A Historic Commitment Since 1964
Founded by ECC/3rd CBCA
The Center for Rural Promotion of Idjwi (CPR Idjwi) is much more than a simple organization: it is a historic institution. Founded by the Church of Christ in the Congo (3rd Baptist Community in Central Africa), CPR is a faith-based non-profit association, officially approved by Presidential Decree No. 170 on June 12, 1964. For over half a century, through the various crises and developments of the DRC, our organization has maintained an uninterrupted presence on the ground, forging an unparalleled relationship of trust with local authorities, traditional chieftaincies, and above all, farming populations.
Legal Status
Headquarters: Bugarula Center, Idjwi Territory, Rubenga Chieftaincy.
South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Challenge of Insularity
Situated in the heart of Lake Kivu, Idjwi Territory is a magnificent region but one facing harsh realities. Geographical isolation drastically limits access to external markets, basic infrastructure, and quality healthcare. This is compounded by intense demographic pressure on limited arable land, leading to soil depletion and deforestation. It is in this complex microcosm, where economic and climate shocks are amplified by insularity, that CPR deploys its efforts. Our role is to transform this geographical isolation into an opportunity to build a model of circular economy and local self-sufficiency.
Our Intervention Methodology
Self-Promotion & Proximity
Instead of imposing solutions from the outside, we prioritize community-led self-promotion. Our field animators and agronomists live on-site and maintain a regular presence to inform, train, and advise households. We place paramount importance on the empowerment of women and girls, the true pillars of family resilience.
Multiplication Strategy
To maximize our impact, we utilize a 'spreading oil drop' effect. Knowledge is first transferred to 'pilot farmers' who apply and demonstrate the effectiveness of new agricultural techniques in their own fields. In parallel, our community radio provides mass education, and we support dozens of Farmers' Organizations (OP) to structure the rural world.
Agroecological Model & VSLA
Our fight against poverty is based on introducing sustainable agroecological practices (reforestation, improved seeds, erosion control). To sustain these gains, we establish Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA). These community structures enable farmers to build local savings, access micro-credit to launch income-generating activities, and strengthen solidarity in the face of unforeseen events.