Agriculture Finance in the DRC Fall 2023 Report OUR GRATITUDE Opportunity International’s work in the DR Congo is progressing as we deepen our partnerships and continue to listen to the needs of our clients. Staff on the ground and senior leadership are committed to advancing opportunities for smallholder farmers to earn sustainable livelihoods. Thank you for joining us in building a strong foundation for the families of the Congo.
THE NEED The DR Congo continues to rank among the poorest countries in the world (176 out of 189 countries ranked), with one of the highest rates of extreme poverty (surviving on about $2.15/day) in the world. Child malnutrition is widespread, and most of the population lives in conditions of moderate to serious food insecurity. Most of the population (70%) is engaged in subsistence farming; the DRC has more available farmland than any other country in Africa, with an agricultural potential to feed close to two billion people. It is worth noting that Opportunity International’s baseline survey found that DRC has the highest levels of poverty among the countries with Opportunity International AgFinance presence: 93% of farmers live in extreme poverty (less than $2.15/day).
Micheline, smallholder farmer, DRC
THE SOLUTIONS Guided by our north star—to reach those most marginalized—our momentum in Gemena and the wider Ubangi region is undeterred. We are keenly focused on enabling farmers to grow more and get more income. Opportunity’s proven model of training, access to financial services, and group support helps farmers improve their yields and increase their income.
PROGRESS ON OUR WORK Agriculture Finance Impact Survey The baseline survey is completed in Karawa, and a mid-line survey is to be done in Gemena, as they completed their baseline survey last year. Opportunity staff recently completed training the Karawa Farmer Support Agents (FSAs) on how to use an online survey platform to gather future survey information. Standard indicators are set for baseline surveys; we plan to add questions on coffee, cocoa, and palm oil in future iterations. We are tracking farmers’ incomes and yields.
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