«What do you grow in your field? What are the biggest problems you face and how do you solve them? What have you achieved that you are proud of?» These are some of the questions asked at meetings in the villages of the Lubumbashi region. As well as providing pastoral care, the catechists in the church communities are also involved in setting up and managing cooperatives. The aim is to empower local farmers by providing them with technical support and access to financial resources.

The cooperative model helps people to overcome the obstacles to integral development. Faith in Christ deepens the sense of solidarity and the common good. The influence of cooperatives extends far beyond agricultural production. Thanks to them, direct links between producers and consumers are established and exchanges between small towns and their surrounding rural areas are strengthened. They help to create jobs for young people.