DRC: Rural Women and Food Security, A Vital Commitment to a Sustainable Future.

Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

On the occasion of the International Day of Rural Women, celebrated on October 15, and World Food Day, observed on October 16, attention turns to the essential role rural women play in agricultural production, environmental protection, and the fight against food insecurity.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in rural areas of eastern DRC, women work every day to feed their families and communities. They take part in farming, agricultural product processing, seed preservation, the marketing of harvests, and the transmission of traditional knowledge.

Rural Women: Pillars of Food Security

Rural women play a major role in local food systems. Through their agricultural activities and knowledge of natural resources, they contribute to food availability and help safeguard household livelihoods.

Agroecology for Sustainable Food Systems

In the face of environmental and food security challenges, agroecology offers an important approach to promoting more sustainable agricultural systems. It encourages crop diversification, organic soil fertilization, the preservation of local seeds, responsible water management, and biodiversity conservation.

Protecting the Environment to Better Feed Communities

Food security also depends on healthy ecosystems. Forests, rivers, fertile soils, and biodiversity are essential resources for agricultural production and community well-being.

Deforestation, soil erosion, pollution, and the degradation of natural resources threaten farming activities and community livelihoods. Environmental protection must therefore go hand in hand with efforts to combat hunger and poverty.

 A Call to Support Rural Women

On the occasion of these two international days, civil society organizations, public authorities, development partners, farmers’ organizations, and communities are called upon to join forces to:

- Facilitate rural women's access to land, seeds, agricultural equipment, and financing.
- Strengthen training in agroecology, food processing, and food preservation.
- Promote local markets and the consumption of locally produced agricultural goods.
- Support community-led initiatives to protect forests, soils, and water resources.
- Increase women's participation in decision-making on agriculture, food security, and environmental management.

CBCSNETWORK — For the Promotion of Ecosystem Services in the Congo Basin.

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