The land of Luilu and Musokantanda vibrated to the sound of agricultural engines. Under the Lualaba sun, keys changed hands, symbolising much more than just a donation of agricultural equipment. These two tractors embody a much deeper transformation, that of a region resolutely cultivating its future.
What is at stake here goes far beyond the simple mechanisation of market gardening by local farmers from communities neighbouring Kamoa Copper. It is the concrete outcome of a vision shared with the communities for several years: building food sovereignty that extends beyond local borders.
“An important step forward after developing individual farmers was the establishment of twelve specialised cooperatives – corn, fish farming, market gardening, arboriculture, beekeeping, and egg production – which constituted the first founding act. This structure will enable producers to pool their knowledge, professionalise their practices and approach their business with renewed ambition,” said Olivier Rumb, Director of Economic Development at Kamoa Copper.
Today, the tractors are helping to support this collective dynamic. Their management has been entirely entrusted to cooperatives, transforming farmers into true entrepreneurs of their own development. The rental of this equipment will generate income that will be reinvested in the continuous improvement of these production tools.
‘This approach reflects the company’s deep conviction that a region’s resources should be used to build sustainable and shared prosperity. By supporting the development of these structured agricultural sectors, we are helping to strengthen an entire economic ecosystem.’ Olivier Rumb.
The initial results of this collaboration are already bearing fruit: better-maintained plots, significantly higher yields and, above all, a renewed sense of pride among producers who see their work being valued at its true worth. Their success embodies that of an entire region resolutely focused on the future.
Promising prospects: the construction of a livestock feed production plant, which has just been completed and is scheduled to come into service in early 2026, will open up new and essential opportunities.
This new infrastructure will ensure that the momentum generated by mechanization and the structuring of cooperatives will continue and grow, creating a virtuous circle that will benefit the entire farming community.