By Janet T. Cook | Project Director
Parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo continually make grim world headlines:
"1000 Ebola Deaths in North-east Congo."
"Death Toll Rising from Fighting in North-western Kinshasa."
But in the Kafubu Valley in south-eastern Congo, today's headlines would be much different:
"Corn Plants Strengthened by Smart Fertilizer Application Survive 2-Month Drought Followed by Torrential Rains. Abundant Harvest to Begin Soon."
"Beans Planted in February Survive Heavy April Rains Due to New Drainage Plan. Good Harvest Expected."
"Cassava Planted in March Recovers from April Hail Storm Due to Strong Root Systems. Good Harvest Expected."
Prior to late-2017, before agricultural training by CTD began, the yearly headlines were:
"Farmers in the Kafubu Valley Suffer More Crop Failures. Starvation Always a Possibility."
Instead, their crops are thriving---even in the unseasonal drought and torrential rains of 2019!
The difference is because of YOU, THE DONORS TO CTD.
YOU HAVE BROKEN THE NEAR-STARVATION CYCLE!
You paid for the professional agronomists. You paid for the quality seed. You paid for fertilizer.
Since November 2017, these subsistence farmers have been taught better ways to lay out their tiny fields before planting, facilitating drainage when rain is too heavy. They have learned new ways to prepare soil prior to planting which helps maintain moisture during weeks of unusual drought. They were guided to properly apply fertilizer to maximize plant strength to withstand challenging weather conditions. During the 2019 rainy season, they experienced drought, torrential rain, and hail. But their crops survived! There will be food for the coming year and money reserved for school fees, health needs, seeds, and fertilizer.
Thank you for your new and your recurring contributions. Without your support, the headlines would have continued to be heart-breaking. With your support, we will help many more farmers this year. You are changing the lives of these families for generations to come.
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