With the continued growth of the support program for the sustainable development of degraded savannah and forest areas in the Tshopo province, it is undeniable that the positive impact of this initiative on the lives of the inhabitants is increasingly perceptible. Under the leadership of the National Coordinator, Willy Makiadi, this program was recently the subject of a field visit to the village of Bambae, in the territory of Banalia, revealing eloquent testimonies from the beneficiaries regarding the benefits generated.
In light of Willy Makiadi’s remarks during this inspection visit, it is clear that the COCUCT alliance, composed of the Tshopo Cocoa Growers Cooperative, was able to benefit from the spin-offs of the subsidy offered as part of the pilot phase of the project. This detailed understanding of local needs has made it possible to direct investments towards concrete initiatives, such as the establishment of more than 400 hectares of various crops, including cocoa, oil palms and coffee.
The figures speak for themselves with more than 3,500 hectares of land already exploited thanks to $15 million in funding from the French Development Agency. The commitment to the sustainability and profitability of agricultural activities is also reflected in the diversification of crops and the establishment of a cornmeal processing plant, providing solutions for both producers and local consumers.
The success story of Dominique Kasimba, head of the DOKAS establishment and president of the Tshopo Cocoa Growers Cooperative, perfectly illustrates the positive impact of this program on the local economy. By providing outlets for peasant producers and promoting the promotion of local products, this initiative actively contributes to the revitalization of the regional economic ecosystem.
Through the testimony of Ismael Djemba, a farmer in the productive alliance led by Dominique Kasimba, a portrait of a community benefiting from the concrete benefits of this program emerges. The construction of houses, access to education for children, the acquisition of basic necessities are all positive changes that demonstrate the effectiveness of this project in improving the living conditions of local populations.
In conclusion, the program to support the sustainable development of degraded savannah and forest areas in the Tshopo province is positioned as an effective and innovative intervention model. By combining the imperatives of sustainable development, social inclusion and economic profitability, this initiative embodies the hope of a more prosperous future for local communities and demonstrates the transformative power of sustainable agriculture.