In the Kiliba watershed of the Democratic Republic of Congo, smallholder farmers face a daily struggle to provide for their families. Decades of soil degradation, low agricultural productivity, and limited access to training have made it difficult for many households to achieve food security. Among these farmers is Bizima, a 47-year-old father of seven, including three boys and four girls.
“Before joining the Plant With Purpose program, I produced vegetables in very small quantities,” he recalls. “It was never enough to feed my family. I put in a lot of energy, but my production was mediocre because the soil was poor and I lacked proper farming knowledge.”
When Bizima joined a Purpose Group, he gained access to both practical training and peer support through Plant With Purpose’s holistic model, which integrates environmental restoration, sustainable farming, and household economic development. “I participated in workshops organized by Plant With Purpose, learning techniques to restore the land and improve household incomes,” he explains.
Armed with this knowledge, Bizima diversified his farm. He combined citrus trees with planting vegetables like amaranth and nightshade in carefully planned plots. By adding organic manure and planting citrus in orderly rows, he improved soil fertility and increased yields. “Market gardening has brought significant financial income to my family,” he says. “Some conditions have changed for the better.”
Today, Bizima has become a key supplier of vegetables to the local market in Kiliba. This transformation has made him financially independent and strengthened his household’s food security. “Now I can pay for my children’s schooling, and I always have enough food for my family,” he shares proudly.
The holistic approach of Plant With Purpose goes beyond crops. By restoring the land through soil conservation and sustainable planting methods, farmers like Bizima see tangible benefits for both the environment and their communities. “Next season, I will begin harvesting fruit from my citrus trees,” he says. “My income will be more diversified and will increase thanks to the contribution of the program.”
Beyond his own household, Bizima has become a leader and mentor in his community. “I share my experience with other farmers in my watershed to equip and motivate them in agricultural production,” he explains. By combining sustainable farming techniques with peer learning, he helps others gain both food security and financial stability.
Reflecting on his journey, Bizima expresses deep gratitude: “I would like to thank Plant With Purpose for its contribution to environmental restoration and the financial empowerment of farming households.” His story shows how thoughtful investment in knowledge, sustainable practices, and community support can transform lives, ensuring that families not only survive but thrive.
Through farmers like Bizima, Plant With Purpose demonstrates that improving food security requires more than seeds and fertilizer. It requires training, guidance, and a model that addresses the intertwined challenges of land, livelihoods, and community.
