Following the selection of youth entrepreneurs for the project “PRODER”, CEMAC conducted a field mission on January 28 and 29, 2026, to monitor the transition from technical training to modern professional exploitation.
A Strategic Partnership for Rural Transformation
The PRODER project represents a significant commitment to the economic revitalization of Burunga Province. Supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD/FIDA), this initiative specifically targets the communes of Makamba and Nyanza. Since its launch in October 2025, the project has aimed to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern entrepreneurial management.
The project focuses on three vital pillars of the local economy:
Agriculture: Moving toward high-yield, disease-resistant crop production.
Livestock Breeding: Implementing professional animal husbandry and health standards.
Processing: Adding value to raw materials to increase market competitiveness.
From technical theory to field application
The recent visit by CEMAC follows an intensive technical training phase where beneficiaries were equipped with specialized skills tailored to their specific sectors. The objective of the January 28–29 mission was to ensure that these “modern” techniques are being correctly implemented on the ground.
Modernizing the agricultural sector
Farmers within the PRODER program have moved beyond traditional methods. The training provided essential knowledge that is now being applied in the fields:
Soil Selection: Entrepreneurs are now trained to identify and select the most fertile land suited for specific crops.
Seed Quality: There is a rigorous focus on using selected, high-quality seeds to ensure better yields.
Crop Protection: Practical techniques for identifying and combating diseases that threaten local harvests have been integrated into daily farm management.
Professionalizing livestock management
In the communes of Makamba and Nyanza, livestock breeding is becoming a structured business. CEMAC’s visit highlighted significant improvements in animal welfare and productivity:
Infrastructure: Beneficiaries are constructing modern, hygienic shelters that protect animals from the elements and disease.
Nutritional Standards: Modern feeding techniques have been introduced to optimize the growth and health of the livestock.
Veterinary Care: Breeders are now proactive in maintaining hygiene and treating various animal diseases, reducing mortality rates.
Preparing for the rainy Season “Impeshi”
A central part of the CEMAC mission involved a deep dive into the planning for the upcoming Season B (Rainy Season). During open discussions with the young entrepreneurs, CEMAC reviewed the specific goals set for the modern cultivation of various crops scheduled for this season.
These dialogues were not merely evaluative but constructive, allowing both the youth and the supervisors to agree on the next strategic steps required to maximize productivity during this critical period of the agricultural calendar.
A One-Year Sprint for Sustainable Autonomy
PRODER project is built on a condensed, high-impact timeline. Having started in October 2025, the project is designed to run for exactly one year. This limited duration places a healthy pressure on the beneficiaries to rapidly adopt and stabilize their new business models.
CEMAC’s role as a monitoring body is crucial during this window. By observing the progress in Makamba and Nyanza, CEMAC ensures that the resources provided by IFAD are being utilized to create a lasting foundation for youth-led economic independence.
The youth of Makamba and Nyanza are proving that with the right technical support and consistent field monitoring, the transition to modern agriculture is not only possible but profitable. As PRODER project moves into its second half, the focus remains on ensuring that these new skills become permanent fixtures in the local economy.
The journey from traditional farming to modern entrepreneurship is a long-distance walk, and CEMAC remains committed to walking alongside these young leaders every step of the way.
