National Institute for Agronomic Study of the Belgian Congo (often called INÉAC) was a special research center. It was set up in Yangambi in the Belgian Congo (which is now the Democratic Republic of Congo). INÉAC worked from 1933 to 1962.
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INÉAC was created to replace an older farming group. Its research farms and buildings were built along the north side of the Congo River. They also stretched about 25 kilometers (15 miles) north from the river.
The main goal of INÉAC was to make farming better and more scientific. They wanted to share new farming ideas and knowledge with Congolese farmers. This was part of a bigger plan called the 'indigenous peasantry programme'. This plan aimed to make local farming more modern. It did this by giving plots of land to families. Experts first checked the soil carefully. The government then helped these families with special seeds, farming advice, and fertilizers. Old farming ways were mixed with new science. This helped create better farming methods. It also aimed to improve life for people in rural areas. So, INÉAC had a big impact on how farming was done in the colony.
Contents
Early Discoveries and Plans
In the 1930s, INÉAC scientists studied oil palms. They found out about the different types of oil palms.
Oil palms around Yangambi did not produce as much oil as those near the coast. This was because the nights were cooler inland. The average low temperature in Yangambi was about 20°C (68°F).
The scientific work at INÉAC was very important during World War II. It helped increase the supply of rubber and palm oil needed for the war effort.
After World War II
After the second World War, the 'indigenous peasantry programme' grew. It spread across many rural parts of the Belgian Congo. This happened because early projects in the 1930s were very successful.
INÉAC also played a key role in the 'Ten year plan for the economic and social development of the Belgian Congo'. This plan ran from 1950 to 1959. Improving farming in the colony was a major part of it.
During this time, INÉAC studied many different farming topics. It became well-known around the world. It had 32 research centers across the Belgian Congo and Rwanda-Urundi. By 1959, the main research center in Yangambi had many divisions. These included Climatology, Plant physiology, and Agricultural engineering. They also studied animals, water life, and farming economics. Plus, they researched many specific crops.
Challenges and Changes
The 'indigenous peasantry programme' was meant to improve life for rural communities. But some people said it was mainly created to fix a problem. This problem was that the soil was getting tired. Too much farming and not enough care made the soil less fertile. However, the 'paysannats programme' could be changed. How it was put into action varied depending on the area.
INÉAC was also criticized for focusing on very large farms. These farms mainly grew crops to sell to other countries. They did not focus as much on growing food for local people.
Two years after the Congo became independent, on December 31, 1962, INÉAC changed its name. It became the Institut National des Etudes et Recherches Agronomique (INERA).
Other Important Research
The center created new types of soybeans. These were for use in different parts of the country. Some early types grew quickly. They produced over 1,200 kilograms (2,645 pounds) of soybeans per hectare.
Field tests showed that adding special helpful things to the soil could greatly increase yields. This process, called inoculation, could make yields 80% to 300% higher.
In the 1950s, INÉAC scientists discovered a special dessert banana. It was called 'Yangambi km 5' (AAA). This banana type grows many small, tasty fruits. It grows well even in poor soil. It is also resistant to a disease called black leaf streak.
Some evidence suggests this banana might have first come from southern Thailand. It may have been brought to the Kilo-Moto region in northeastern Congo. Then it came to Yangambi before World War II.
