In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where peasant agriculture is of paramount importance, accounting for 70% of the active population, the country has been grappling with a severe scarcity of corn flour, a staple food in regions like Grand Katanga and Grand Kasaï. In response to this crisis, the International Day of Peasant Struggles for 2024 has adopted the theme “Resist Repression! Let’s Foster Food Sovereignty for Humanity’s Future” amid global challenges.
Sino-Congolaise des Mines (SICOMINES S.A.), a mining partner in the DRC, has taken initiatives to support local farmers during these challenging times. In August 2021, SICOMINES signed agreements with local communities to extend assistance to corn producers by supplying them with modern farming equipment. This support includes an agricultural workshop equipped with a tractor, plows, harrows, a sprayer, seeders, and a trailer given to farmers in the Kapata district and the Luilu sector to enhance their agricultural capabilities and promote self-sufficiency in food production.
To address food insecurity, SICOMINES has generously donated 50 bags of corn seeds, 200 bags of urea, and 200 bags of NPK fertilizers to villages such as Yenge, Biwaya, Mutaka, Mapendo, and the Kapata district. This crucial intervention, based on the communities’ expressed needs, aims to bolster the region’s food security. The local populations, appreciative of this support, have committed to utilizing these resources optimally to achieve productive yields.
Furthermore, farmers from these communities have undergone training sessions funded by SICOMINES to improve their knowledge of fertilizer application and best agricultural practices. Specifically, men within these communities have received training on operating the agricultural machinery, ensuring the efficient and safe use of these modern tools.
To ensure optimal harvests, SICOMINES has enlisted the support of DAP INVESTMENT to assist farmers throughout the cultivation cycle. This collaborative effort underscores the mining company’s dedication to enhancing local agricultural development and fortifying food security for the populace.
By distributing agricultural inputs to surrounding villages, SICOMINES is actively contributing to enhancing the living conditions of local communities. Through the provision of maize seeds, urea, and NPK fertilizers to residents of Kapata, Biwaya, Mutaka, Mapendo, and Yenge, a promising growing season is anticipated.
In essence, by closely engaging with local communities, SICOMINES is not only championing food sovereignty but also playing an active role in constructing a better future for all. This initiative underscores that the mining sector can significantly impact sustainable agricultural development and combat food insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
For more information, you can read related articles on the same subject at the following links:
– The Historic Meeting Between Tshisekedi and Kamerhe: A New Political Era in the DRC
– Unity and Solidarity: The Sacred Union of the Nation Remains Stronger than Ever
– Fight Against Insecurity in Kolwezi: 60 Criminals Arrested, What Next Measures?
– External Article: La Sicomines Aux Cotes Des Agriculteurs Locaux Pour Le Renforcement De Leur Souverainete Alimentaire (French)