Project description

Title: Reinstating and stabilising the livelihoods of refugees and the local population in the Uvira region
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Lead executing agency: Provincial Government of South Kivu
Overall term: 2009 to 2012

Context

For decades now, the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been the setting for violent disputes over land, resources and identity. In the wars since 1996 the civil population has suffered especially, exacerbating existing differences and prejudices as a result. Unless attention is given to the economic roots of these conflicts and alternatives to the economics of violence are created, the situation can escalate again at any time. 

In the region of Uvira the revival of economic life is stagnating due to the ruined infrastructure and the weak state of the service sector. Governmental and civil society actors are poorly equipped and have little expertise in the areas of planning, management and conflict transformation. Municipal structures are unstable and unable to cope with the integration of former combatants and displaced persons. Although women play an important role in the local economy and in non-violent conflict transformation, they suffer particular abuse of their rights and are victims of violence. 

Socio-political tension, the lack of basic infrastructure and unsuitable cultivation methods (including seed production) all contribute to poor crop yields. Inadequate agricultural inputs together with upstream and downstream production services further aggravate the situation. Poor yields in turn lead to insufficient food supplies for the population and are a brake on the economy of the Uvira region.  

Objective

The targeted population in the Uvira region has improved its production basis and has peacefully integrated social groupings at community level.

Approach

The project takes an integrated approach to its three areas of activity (food security, infrastructure and conflict transformation). Measures to increase agricultural output are strengthened through the rehabilitation of administrative buildings and by developing municipal infrastructure (roads, bridges, markets, etc.). Additional income and greater tolerance then positively influence the dynamics of local conflicts.

To ensure the sustainability of the measures, governmental and civil society partners receive targeted support in the form of training, organisational advice and equipment and are involved in all implementation processes.

Results achieved so far

Shortages of supplies and food are counteracted by locally adapted agricultural production methods. In cooperation with all key actors in the seed sector, a participatory system of seed multiplication has been launched to supply 20,000 households with quality seeds in the medium term and to secure private, decentralised seed multiplication by farmers. The resulting gains in agricultural yields and the ensuing commercial activity boost household revenues.

Civil society and governmental structures now have an enhanced awareness of potential problems and promote dialogue and cooperation between returnees and the resident population. The restructuring and training of 130 local conflict committees has helped to resolve conflicts of interest more effectively. This facilitates the peaceful reintegration of returnees and ex-combatants and improves social coherence between all groups within society.