The Democratic Republic of Congo is a country full of contrasts. It has dense rainforests, winding rivers, highland plateaus, and more mineral wealth than most countries in the world. But behind all of that, there’s a quieter story—one that unfolds in its rural fields and grasslands. This is where thousands of families depend on cattle, not just for food or money, but for survival, tradition, and hope.

When you talk to a farmer in South Kivu or Kasai, they will likely tell you about their cow before they talk about anything else. These particular cows are a lot more than simply cows. It provides milk for children, gives manure for crops, and sometimes, the only cash income for a household. It is a tool that protects dignity and identity. For this reason, even in the midst of difficulty, many families attempt to maintain at least one cow.

However, the cattle industry here is not just a tradition. Moreover, it is also an essential part of the national economy. Livestock contributes to food security and is used to supply rural employment, as well as play a growing role in the country’s agricultural development planning. Cattle production has been on the rise slowly but steadily over the past few years. All are working together to change the way livestock is raised and marketed in farms, NGOs, and government programs.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the current status of the cattle industry in DRC, its challenges, its opportunities and the people working very hard to build a better future by farming cattle in DRC. Let’s take a closer look.

Understand the deep cultural and economic role cattle play in Congolese rural life, where a single cow often secures a family’s survival, dignity, and future.

Discover the historical evolution of cattle farming in the DRC, shaped by traditional practices, colonial influences, and indigenous resilient breeds like Ankole and N’Dama.

Learn about the major challenges faced by the cattle industry today, including disease outbreaks, poor infrastructure, and the impacts of conflict and climate change.

Explore promising initiatives and investment opportunities in areas like livestock feed production, veterinary services, infrastructure development, and farmer training programs.

See how success stories like the Faith and Goats Project and innovations like drought-resistant Brachiaria grass are helping transform the future of cattle farming in the DRC.

Before modern roads or state borders, we must go back in time to understand where the cattle industry stands today in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cattle farming has always been inextricably linked to Congolese people, particularly those of the savannahs and highland regions. For many rural families, cattle were never just livestock. They were household, community and culture.

In the past, cattle were primarily raised for local consumption. They were native and well-suited to the land. Two breeds were especially important:

They are easily identified as

• Ankole cattle – with their long, curved horns. They are strong cattle, can walk long distances, and live in dry areas. Due to their natural grazing, they need little care and are known to live off it.
• N’Dama cattle – smaller in size but highly resistant to diseases like trypanosomiasis (a deadly disease spread by tsetse flies). This breed has been important in areas where disease control is limited.

These cattle were not raised for mass production. People kept them for milk, meat, and sometimes for dowry payments or traditional ceremonies. Knowledge was passed down from one generation to the next—how to feed the cattle, how to treat illness with herbs, and how to find the best grazing lands during dry seasons.

Then came the colonial period. Under Belgian rule, farming practices were slowly changed. Colonial authorities introduced new European cattle breeds in an effort to increase meat and milk production. However, these breeds were not well-suited to Congo’s climate and often fell ill. The new systems also ignored local traditions. Many small farmers lost their independence as the colonial administration focused on large-scale projects that served European markets, not local needs.

This mix of tradition and outside influence shaped the cattle farming system that still exists today.

Today, cattle farming in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a mix of growth, tradition, and daily challenges. If you were to travel through the provinces of South Kivu, North Kivu, or Kasai, you would likely see small herds of cattle grazing in open fields, often cared for by young boys or elderly men. These are not massive commercial farms. Most farmers in the DRC are smallholders, raising cattle in modest numbers—usually fewer than ten animals.

These farmers still use age-old techniques. They feed their animals on natural grasses, walk them to nearby streams for water, and depend on knowledge passed down by their parents. The system may be simple, but it is deeply rooted in community life.

Let’s break down what the industry looks like today:

• Cattle Numbers Are Slowly Growing:
  As of the latest projections, the DRC’s cattle population is expected to reach around 685,000 heads by 2026. Since 2021, there has been a steady increase of about 1.6% per year.

