### Rural empowerment: a key for development in the DRC
On April 15, 2025, a scientific morning organized in Limete, commune of Kinshasa, highlighted a crucial subject: the development of rural areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where more than 80 % of the population lives in rural areas. This meeting brought together learners and technicians from the Higher Institute and Rural Development (ISDR) “MBEO”, around an essential question that deserves special attention: how to effectively supervise the peasant population to promote sustainable development?
Father Mulung’mper, director of the ISDR “MBEO”, stressed that development should no longer be perceived as an initiative imposed by the authorities, but as a process of empowerment of the rural population. This approach suggests a significant development in the way development projects are designed and implemented. Indeed, it aims to favor the care by the communities themselves, which can have positive repercussions not only on the reduction of poverty, but also on the improvement of the quality of life.
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It is undeniable that to get out of poverty, the population must be made aware and educated. However, what are the real barriers that slow down this empowerment? There is an urgent need to examine the resources available for technicians and learners. Is access to quality training and suitable tools sufficient to meet the specific challenges of each region? Have the projects carried out so far have they taken into account local realities?
In the specific context of the DRC, the socio-economic diversity of rural regions must play a central role in the formulation of development approaches. The successes obtained by certain projects in localities such as the territory of Idiofa, where plantations and farms have been established, are to be emphasized. However, it would be constructive to examine why certain projects fail while others thrive, in order to learn valid lessons.
### Enterprise: an accessible goal?
Empowerment is an ambitious concept. In this regard, it is therefore relevant to question the mechanisms that make it possible to achieve this objective. Training and information are potentially powerful tools, but their effectiveness is based on a favorable environment that encourages cooperation between different stakeholders: local governments, non -governmental organizations, and even private sector.
An open dialogue on these points could lead to innovative approaches. For example, how to promote the exchange of good practices between regions? What forms of support can be set up for young people leaving rural development schools so that they can carry out their projects?
### Towards a rapprochement of education and the field
It would also be wise to rethink the link between formal education, such as that provided to ISDR, and the reality on the ground. Learners must have the opportunity to move from theoretical knowledge to a concrete application of their skills. This could result in more frequent internships in real contexts, community projects indexed to local needs, or even reinforced partnerships with actors already established in rural areas.
### Conclusion
The supervision of the peasant population, as recommended by Father Mulung’mper, represents a fundamental issue to promote the development of rural environments in the DRC. However, this requires in -depth reflection on resources, tools and methods to be adopted. By encouraging empowerment, promoting collaboration and strongly connecting education and practical application, it is possible to hope for a lasting change.
The future of Congolese rural regions will undoubtedly depend on this collective awareness and the commitment to work together for inclusive and lasting development.