As part of the 2024-2025 agricultural campaign, Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) is deploying significant actions in favor of local agriculture. Indeed, the month of November marks the beginning of the rains in the region of TFM’s mining concession, thus signaling the launch of agricultural activities. Thus, tons of agricultural inputs are distributed to cooperatives and voluntary savings and credit associations (AVEC) to support local planters. This initiative aims to strengthen production capacities on a total area of more than 1500 hectares, benefiting 1677 planters spread across the region.
It is essential to underline TFM’s commitment to local communities, by providing high-quality inputs for the agricultural campaign. These inputs include hybrid seeds, NPK 17-17-17 and urea 46%, thus allowing the sowing of 1500 hectares, including 1000 hectares for the Bayeke chiefdom and 500 hectares for the Fungurume commune. This distribution is carried out in collaboration with the local development committees (CLD) of the region, ensuring effective and efficient implementation of the project.
The benefits of this initiative are already palpable, as evidenced by the leaders of AVECs and agricultural cooperatives who express their gratitude to TFM for the support provided. The beneficiary planters were able not only to improve their productivity, but also to repay part of the previous harvests to the CLDs, thus demonstrating the virtuous circle established by the program.
Furthermore, the sustainability and ownership of the project are key elements, highlighted by the savings, credit and entrepreneurship initiation program, set up by TFM after three years of support. This approach allows planters and breeders to become more autonomous and professional, thus contributing to the economic development of the region.
In addition, TFM’s agricultural programs have significantly increased yields in the region, thanks in particular to the mechanization and training activities implemented. The provision of additional harrows to the community reinforces this commitment to the food and economic self-sufficiency of local communities.
In conclusion, Tenke Fungurume Mining’s involvement in the agricultural development of the region is a tangible demonstration of its commitment to local communities. Through innovative and sustainable programs, TFM actively contributes to strengthening food security, increasing agricultural productivity and promoting the economic prosperity of the surrounding populations.