Agriculture plays an essential role in the economy as well as it is considered to be the backbone of economic system in the OHED operational zones.
In total, 67 farms with rented land portions and various species have been cultivated, cared for, harvested and sold by OHED members on Bukavu-Uvira, Kavumu-Kalehe, Kagembe-Maimoto, Misisi-Ngalula, Sebele-Kichula, Lubangwe-Penemende and Baraka-Ubwari axes.
OHED members believe that human existence cannot be guaranteed without the intake of food which is the major importance of farming. Since OHED resources are scarce in real terms, it brings about the importance of farming to produce enough food for human consumption in the eastern part of the DR Congo. OHED members are taught that food items don’t fall from the sky but they are produced by people who work hard with determination and ambition.
At present, OHED volunteers are overseeing manioc, palm tree, sugar cane, pineapple, tomato, pumpkin and rice plantations throughout the rural areas where farming activities are being carried out with much effectiveness.
Implementation period: January 2020-December 2022: Activity 1 – Farming in collaboration with local communities, Locations: Kagembe-Malingumu, Lubanda, Katupu, Maimoto, Kayumba, Maindombe, Lumbwe, Kavumu, Orac, Penemende, Lubangwe, ‘Plaine de la Ruzizi’, Lweba, Igoki, Kalembelembe and Oraza. Activity 2 – Leading projects on livestock and breeding of small animals, Locations: Uvira Center, Nondo, Kawizi, Lubinga, Katupu and Orac. Activity 3 – Dissemination of information on fishing ponds for revenue generation and nutrition activities, Locations: Kagembe-Malingumu, Majengo, Kakunga, Kayumba, Lubangwe, Maïndombe and Lubanda.
FARMING AND FEEDING IN AREAS AFFECTED BY MALNUTRITION AND ARMED CONFLICTS
For decades, biodiversity hotspots have borne the brunt of armed conflicts, degrading habitats and decimating species.
And for decades, it has been proposed that sufficient financial support should be provided to people affected by famine and malnutrition to get food. From that, OHED members have been implementing various projects on farming to ensure that people in need are assisted.
FOOD SECURITY PROGRAMS
Value addition has increased sustainably in the production chains for cassava, rice, groundnut, cashew, tomato, cabbage, watermelon, and pumpkin, which play a role in reducing poverty and famine in OHED operational zones.
ANIMAL BREEDING PROGRAMS IN RURAL AREAS
Livestock play a significant role in rural livelihoods and the economies of the DR Congo. They are providers of income and employment for producers and others working in the OHED operational zones despite being sometimes complex. They are a crucial asset and safety net for the poor, especially for women and pastoralist groups, and they provide an important source of nourishment for hundreds of rural and urban households. These socio-economic roles and others are increasing in importance as the sector grows because of increasing human populations, incomes and urbanization rates. To provide these benefits, OHED members rent a significant amount of land and other resources and emit a considerable quantity of food.