Fatshimetrie, 03 Sept 2024 – Increasing the productivity of market gardening and food crops, mainly in rural areas of Kasai Central in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a major challenge for the agricultural development of the region. A recent initiative launched by a local farmers’ organization aims to assess and improve this productivity.
Under the leadership of the Association of Independent Artisans and Farmers Badisuile Tudikolele (AAPIBT), 175 vocational training centers have been established in the region. The heads of these centers have been trained in efficient management techniques, with the aim of promoting both crafts and agropastoral activities. This holistic approach aims to strengthen the skills of local farmers and help them get the most out of their crops.
One of the decisive advances in this process was the acquisition of a plodder, a machine used for soap making. This new technology has transformed the way soaps are produced locally. By switching from traditional liquid soaps to tube and powder formats, the community was able to diversify its production and respond more effectively to the needs of the local market.
The investment in equipment and vocational training was made possible through a successful partnership between AAPIBT and the provincial directorate of vocational training in arts and crafts. This technical and financial support was essential to propel local initiatives and offer new opportunities to artisans and farmers in the region.
Expressing his gratitude to the public authorities for their support, the chairman of the AAPIBT board of directors, Mr. Anaclet Kabangu Pasamuntu, highlighted the importance of the mechanization of vocational training centers in Kasaï Central. This modernization not only improves production techniques, but also trains a new generation of skilled and innovative artisans and farmers.
AAPIBT’s involvement in the “TRANSFORME” project demonstrates the commitment of the local community to promote rural development and stimulate the local economy. Thanks to these concerted efforts, farmers in Kasai Central are on the path to prosperity, relying on sustainable practices and innovative technologies to boost their agricultural activities.