In Congo, Even the Poor Can Earn Income
Mama Ilunga shares how even the poor can earn income and have a healthy life thanks to the Democratic Republic of Congo-Katanga Kamina program.
FRB’s food security program in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) works within the communities of Kamina to reduce high levels of malnourishment, poverty and disease, especially among women and children. This holistic program focuses on training in agriculture best practices for the local environment; sanitation, hygiene and sources of clean water to reduce waterborne illness; and income generation from agriculture. Fast-growing Moringa trees, whose leaves, flowers, seeds and roots are all edible, are a new source of nutrition for the community. Farmer groups prepare fields and plant peanuts, soybeans, field beans and corn together, and sell their excess produce for income. One of the participants, Maman Ilunga, shares her experience and insights: