Empowered through Agriculture: A Mother’s Path to Self-Reliance in DRC
Photo by RET
Article by RET in Democratic Republic of Congo
RUTSHURU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO – Since 2012, RET has directly supported more than 55,765 program participants in DRC (20% of them women) through 19 projects. At present, we’re implementing a multi-year undertaking that is focused on improving the food security and nutrition situation in Ituri and North Kivu, to support peace and inclusive co-existence of conflict-affected populations in that part of eastern DRC. Our team spoke to one program participant about the how the experience has impacted her life.
“My name is Kahambu Kalumbi. I’m 32 years old, married, and a mother of five children, including two daughters. I live in Nyamilima, in the Rutshuru territory in eastern DRC. My journey has not been easy, but today, thanks to the BMZ project, my life has taken a turn I never thought possible.
“Before the project arrived in my village, my situation was extremely difficult. I had no source of income, no livelihood, and my children suffered from severe malnutrition. Every day was a struggle to find them something to eat. I was among the most vulnerable people in my community, and the future seemed dark and uncertain.
“But everything changed thanks to the BMZ project, implemented by RET Germany and FDAPID. I received food assistance, seeds, a rented plot of land, a cash grant, and training in nutrition and agriculture. Today, my children are healthy, and their nutritional status has stabilized. I am no longer as vulnerable as before.”
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Photos by RET
“Before this project, my life was marked by hardship and uncertainty. Today, I am proud to be able to feed my children, support their education, and improve our daily lives.”
“With the cash grant, I started a small business selling charcoal, banana bunches, and avocados. The income generated allowed me to buy a goat, which has since given birth to a kid. Step by step, I am regaining financial stability and hope for the future.
“I want to express my deep gratitude to RET Germany, FDAPID, and BMZ for their invaluable support. I encourage them to continue this vital work to help other families like mine. There are still so many people in my community who need a helping hand to rebuild their lives.”
To help us continue this critical work to empower families in DRC and around the world, make a donation to RET today.
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