** LUPUTA: an agricultural sustainability laboratory for the DRC **
In the Luputa region, in the heart of the province of Lomami in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), agriculture and farming are not only livelihoods, but truly the pillar of community life. In a context where food security is compromised by socio-economic crises and where the environment undergoes heavy pressures, the initiative of ongi Better Life appears as a breath of oxygen. Through a range of innovative agricultural projects, this organization, in collaboration with its partners, wishes to transform not only the way in which agriculture is practiced, but also the relationship that the populations maintain with their environment.
### A systemic approach: sustainable agriculture and reforestation
Philosophy behind Better Life’s projects is based on the idea that agriculture and environmental protection are not antagonistic objectives. On the contrary, they can be interconnected and strengthen each other. Agricultural education projects promoted by Better Life include agroecology practices that promote the conservation of natural resources while improving crop yields. This involves the training of farmers in the diversification of crops, the use of techniques of inter -lap cultures and the adoption of composting practices, essential to enrich the soil and reduce dependence on chemical inputs.
### Carbon monetization: an economic innovation
One of the major innovations in Better Life projects is the creation of carbon credit monetization mechanisms. By integrating this dimension into their reforestation efforts, the Ongi allows farmers to generate additional income through trees planting practices. This approach is part of an economic framework where the fight against climate change becomes not only an environmental necessity, but also an opportunity for economic development for local communities. In 2021, an analysis carried out by the World Bank revealed that the DRC could gain up to $ 700 million per year thanks to a well -established carbon credit system, which could change the situation for thousands of families.
### An essential food safety
The initiative of Better Life is not simply limited to environmental projects. In a region where food insecurity remains a major issue – with an infantile malnutrition rate reaching up to 40% in certain localities of the DRC – agroecological techniques allow direct improvement in food yields. By promoting food crops adapted to the seasons and the particularities of the soil, ONGI not only makes it possible to secure local food needs but also to improve the resilience of farmers in the face of climatic vagaries.
### A model to reproduce
The initiatives taken in Luputa by Better Life could well serve as a model for other regions of the DRC and even beyond. Similar projects could be envisaged based on a more humanist approach and respectful of the environment, where the environmental costs of agricultural practices would be integrated into financial models. In addition, local authorities could be encouraged to create policies favorable to agroecology, such as subsidies for improved seeds or tax reductions for environmentally friendly farms.
### Conclusion: a partnership for the future
Ultimately, Better Life’s projects in Luputa are not only intended to reconcile agriculture and the environment, but also seek to reconstruct the social fabric of these communities by emphasizing local education and cooperation. While the DRC faces colossal challenges on the economic and environmental levels, these works illustrate how the commitment of NGOs, in parallel with that of populations, can initiate the necessary change.
The road is still long, but the ambition of Better Life to strengthen food security while protecting the environment could well become the key to sustainable development in the DRC. To find out more about these promising initiatives, find detailed articles and in -depth analyzes on Fatshimemetry.