Fatshimetrie, September 20, 2024 – An innovative initiative has emerged on the markets of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the form of a new 25 kg cassava flour, entirely produced locally and called “Made in DRC”. This commendable initiative is the result of a fruitful partnership between a cooperative of women farmers and the agri-food company Tulime Pamoja.
Through this exclusive interview, Ketsia Olangi, the president of Tulime Pamoja, shared the behind the scenes of this inspiring collaboration. “We are proud to present on the market a quality cassava flour, produced in the DRC thanks to our partnership with the women farmers of Songololo in the Kongo-Central province, and which is offered at a price of 25 US dollars per bag,” she stressed.
This project is of crucial importance because it highlights the added value brought by the processing of local agricultural products, such as cassava and corn, by Tulime Pamoja. Indeed, led by the provincial development company, this project aims to boost the agricultural sector in 145 Congolese territories.
Through this cooperation, a comprehensive approach has been put in place to support local farmers in their transition to sustainable agricultural practices. This includes their grouping into cooperatives, their training on issues related to the ecological transition and climate change, as well as the provision of quality equipment and seeds.
Ketsia Olangi stressed that the partnership with women farmers in Songololo began in 2021 and the results are already tangible. “We first focused on training and empowering these women, before supporting them by providing them with the necessary equipment to facilitate their work on farmland,” she explained.
Thanks to the implementation of this partnership, the women farmers of Songololo are currently cultivating on 67 hectares, providing quality raw material to Tulime Pamoja. The latter is responsible for transforming this production into high-quality cassava flour, thus highlighting the immense potential of the Congolese agricultural sector.
The creation of Tulime Pamoja in 2021 is based on a bold and social vision, aimed at strengthening the empowerment of Congolese and African women, and supporting vulnerable and disabled people. By promoting local economic development and the valorization of the country’s natural resources, this company contributes to the sustainable growth of the DRC.
In short, this exemplary partnership between Tulime Pamoja and the women farmers of Songololo embodies the spirit of innovation and cooperation necessary to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for the Democratic Republic of CongoThrough their commitment and determination, these women farmers are showing the way towards a more resilient, inclusive and profitable agricultural sector for the entire Congolese community.