On Tuesday 12 May 2026, the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Goma organized a conference on plant biosecurity and sustainable alternatives to pesticides, in the run-up to International Plant Health Day. Held at the Lac Vert campus, the event brought together students, lecturers and residents of Goma to discuss issues relating to food security and environmental protection.

The focus of the discussions was on combating agricultural pests and pathogens without excessive reliance on chemicals. For Dr Patient Nyibizi, a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Goma, plants remain essential for human and animal nutrition, but their production faces growing threats from insect pests and certain crop diseases. He also warned of the effects of pesticide accumulation in soil and water, which can impair their quality and reduce the biological activity of agricultural land.

The speaker advocated for ‘integrated pest management’, an approach that prioritizes preventive methods over curative chemical treatments. “Certain agricultural practices can sustainably reduce pest attacks, particularly crop combinations and crop rotation, in order to limit soil depletion and the proliferation of pests,” he explained, also highlighting the health risks posed by excessive pesticide use to both producers and consumers.

According to him, certain plants can naturally protect neighboring crops from harmful insects. He also emphasized the role of beneficial insects, particularly natural predators and parasitoids, in pest control. “These insects help protect crops by preying on harmful species. Their presence can be encouraged by certain flowering plants that attract them to the fields,” he said.

During the conference, Dr Patient Nyibizi Gakuru also warned against the use of non-selective insecticides, which he considers a threat to human health, biodiversity and ecosystems. He expressed regret that certain products banned in other regions continue to be sold locally, despite the existence of alternatives considered more sustainable and less harmful to the environment.

Written by Victoire Katembo Mbuto