• Farming Regions Are Expanding:
  Areas like South Kivu, North Kivu, and Kasai have become key zones for cattle farming. These regions have grasslands and a suitable climate, though farmers still face risks like disease and conflict.

• It’s an Economic Lifeline:
  Cattle farming contributes nearly 10% to the national GDP. But beyond money, it helps with food supply, especially milk and meat. It also gives people something steady to rely on in times of hardship. In many cases, selling a cow can mean paying for school or covering medical bills.

So, while the growth may be slow, the direction is positive—and very much worth watching.

The cattle industry in the DRC may be growing slowly, but the road is far from smooth. Farmers face serious challenges that hold them back from reaching better productivity and income. When you speak with cattle farmers in rural provinces, their stories often repeat the same struggles—sick animals, empty pastures during dry months, and long walks to the nearest market with no guarantee of a fair price.

Let’s walk through these challenges:

Disease and Lack of Veterinary Care

Each day is a worry about cattle diseases. Cattle can die of illnesses such as trypanosomiasis (caused by tsetse flies) or foot-and-mouth disease. Animals are lost by farmers not because they did something wrong but because they cannot afford medicine or find a vet. Veterinary clinics do not exist in many rural areas. If cows become sick, people hope to treat the problem with home remedies, or sometimes, they lose everything.

Poor Nutrition and Feeding Practices

Most cattle still graze on open land, eating whatever grass is available. During the dry season, that grass disappears. As a result, cows become weak, milk production drops, and farmers earn less. A 2024 study in South Kivu found that the lack of high-quality forage was a major reason why cattle were underweight and less productive (SpringerLink).

Weak Infrastructure and Market Access

Roads are poor, especially in rural areas. That makes it hard for farmers to get their cattle to markets. Even when they do, prices are low, and buyers are few. Without storage or transport, many farmers are forced to sell quickly—often at a loss.

Conflict and Insecurity

Herders are in danger from armed groups in eastern provinces such as North and South Kivu. Violence can also arise from grazing land disputes. Many farmers remain afraid of conflict and fear of conflict keeps them from expanding their herds or investing in better practices.

Cattle farmers in the DRC have so many struggles every day, but there is also a growing sense of hope. New programs, ideas and partnerships are starting across the country to make a real difference. Change comes, it flows into the fields, from the halls of government offices. It creeps, it tricks. We turn to some of the promising steps that are taken.

• Better Breeds for Healthier Herds

By using naturally stronger and more disease-resistant cattle, you’ll have taken a major step forward in helping farmers. For example, the N’Dama breed has natural resistance to trypanosomiasis. Farmers who raise these cattle report fewer losses during disease outbreaks. These cattle may be smaller, but they survive longer and require less care. Groups working in rural areas are helping farmers shift from risky foreign breeds to these stronger, local ones.

• Forage That Grows Even When Rain Doesn’t

Feed quality is another area with real progress. In South Kivu, researchers are testing local grasses like Brachiaria, which grow well even during dry seasons. These grasses give better nutrition, helping cows stay healthy and produce more milk. Farmers who have planted Brachiaria say they are seeing results—cows are gaining weight faster, and milk yields are rising. 

• Government Plans and Big Investments

The DRC’s government, supported by the African Development Bank, has launched a $6.6 billion Agriculture Transformation Programme (PTA). This includes livestock. The plan is to build strong value chains—from farms to markets—and to reduce poverty through better food production.

• Communities Working Together
  In some villages, farmers are forming cooperatives. They share tools, seeds, and advice. Others are joining microfinance groups that give small loans to buy cattle or build shelters. These community projects help farmers grow together and reduce risks.

Investment Opportunities in the Cattle Sector 

If you’re thinking about where smart investments can truly make a difference in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the cattle sector is full of promise. Right now, most cattle farmers are working hard with very few resources. But with the right investments, this picture can change quickly—for the better. There are several areas that stand out, and each offers real potential for both impact and returns.

