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
highest poverty rate in the world
0
nd
of families in Malyo live on one meal per day
0
%
of children are malnourished
0
%
more savings group participants than our goal
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%
Our Projects
Through Tearfund and our local church partner, the Baptist Church of Central Africa, you will help farmers overcome their hunger challenges with 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.
Project 1
Bashu Integrated Food Security
Problem
In many villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo, farmers survive by their harvest. Over 50% of Kimbulu’s population suffers from extreme food insecurity, and 68% of children under the age of five are chronically malnourished as poor agricultural practices persist. Women frequently do not have access to decision-making, and sexual violence is common.
Challenges
The malnutrition in the children of the region is severe, and gender-based violence is common. While farmers subsist on their agricultural proceeds, the practices they’ve established over the years have not been enough to combat soil erosion and climate changes.
Activities
Local church leaders will help train farmers in conservation agriculture techniques such as soil erosion control and fertility restoration. This will increase family’s incomes, food consumption, and cohesion of the community.
Project Details
- Location: Kimbulu/Lubero and Bashu/Beni
- Timeframe: April 2022 – February 2025
- Total Budget: $947,562 USD
Outcome
2,240 vulnerable people trapped in poverty will become food secure as the breadwinners in their families are trained in conservation agriculture techniques. As their crops flourish, farmers will share their knowledge with their neighbors, thereby multiplying the impact and decreasing poverty in the entire community.
Stories of Transformation
Sharing God's love
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.
A newfound trust
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. “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 alongside him. They not only taught him new skills, but also introduced him to hope and restored his relationship with his family.
Partners
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