How Compost Training Is Restoring Land and Lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
How long does it take to see real change in communities facing poverty and environmental degradation?
At Plant With Purpose, the answer is often: not long.
In early 2025, a new Purpose Group was established in the Lugali watershed in the northern axis of Walungu territory in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Like many rural communities in the region, families in Lugali depend primarily on subsistence agriculture. Yet years of deforestation and poor agricultural practices have left the land depleted and struggling to produce.
Within months of launching, Purpose Group members participated in a hands-on training in composting practices; a simple yet transformative practice rooted in sustainable agriculture. What followed is a powerful reminder that when farmers are equipped with the right tools, restoration begins quickly.
From Chemical Dependence to Regenerative Agriculture
Busime, a widow and mother of six, is one of the farmers in Lugali who participated in the compost training.
“Before, I cultivated my field using only chemical fertilizers,” she shared. “They were very expensive, and the results were not always satisfactory.”
Her experience is common in communities facing rural poverty. As soil becomes degraded, farmers often turn to chemical fertilizers out of necessity. But the high cost traps families in a downward spiral, spending more money for diminishing returns, while the land continues to lose its vitality.
Plant With Purpose’s compost training offers a different path; one grounded in regenerative agriculture and long-term soil health.
“Following the training organized by the Plant With Purpose DRC program, I learned how to transform agricultural waste, kitchen residues, harvest residues, and straw into a rich natural fertilizer,” Busime explained. “The training showed me step by step how to choose a good location, prepare layers of green and dry materials, water regularly, and turn the pile until the compost matures.”
Instead of purchasing expensive inputs, Busime now uses what she already has. Waste becomes resource. Scarcity becomes opportunity.
Restoring Soil, Strengthening Families
Today, Busime fertilizes her corn, banana, and vegetable fields with compost she made herself.
“The results are encouraging,” she said. “I hope my harvests will be more abundant, my soil will become more fertile, and I can abandon chemical fertilizers, which have harmful effects on human and soil health.”
Restoring land leads to restoring lives.
Healthier soil improves crop yields. Increased yields improve food security. Greater food security strengthens families and reduces vulnerability. Over time, environmental restoration and economic empowerment reinforce one another.
This is watershed restoration in action; one farm at a time.
Community Transformation Through Shared Knowledge
At Plant With Purpose, transformation doesn’t stop with one farmer.
Although approximately 55% of farmers in a watershed directly participate in Purpose Groups, 100% of the community benefits. Knowledge spreads. Practices multiply. Neighbors learn from neighbors.
“I am proud of this expertise,” Busime said. “In addition to improving my production, it helps protect the environment and recycle my community’s waste. I encourage other women and young farmers to adopt this sustainable practice, which truly changes the lives of farmers.”
This ripple effect is central to our holistic approach. Sustainable agriculture opens the door to economic empowerment, environmental restoration, and renewed hope.
Joining Jesus in the Renewal of All Things
We celebrate our team in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the new Lugali watershed, where farmers like Busime are improving their land and reclaiming dignity and purpose.
Compost may seem simple. Yet when agricultural waste is redeemed and transformed, it becomes a symbol of something greater: God’s pattern of renewal.
At Plant With Purpose, we believe that when farmers are equipped with practical tools and grounded in community, transformation takes root quickly. Waste becomes a resource. Degraded land becomes fertile. And communities once trapped in poverty begin to flourish.
That is the power of sustainable agriculture.
That is the hope of restoration.
