The ABP in Bukanga Lonzo was established by the DRC government as part of its strategy to develop the agricultural sector. Based on the promotion of ABPs, this strategy includes three components: (i) development of commercial farms; (ii) support to small farmers / producers around the selected sites, and (iii) development of agricultural, capital, technology and labour-intensive cooperatives. Despite the effective launch of the ABP in Bukanga Lonzo in 2015, a number of constraints remain, including:

• low productivity of most sectors (e.g. cassava, soybean);
• lack of organization among producers and other actors in the agricultural sectors;
• poor legal framework for non-financial cooperatives;
• inadequate provision of agricultural research and extension services in relation to the demand for advice from producer organizations and other operators;
• low levels of access to market information;
• weak domestic demand due to low purchasing power of the local population; and
• low value added.

Considering these challenges, this 3-year ILO project will work toward achieving the following objectives:

• Productivity and efficiency of value chains with high decent jobs potential are improved and farmers are integrated into productive channels;
• The ABP, local communities, service providers are able to support the local economic development of the area of intervention;
• ABP household incomes are improved and decent jobs opportunities created (incl. strengthening of existing cooperatives and formation of new ones);
• The legal, institutional and political environment conducive to the development of cooperative enterprises is improved.

The project is implemented by ILO Office in Kinshasa with lead technical support being provided by ILO COOP in cooperation with other relevant units in the Enterprises Department including the SME Unit, and the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for Central Africa.