Climate variability and change are projected to significantly impact agricultural
production across Africa. This study assessed the effects of climate variability and change on
cassava yield in Kilembwe, South-Kivu province Eastern DR Congo. The assessment relies on
the DSSAT crop model simulation of cassava under current and future climate. The period
1980–2010 was used to represent the baseline, while future projection covers three periods
including the near future (2010–2039), mid-century (2040–2069), and end-century (2070-
2099). Climate, soil, and crop yield and field management data were collected for Kilembwe
in the South-Kivu Province. Results show both Tmin and Tmax are projected to increase over
time up to 1.9°C and 1.8°C (RCP 4.5) and up to 3.91°C and 3.57°C (RCP 8.5) at the End of
the Century. Rainfall is also projected to increase up 10.36 and 9.27%; respectively under RCP
4.5 and RCP 8.5 at the end of the Century. The projected climate is likely to increase cassava
yields between 35.63 to 50.67% for RCP 4.5 and between 30.92 up to 50.16% for RCP 8.5 in
Kilembwe. Rainfall increase and temperature changes are determining factors of yield increase.
Climate variability and change will continue to affect positively cassava production in
Kilembwe. Farmers are therefore encouraged to increase growing cassava to increase their
resilience to climate variability and change.
Keywords: cassava, climate variability and change, DSSAT, Kilembwe