Title: Support for local agriculture: TFM receives a large batch of agricultural inputs for the 2023-2024 agricultural campaign
Introduction :
Agriculture plays a vital role in the development of local communities, and mining company Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) is actively committed to supporting local agriculture in the region. While the collection of corn harvests is underway, TFM announces the receipt of a large batch of NPK 17-17-17 agricultural inputs for the next 2023-2024 agricultural campaign. This support aims to boost agricultural productivity and develop the livelihoods of local community members.
Support for agricultural cooperatives:
These agricultural inputs will be distributed to planters grouped into agricultural cooperatives operating in areas neighboring the TFM concession. The distribution methods were approved by the local development committees (CLD). Thus, the Bayeke chiefdom and the Fungurume commune will receive inputs to cultivate respectively 1,000 hectares and 500 hectares of agricultural land. Additionally, over 2,000 hectares of land will be allocated to project-affected people, under the Livelihood Restoration (RMS) programme. This initiative aims to ensure fair compensation while promoting abundant agricultural production.
Support and autonomy of agricultural cooperatives:
TFM is also committed to providing technical and strategic support to agricultural cooperatives for a period of 5 years. The objective is to allow the cooperatives to become autonomous and ultimately self-financing. As part of this support, TFM has acquired eight new tractors that it will make available to the various agricultural pools. These tractors will facilitate the work of plowing the fields of members of planters’ associations, as well as members of the community who are not yet affiliated with these associations.
Maize credit: sustainable support for local agriculture:
Since 2008, TFM has set up the agricultural program “Credit Maïs” to support local agriculture. As part of this program, TFM provides agricultural inputs to planters and provides technical support to agricultural cooperatives. The maize harvests are then used to reimburse part of the agricultural inputs received. This model makes it possible to perpetuate the agricultural activity and to encourage the accountability of the cooperatives.
Conclusion :
The receipt of the batch of agricultural inputs by TFM for the 2023-2024 agricultural campaign demonstrates the company’s commitment to local agriculture. This support for agricultural cooperatives aims to boost agricultural productivity, develop the livelihoods of local communities and foster economic self-reliance.. Thanks to this support, an abundant harvest is expected which will contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the members of the community.