• Livestock Feed Production
  Many farmers still rely on wild grass or leftover crop stalks to feed their cattle. It works for survival, but not for growth. There’s a serious shortage of quality animal feed in the country. This creates a strong opportunity for businesses to step in. Feed mills—especially small, local ones—can help fill this gap. Producing feed locally would also reduce import costs and improve the diets of cattle all across the country.
   
• Veterinary Services and Pharmaceuticals
  Diseases are one of the biggest reasons farmers lose their cattle. Investing in mobile veterinary clinics, supply chains for affordable animal medicine, and local training for vet workers would immediately improve herd survival rates. Healthy cattle bring better income, and farmers are eager to pay for services that truly help. 
• Infrastructure Development
  Farmers often live far from markets. Roads are poor, and there’s little access to cold storage or slaughterhouses. Investment in transport routes, meat processing facilities, and storage hubs would help reduce post-harvest loss and increase farmer income. Public-private partnerships could lead these efforts. 

Training and Extension Services
Finally, education matters. Farmers want to learn how to raise cattle better. Investors can fund training centers, demonstration farms, or even use mobile apps to deliver knowledge. Better-informed farmers make smarter decisions and grow faster.

Sometimes, the smallest beginnings can create the biggest changes. That’s exactly what happened in parts of eastern DRC, where a simple gift of two goats turned into a powerful story of survival, growth, and hope. This is what the Faith and Goats Project by Samaritan’s Purse is all about.

In communities like Rutshuru, where families have been forced to flee their homes due to armed conflict, people often return with nothing. No land, no livestock, no way to earn an income. The project started with one goal: to help these families start over—this time with goats.

Why goats? Because goats are easy to care for, reproduce quickly, and survive in harsh environments. They provide:

• Milk, which helps improve children’s nutrition.

• Meat, for family meals or market sales.

• Income, as goats can be sold to cover urgent needs like school fees or medicine.

Let me share Marie’s story. She’s a single mother of three, living in one of the areas affected by conflict. She received two goats through the program. With careful care and a bit of patience, her two goats became six within a year. When her son needed money for school, she sold one goat and paid the fees. The rest continued to grow her small herd.

Marie’s story is not unique. Dozens of families in her village experienced similar results. The goats brought something even more valuable than income—they restored confidence. People felt like they had control over their lives again.

Projects like this show how small livestock investments, when properly managed, can change everything for a family. And with the right support, these models can grow, reach more people, and become part of a larger solution to poverty and food insecurity in the DRC.

In the hills and valleys of South Kivu, cattle farming is a way of life. Most families raise just a few cows—sometimes only one or two. These cows provide milk, income, and a sense of security. But keeping them healthy is not easy. One of the biggest challenges farmers face here is feeding their cattle properly, especially during the dry season.

A 2024 study published in Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Environment Research looked closely at how farmers in this region feed their animals. What they found was simple, but serious: most farmers rely on free grazing. Their cows eat whatever grass they can find in open fields or along the roadside. This works during the rainy season, when grass is everywhere. But once the dry months arrive, the green disappears. Cattle lose weight, milk production drops, and incomes shrink.

Researchers wanted to find a better way. They began testing local forage options that could survive dry weather and still provide strong nutrition. One of the most promising solutions was Brachiaria grass—a hardy, fast-growing grass that’s both rich in nutrients and drought-resistant.

Here’s what the study revealed:

• Farmers who planted Brachiaria in small plots near their homes had better-fed cattle.

• These cattle gained more weight and gave more milk, even during dry spells.

• The grass was easy to grow, required little care, and could be harvested regularly.

This approach is now being shared across South Kivu. Extension workers are helping more farmers learn how to grow Brachiaria and mix it with their regular grazing. The results are clear: better feed means healthier cattle and stronger incomes.

This case study also shows an exciting area for investment—developing and distributing high-quality forage crops like Brachiaria that help farmers build more resilient herds.

