Empowering conflict-affected people in DR Congo

Introduction: In 2017, a group of women embarked on a journey to learn dairy processing techniques and packaging. They established a cooperative and set out to improve their livelihoods by selling their own products. Over the years, these women, based in an area facing numerous challenges, have faced a multitude of obstacles. This report chronicles their journey of resilience and determination, highlighting their recent recognition as one of the top three outstanding cooperatives in the Uvira administrative district, which comprises a population of 700,000 people.

The Early Years: At the inception of their cooperative, our beneficiaries found initial success in selling cheese and milk, securing a stable income for its members. However, escalating conflicts and deteriorating security conditions in the region took a toll on their income. Some members left the cooperative, while others struggled to pay their dues, leading to a series of challenges.

The Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: The situation worsened with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. At one point, only a few members remained actively involved in production, putting the cooperative in a precarious position. Despite these challenges, we continued its steadfast follow-up efforts.

Establishment of an Antenna Shop: In response to the ongoing struggles, we opened an antenna shop in Uvira city last year to promote our beneficiaries' products. This initiative, though modest, began to gradually boost income and encouraged members to return to the cooperative. However, the looming crisis in Ukraine, leading to surging fuel prices and transportation costs, maintained an air of uncertainty around their operations.

A Milestone Achievement: Against all odds, our beneficiaries' cooperative achieved a remarkable milestone by being selected as one of the top three cooperatives in the Uvira administrative district. This recognition led to the injection of government funds (sourced from the World Bank) with a focus on strengthening cooperatives, fostering local industrial development, and creating employment opportunities. The funds were allocated for the improvement of the cooperative's premises, including the installation of perimeter walls, acquisition of equipment and supplies, and the establishment of a sales outlet at the entrance.

Challenges Ahead: While these developments are undoubtedly significant, it's important to note that they do not guarantee unconditional growth. The key challenge in the Congo context is the sustainable utilization of these resources to ensure continued development. Therefore, we decided to committee to providing ongoing support and guidance to help the cooperative expand its activities, stabilize its operations, and secure income.

Conclusion: The transformation of the cooperative's premises, with sturdy walls and a secure gate, offers a safe haven for production activities in a region marred by insecurity. Adjacent to the gate, a small building now serves as a sales outlet, conveniently located along a major thoroughfare. Here, the cooperative can directly sell its cheese and milk products, offering a promising path forward.

In conclusion, while the journey has been fraught with challenges, these determined beneficiaries have defied the odds and earned recognition for their cooperative's resilience. As they embrace this new chapter of support and development, their unwavering commitment to progress shines as a testament to the adage, "Persistence is key."

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