Q2FY20 Program Report: Development Food Security Activity in DRC

The program is implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in collaboration with local partners, including the Government of the DRC, National Cooperative Business Association Cooperative League of the USA (NCBA CLUSA), and others. The program focuses on three health zones: Cilundu, Miabi, and Kasansa in the Province of Kasai Oriental. The goal is to sustainably improve nutrition, food security, and economic well-being for vulnerable households by 2021. The program is guided by a Foundational Purpose, which emphasizes empowering communities to sustain improvements to food security and nutrition. Key activities implemented during the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2020 (Q2FY20) include working with village development committees to improve governance, reaching households through Care Groups to promote optimal nutrition and health, and supporting community members in agricultural and non-agricultural activities. Budikadidi, the implementing partner, continued to engage with local stakeholders, including village chiefs and community leaders, to promote good governance, hygiene, and sanitation practices. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on program implementation, with international and regional travel restrictions affecting Budikadidi's ability to deliver services. However, the organization continued to implement program activities, adapting to the new circumstances by implementing social distancing measures, strict hygiene protocols, and activity reorganization or postponement when necessary. The program has made significant progress in improving food security and nutrition outcomes. For example, under the health and nutrition component, Budikadidi continued to reach households through Care Groups, leading to improved adoption of optimal nutrition and health practices. In addition, the program has supported the construction of boreholes to increase access to potable water and has promoted the use of hand-washing stations. The program's impact on household food security and nutrition will continue to be monitored through Budikadidi's MEAL systems. The organization will also participate in regional and global platforms to learn from other programs and countries and adapt to the changing context.