The future of cattle farming in the Democratic Republic of Congo looks brighter than before—but only if the right steps are taken now. Many farmers are ready to do more. They want healthier animals, better tools, and fairer markets. What they need is support that makes sense for their daily lives. Let’s look at some of the key areas that can truly shape the future.

• Sustainable Practices Are the Way Forward
  Farmers are already seeing that the land cannot be overused. Fields once full of grass now dry up faster each year. To fix this, simple steps like rotational grazing—moving cattle between fields—can help. Adding manure composting and waste management also protects the soil. When cows are fed better and land is cared for, the whole farm becomes more productive.

   

• Youth and Technology Can Bring Change
  Many young people in the DRC are leaving villages in search of city jobs. But cattle farming can be made attractive again—with the right tools. Think about mobile vet apps, solar-powered milking machines, or GPS-based grazing plans. These are not far-fetched. Some small startups are already testing them. If young farmers are trained in tech, they can bring a modern touch to this traditional sector.

   

• Government and Regional Cooperation Are Key
  The government’s Plan National d’Investissement Agricole (PNIA) is a good start. It aims to build better food systems, and livestock is part of the plan. But more work is needed. Stronger links with African Union programs and neighboring countries can help the DRC improve disease control, share knowledge, and build cross-border trade routes for cattle.

   

With continued support from international partners like the African Development Bank, and with farmers leading the way on the ground, the DRC’s cattle industry has a real chance to grow: sustainably, smartly, and for everyone’s benefit.

It becomes clear just how much cattle are a part of everyday life when you visit the rural parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A cow is not just what eats: it is part of security for the family, part of family identity. In so many cases it is just one animal as the difference between whether a child can go to school or stay at home, whether a family can or cannot get treatment at a clinic or wait in silence. For that reason, cattle farming in the DRC is about far more than livestock: it is about dignity, survival, and hope.

The cattle sector is at a turning point right now. There are still serious struggles on one side. There are no vets nearby so farmers are faced with disease outbreaks. Communities are cut off, cut off by the broken roads, that consequently isolate them and prevent them from reaching better markets. In some regions, people still have to flee due to conflicts and leave their cattle behind. However, on the other side things are changing. Better grasses such as Brachiaria are being planted by farmers. In learning how to care for healthier breeds like the N’Dama, they are. But they are joining cooperatives and taking small loans to build up their herds.

International partners are funding and training, and the government is starting to invest more. Once faraway ideas, like mobile veterinary apps, delivering better feed and local slaughterhouses, are slowly part of daily life. This is a sector of things to come, of real momentum that is ripe for a transformation.

Indeed, investing in this industry is a great way for those who want to make a difference and at the same time make money. And in this, more importantly, it provides an opportunity to stand alongside communities who are fighting day in and day out to create a better life through their cattle, their land, and their resiliency.

The cattle industry in the DRC has the potential to become a force that helps families, builds the economy and nourishes the nation, with patience, partnership, and purpose.

1. Why is cattle farming important in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

Cattle farming provides families with milk, meat, income, and a sense of security. For many rural households, owning even one cow can mean the difference between sending a child to school or not, and it plays a big role in preserving cultural identity.

2. What are the biggest challenges cattle farmers face in the DRC?

Farmers struggle with cattle diseases, poor access to veterinary care, limited quality feed, weak market infrastructure, and insecurity caused by conflict, especially in eastern provinces.

3. Which cattle breeds are most common in the DRC?

The most common traditional breeds are Ankole cattle, known for their endurance and large horns, and N’Dama cattle, valued for their resistance to diseases like trypanosomiasis.

4. How is the government supporting the cattle industry?

Through initiatives like the Agriculture Transformation Programme (PTA), the DRC government is investing in livestock value chains, better infrastructure, and farmer training to boost productivity and food security.

5. What are the best areas for investment in the DRC’s cattle sector?

High-potential areas include livestock feed production, mobile veterinary services, transport and storage infrastructure, and farmer education programs to introduce better cattle management practices.