C0595 Empowering Local Farmers

Country: DR Congo

Project #: C0595

Needed: $59,500 (USD)

BTEDE is a non-profit agency that helps the poor within the church and the community through training, infrastructure, and giving seed credit to small plot farmers. BTEDE serves over 500 farmer associations. This year a truck is being purchased, enabling farmers to maximize production and transport food to the market. With the revenue going back into the agency, it will become more sustainable. The ultimate goal of BTEDE is to see a healthy and effective Church that is initiating real transformation in their community. There are also sewing classes to help women out of poverty.

Background: Moved by the rampant poverty and malnutrition in his community, Egard Kimbau, a member of the Kimpwanza MB church in DR Congo, started a ministry to local farmers where he taught them agriculture techniques and money management. This was so popular that he created BTEDE (Bureau Technique de Développement Endogènes) which now serves over 2000 people in the Kikwit area. BTEDE owns their own fields where they grow seed to loan out to over 500 farmer associations.

Photos

1. Director Egard Kimbau teaching two young men
2. Manioc drying
3. Sewing class