News Release

CATALIST project will reinforce peace, stability in great lakes region of central Africa

Great Lakes Region is one of the world's poorest areas, with the highest population density in Africa; Netherlands Minister for Development Cooperation presided at June 28 launching of the 5-year project

Business Announcement

IFDC

BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI—CATALIST, or the Catalyze Accelerated Agricultural Intensification for Social and Environmental Stability project, was officially launched on June 28 in Bujumbura, Burundi.

CATALIST is a 5-year project to mobilize local resources and help farming communities increase agricultural production, thus reinforcing peace and environmental stability in Central Africa's Great Lakes Region—one of the world's poorest areas, with the highest population density in Africa. The region comprises Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, western Tanzania, and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

CATALIST is based in Rwanda and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Rwanda. The project is implemented by IFDC—An International Center for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development, in partnership with Helpage, an NGO that creates employment in rural environments.

Mr. Bert Koenders, the Netherlands Minister for Development Cooperation, presided over the launching ceremony. Burundi's Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Infrastructure and Environment were represented.

The launching ceremony highlighted CATALIST objectives and achievements since activities began in late 2006 in Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern DR Congo. Farmers and beneficiaries described increased employment opportunities gained through the project. CATALIST will also promote trade in southern Uganda and western Tanzania in the future.

CATALIST uses sustainable agricultural intensification methodologies and provides labor-intensive infrastructure improvements such as road building and agroforestry, says Dr. Amit Roy, IFDC President. These combined efforts promote the development of accessible and profitable markets for agricultural inputs and outputs. At a time when food, fertilizer, and energy prices are skyrocketing, CATALIST is generating employment and helping farmers increase agricultural production and income.

Noel Ujeneza of Caritas Rwanda, a CATALIST partner, said, "CATALIST is changing the environment and the mentality of the people in local neighborhoods. Today, 600 farmers who haven't belonged to any farm groups are successfully applying technologies demonstrated during CATALIST field days."

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