Democratic Republic of Congo
Overview
For decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) suffered from deadly ethnic conflicts and civil war. Although the country is slowly recovering, there are still pockets of insecurity, particularly in North Kivu where Tearfund is working. To make matters worse, crop diseases and soil erosion have decimated consumption and cash crops. More than 75% of the population is surviving on one meal a day.
Now, COVID-19 has come into the area, further cutting off supply routes and inhibiting economic activity.
Quick Facts
Our Projects
Through Tearfund and our local church partner – the Baptist Church of Central Africa – you will help farmers overcome their hunger challenges through the introduction of new crops and agricultural techniques. You will also aid in the creation of savings groups and market linkages, providing families with the ability to grow their businesses and their revenue. Lastly, you will help villages overcome the challenges associated with COVID-19, including helping to spur on economic activity through the creation of new markets, co-ops, and financial tools.
Resilient Agriculture and Savings Groups
Problem
Many families live in extreme poverty, and 75% only have enough to eat one meal per day. Churches are eager to address the immense physical and spiritual needs around them, but need the proper tools and training to get started.
Challenges
Threat of violence from rebels, plant diseases, and disease (Ebola, measles, and COVID-19) constantly plague the local population. With limited social services from a weak government, the local church acts as the central hub of activity.
Activities
Farmers will learn sustainable agriculture practices with a focus on crop disease management and new vegetable production. New crops such as cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes will be introduced to add variety to family consumption and for selling. Additionally, farmers or their spouses will be enrolled in new savings groups where they will be able to grow their savings, have access to loans, and be trained in new business concepts.
Project Details
- Location: Malyo, Beni Territory, North Kivu
- Timeframe: October 2018 – September 2021
- Total Budget: $600,000
Outcome
Your gifts will help families grow their crop output so that they will be able to feed their families 3 nutritious meals per day, increase their household income, and provide education and medical care for their children.
COVID-19 Response
Problem
COVID-19 and associated lockdowns dramatically restricted the movement of people and goods throughout the DRC. This led to decreased economic activity, lowering the income of farmers, while at the same time raising prices on everyday essentials.
Challenges
Farmers were unable to transport their crops to neighbouring towns and cities while restrictions on imports increased the cost of everyday items such as soap, food, and other essentials. Threat of disease loomed in a country that had already suffered immensely from Ebola and measles.
Activities
Through Tearfund, you helped farmers and their families in 3 primary ways: a) access to market, b) extending farming c) access to capital. This project opened local stores in 6 villages to provide new places for farmers to sell and purchase food and other necessities. It also helped expand the production of lasting cash crops that farmers can store and sell in the months ahead such as ginger, garlic, and onions. Lastly, donations to this project provided emergency capital to farmers with immediate needs at a critical point in the cropping cycle.
Project Details
- Location: Malyo, Beni Territory, North Kivu
- Timeframe: August 2020 – March 2021
- Total Budget: $100,896
Outcome
Farmers were provided with the support they needed to endure during the COVID-19 lockdowns without slipping further into extreme poverty and losing the valuable progress they have made.
Stories of Transformation
Bountiful Hope
Masika is proud to show others in the village her garden and teach them about conservation agriculture because she personally knows how transformative the method is. After her husband abandoned her, she needed to find a way to provide for her large family. Then the solution came.
Learning to Trust Again
Fikiri learned at a young age to not trust others. Rebels regularly steal his property, and other organizations took advantage of his family. So when Tearfund came in with the local church he was skeptical. But after seeing the results, that all changed. “At first I was confused… but then I realised my wife was right. The church only wanted to love and to help us.“
I'm going to Marry this Lady!
When his wife died, Joseph turned to alcohol to numb the pain. The addiction propelled his children into despair. That’s when the local church came beside him. Not only did they teach him new skills, but also introduced him to hope and restored his relationship with his family. Now he has a new woman in his life, one which he hopes to rebuild with.
Partners
