Fatshimetrie, 16 September 2024 – The appeal launched this Monday to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) takes on its full meaning in the territory of Fizi, located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Faced with the challenges of community resilience, local authorities are calling for a more sustainable approach to support the population in its development.
The administrator of the territory, Samy Kalondji, stressed the importance of encouraging local projects aimed at strengthening the autonomy of the inhabitants. Thanks to initiatives focused on agriculture and the local economy, the population of the Ruzizi plain has been able to improve its living conditions and reduce its dependence on humanitarian aid. It is in this dynamic that the administrator hopes to see FAO engage in order to replicate these successes in Fizi.
The call for a transition from one-off food distributions to sustainable community resilience projects reflects a desire for a profound change in the way humanitarian aid is approached. As the World Food Programme (WFP) and other organizations continue to provide emergency assistance, it is time to invest in long-term solutions that will enable people to meet their needs independently.
The Local Development Project of the 145 Territories (PDL-145 T), managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), already provides an enabling framework for such initiatives. By encouraging the participation of local communities and supporting diversified projects, this programme embodies a more holistic approach to development.
Ultimately, FAO’s presence in Fizi could mark a turning point in the way humanitarian assistance is viewed. By supporting community resilience projects focused on agriculture and economic autonomy, the organization could help transform the lives of the people of Fizi and pave the way for long-term sustainable development.