From the Field Beyond beans: women entrepreneurs are transforming communities in Eastern Congo

Amina has witnessed a remarkable transformation. Located in the valleys of Katana, DRC, her farm’s yields were never sufficient to meet her family's needs. But this season, beans- a valuable source of nutrition and income- are in abundance: thanks to high-quality seeds and training sessions, her production has doubled compared to previous years. Now, Amina not only supports her family but has also become a reference for her community, sharing her knowledge with other women. This dynamic is replicated in multiple villages where women, traditionally marginalized, are now taking the lead in agricultural initiatives. 

These resources came as part of the Beans for Women Empowerment Project (B4WE)*, an initiative financed by Global Affairs Canada that provides access to improved seeds while breaking down barriers for women to profit from agricultural practices.  

In katana and Miti, the project specifically targeted landless women and widows, providing them with access to cultivable plots. These women, often left behind, can now grow beans intercropped with other subsistence crops like maize and cassava. Group meetings organized by B4WE allow them to exchange agricultural practices and support each other in marketing their products. The ongoing support from the project has not only improved their economic status but has also strengthened their social position and self-esteem. 

The recent arrival of the Canadian Ambassador, Her Excellency Ms. Maryse Guilbeault, in the city of Bukavu marked a significant milestone for the B4WE project. Visiting the bean fields and meeting women Cooperatives, she reaffirmed Canada's commitment to empower women in the DRC. The ambassador saw firsthand how the project's interventions were transforming women's lives, making them more autonomous and proactive in their personal and community development. She emphasized the importance of international collaboration to support such initiatives, which are essential for ensuring sustainable and inclusive development. 

Her visit to INERA (Institut National pour l'Étude et la Recherche Agronomiques) was also crucial, highlighting the research efforts to develop bean varieties adapted to local conditions and resistant to diseases. These technological advancements are vital for ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the project. By acknowledging the efforts of local scientists and valuing public-private partnership, the ambassador reaffirmed the pivotal role of international cooperation in the success of development programs. 

Partnerships and future outlook 

The partnerships established with organizations RIKOLTO and Support and Capacity Building Self Promotion of Women (SARCAF) exemplify how B4WE integrates private sector actors to maximize the impact of its interventions. These collaborations not only provide commercial outlets for women but also ensure the quality and competitiveness of their products in the market. In an ecosystem where women are not just beneficiaries but full-fledged entrepreneurs, they can better navigate the complex network of agricultural value chains. 

B4WE is growing, with plans to expand activities to other provinces and integrate more women into the empowerment network. The impact of the initiative is a catalyst for other similar programs, hoping to establish a development model where women's empowerment is at the heart of growth strategies. The project is a living testimony of what coordinated commitment between governments, the private sector, and local communities can achieve to substantially transform societies. 

About the Beans for Women Empowerment Project 

Financed by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the B4WE Project aims to improve the socio-economic status of women by enhancing their access to productive resources such as quality seeds and agricultural training. Focusing on bean cultivation, a vital resource for the local economy, B4WE aims to increase women's incomes and empower them to actively participate in community and family decisions. The project is structured around several pillars: distribution of improved seeds, training in modern agricultural techniques, and integrating women into marketing channels. These efforts are complemented by an awareness component aimed at eliminating cultural barriers that limit women's participation in agriculture. B4WE strives to create a conducive environment where women can become key actors in rural development.