“My gratitude [goes] to the Diocese of Two Kasai. Through this project, I became one of the important people in my community. I was the farmer without skills, but now I can produce more food for my family and I am proud to be called farmer. I am able to satisfy the basic needs of my family.”
Kasai Oriental is deemed one of the poorest provinces in the DRC. In this diamond-rich region, food production has fallen short of demand due to the population’s dwindling interest in agriculture. Plus, poor storage and abysmal transport conditions make it difficult for farmers to compete in local markets.
This project taught farming skills and provided seeds, livestock, and extension services (follow-up training) to local families. It recognized the lack of transportation and provided motorcycles and bicycles so that diocesan agricultural staff could effectively follow up with participants in the program and help bring crops to market.
Participants cleared 24 acres owned by the Diocese and created a learning farm, where the training occurred. This training included land preparation, crop selection, crop breeding, field management, post-harvesting activities and recording keeping.
In addition to receiving mentoring by experienced farmers, the participants were taught scripture by local priests. The project targeted 18-35 year olds, specifically those who had previously abandoned agriculture for the diamond mines.
All ARDF projects are holistic, providing practical help with spiritual growth. In Two Kasai, the pairing of scriptural teaching and practical agricultural training improved the overall health of the community. The Diocese has reported increased stronger community associations, better economic development, and stronger churches as more people joined the church as a result of its involvement with the community.
