2022 Seed Grant Award Problem Statements 

Agriculture / Food Security

Problem #6:  Negative Impact of Chromo Léana Odorata Plant on Human, Animal, and Plant Health

Country/Region of execution: Ituri Province, Aru Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo
Collaborating Organization: World Concern
World Concern, an international relief and development agency founded in 1955, focuses on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable within society, providing capacity-building for partners while having the flexibility to respond to disasters through relief and rehabilitation assistance. Currently, World Concern implements roughly $30 million in programming in its 13 country offices located throughout Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Since 1991, WCDO has received, implemented, and administered grants in excess of $59 million from USAID. WCDO headquarters is based in Seattle, WA, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) office in Aru, Ituri Province. World Concern is partnering with the Higher Institute of Medical Techniques/Salama University of Aru. The two institutions seek to improve the health and well-being of the population through innovative health care education programs, modern applied research, and exemplary clinical services. 
Problem Statement Description: Chromo Léana Odorata is an invasive plant that has had a negative impact on the lives of the population of Aru. In the 1920s, this plant was discovered in Central America, and then it quickly spread to become a serious ecological threat to agriculture. This plant reached the territory of Aru around the year 2000. Although this species is sometimes defended for its positive aspects, it is considered a major plague that must be eliminated. This plant is invasive and eliminates some tree species that are used by the local poor population in house construction. The cost of purchasing wood is getting out of reach of the poor as they become rare in the forests. This has increased resource-based conflicts as people compete for the available. Moreover, malnutrition and food insecurity are worsening as more land become invaded by the invasive plant. The local population is unable to control its spread and is now a serious hazard to the community.  Is there a solution to stop the spread of this plan?