Fatshimetrie, 24 September 2024 – A commendable initiative has been set up in Uvira, South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, aimed at supporting 93 schools and 263 farmers in local market gardening areas. Indeed, market gardening kits were distributed with the aim of setting up school gardens and encouraging local production of a variety of vegetables.
This program, integrated into the framework of supporting the socio-economic resilience of small producers and vulnerable communities in the region, aims to combat malnutrition and raise awareness among the population about the importance of a diversified diet. According to Sylla Viseso, FAO Head of Office in Uvira, this initiative is crucial for promoting the consumption of fresh and healthy vegetables within the community.
By distributing these market gardening kits, FAO hopes not only to provide schools and producers with the necessary tools to develop their production, but also to raise awareness about good agricultural practices. It is essential to highlight the positive impact of these actions on local vegetable production and on the fight against malnutrition in the region.
The testimonies collected in the field highlight the importance of this support from FAO. The beneficiary schools report having been able to improve their infrastructure thanks to the sale of harvested vegetables, while the producers seem to have significantly increased their production capacities since the beginning of this program.
The kits distributed included essential tools such as watering cans, hoes, rakes, various seeds, but also protective equipment for producers. This technical and material assistance helps to strengthen the capacities of the beneficiaries and to boost market gardening production in the area.
In conclusion, this FAO initiative in Uvira demonstrates the importance of supporting small producers and local communities to develop sustainable agriculture and promote healthy eating. It is a concrete example of the fight against malnutrition and encouraging the consumption of fresh vegetables, contributing to food security and the well-being of local populations.