DR Congo

Project Title: Kingabwa Rice Intensification Project

The Kingabwa Rice Intensification Project provides food security for rice producers in the Pool Malebo area of Kinshasa through improvements in rice production in the Kingabwa perimeter. Local rice production cannot support the country, forcing high levels of importation. This remains a serious economic problem for a country with limited foreign currency reserves and importing almost 70,000 tonnes of milled rice per year. The success of the project relies on a private sector partner, found in the Bralima brewery, willing to guarantee access to markets. Collaboration with this beverage industry will help producers overcome constraints in transportation, storage, and processing. By focusing on a specific geographic area and the self-sufficiency of a major cash crop, the project provides a sustainable growth strategy to improve the livelihoods of local farmers.
 
Funders: USAID/Winrock, Bralima Foundation, CFC, Schokland Project

Period: 2011-2014
 
Project Title: Increase Food Security and Improve Livelihoods of Sorghum and Rice Producers

The overall objective of this project is to increase food security and improve access to primary education by integrating farmers into the supply chain of beverage industries. This project, which started on February 1, 2009 is focusing on the promotion of irrigated rice culture in the DRC and based on the inclusion of smallholder farmers into the rice value chain, including access to credit and markets. The project permits a simultaneous enhancement of agricultural supply chains for the food and beverage industry while sharing and minimizing the associated risks. It will contribute to improving the livelihood conditions of the households involved by improving food security and generating a regular income. Moreover, by mobilizing social investment funds, the program will involve the community in the development of social projects, such as improving access to primary education in both isolated and impoverished areas.

Funders: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Heineken International

Period: 2009-2012

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