Climate change at the doorstep: How Goma ss Adapting
In my local community of Goma, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the most visible impacts of climate change is the increasing irregularity of rainfall patterns. In recent years, rains no longer follow predictable agricultural seasons, with periods of prolonged drought followed by sudden and heavy rainfall. This situation creates serious challenges for the community, especially for small-scale farmers who depend on rain-fed agriculture, as crops are often damaged by floods, soil erosion, or water stress, leading to reduced yields and food insecurity. Heavy rains also damage roads and basic infrastructure, making it difficult to transport agricultural products to markets, while stagnant water after floods increases the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and malaria, particularly in densely populated neighborhoods. In response, the community has begun to adapt through small but important initiatives, including urban and peri-urban agriculture, crop diversification, the use of organic fertilizers to improve soil resilience, and the cultivation of short-cycle and more climate-resilient crops. Some households are also improving rainwater management and hygiene practices, while local organizations and authorities, although with limited resources, are promoting environmental awareness, tree planting, and climate resilience education. These local experiences clearly show how global climate change directly affects everyday life at the community level and highlight the importance of developing green skills and local adaptation strategies to build long-term resilience.