The impact of global warming on Cassava production in the Kalunga, Loatshi and Lusanza sectors, Luiza territory, in Kasaï Central, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Cassava is the main food crop in the Luiza territory (Kasaï Central, DR Congo), but its production is threatened by global warming.

The aim of this study is to analyse farmers’ perceptions of climate change, its impacts on cassava production and adaptation strategies in the Kalunga, Loatshi and Lusanza sectors of the Luiza territory.

The methodology of this study involved a descriptive cross-sectional survey of farmers (63 in Kalunga, 63 in Loatshi and 64 in Lusanza) selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test (significance level p > 0.05).

The results were as follows: 87.9 per cent of farmers perceived an increase in heat and 83.2 per cent a delay in the rains. The main impacts cited were a decline in yield (90.0 per cent), of which 61.4 per cent estimated the decline to be more than 50 per cent (Table 3a), an increase in mosaic disease (72.6 per cent) and tuber rot (65.3 per cent).

The main adaptation strategies involve delaying the sowing date (62.1 per cent), whilst only 9.5 per cent use improved cuttings. The lack of adaptation is linked to unavailability (68.0 per cent; see Table 4a). The top priority is access to improved cuttings (58.4 per cent).

The chi-squared test shows no significant difference between the three sectors (P > 0.05 for all variables, Table 5), indicating uniform exposure.

In short, global warming affects cassava production uniformly across the Luiza region as a whole and in the three sectors surveyed. Improving access to improved, climate-tolerant cuttings and climate information is essential.

keywords: global warming, cassava, farmers’ perceptions, adaptation, Luiza, DR Congo.

Received Date: August 17, 2026

Accepted Date: September 09, 2026

Published Date: October 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/993