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The Faculty of Agronomic and Environmental Sciences at Goma University organized a scientific conference on plant biosafety and sustainable alternatives to pesticides on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in anticipation of the International Day of Plant Health.

Held at the Lac Vert/Mugunga campus, this event brought together students, researchers, and several residents of the city of Goma interested in issues related to food security, crop protection, and environmental preservation.

Central to the discussions was the issue of combating agricultural pests and pathogens without excessive reliance on chemical products. The main speaker of the conference, Dr. Patient Niyibizi, reminded attendees that plants remain essential for human and animal nutrition, even as their production faces multiple threats, including pest insects and certain crop diseases. According to him, the excessive use of pesticides leads to an accumulation of chemical substances in soils and waters, affecting their quality as well as the biological activity of soils.

The speaker advocated for an approach based on "integrated pest management," a method that prioritizes prevention over curative chemical treatments.

"We explained how certain agricultural practices can sustainably reduce pest attacks. This includes crop associations and crop rotation to avoid soil depletion and pest proliferation. The use of chemical products exposes both producers and consumers," he stated.

During his presentation, Dr. Patient Niyibizi also explained that certain plants can naturally protect other crops from harmful insects. He emphasized the role of beneficial insects, particularly natural predators and parasitoids, in regulating agricultural pests.

"These insects play an important role in agriculture because they target pest species that destroy crops. Their presence can be encouraged through certain flowering plants that attract them to the fields," the researcher explained.

The specialist also warned against the use of non-selective insecticides, which he considers dangerous for human health, biodiversity, and ecosystems.

"Some products banned in other regions continue to be marketed locally. Yet, there are more sustainable and less harmful alternatives for the environment," he lamented.

Speaking after the conference, Prof. Dr. Jackson Sebigunda praised the scientific significance of this event organized for the International Day of Plant Health.

"The discussions highlighted how crucial the issue of plant biosafety and the search for sustainable alternatives to pesticides have become to ensure food security and nutrition in our region," he stated.

The Dean also congratulated the scientific work presented by Dr. Patient GAKURU, emphasizing the importance of university research focused on local realities.

"His work illustrated Goma University's commitment to producing useful research grounded in the realities of our farmers and aimed at concrete solutions," said Professor Jackson Sebigunda.

For this head of the Faculty of Agronomic and Environmental Sciences, this conference confirms Goma University's role in promoting sustainable and resilient agriculture in the face of environmental and food challenges.

"This conference has once again confirmed that UNIGOM remains a reference point for supporting the transition to more resilient agriculture."

Through this scientific initiative, Goma University reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and raising awareness among future agronomists about food security and the preservation of natural resources in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.