Struggling to Succeed
Mathieu Ushindi is a 25-year-old farmer living in Mweso, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Married with three children, he depended on his small tomato farm to support his family — but things were tough.
His crops were failing. Without the right farming techniques or planning knowledge, Mathieu struggled to grow quality produce. He couldn’t predict how much he’d harvest or sell, and often ended up with surplus tomatoes that rotted before anyone bought them. The lack of income made it hard to provide for his family
Support That Made a Difference
Everything began to change when Mathieu joined a project run by Oxfam and local partner organisation FOPAC NK. Funded through Irish Aid’s Irish Civil Society Partnership (ICSP) grant, the project gave him access to training and practical advice on how to improve his farming methods.
He learned how to properly prepare the soil before planting, how to plan harvests in stages, and how to do basic market research. This meant he could adapt his crops to meet customer demand — and avoid the losses caused by unsold surplus.
Planning for the Future
Mathieu now plans his planting and harvests based on what people want to buy. He sells his tomatoes at the local market — and they go quickly. With staggered harvests and better timing, nothing goes to waste.
His annual earnings now reach the equivalent of $1,500 — a stable, sustainable income for his family. He considers his past challenges as the building blocks of his current success.
Mathieu now plans his planting and harvests based on what people want to buy. He sells his tomatoes at the local market — and they go quickly. With staggered harvests and better timing, nothing goes to waste.
His annual earnings now reach the equivalent of $1,500 — a stable, sustainable income for his family. He considers his past challenges as the building blocks of his current success.
Growing Confidence and Crops
With determination, new skills, and ongoing support, Mathieu has transformed his farming business. What was once a struggling garden is now a reliable source of income — and a story of growth and resilience.
