Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mansa (Agenzia Fides) - To improve livelihoods in the Mantapala refugee resettlement camp, Caritas Zambia, through the Diocese of Mansa, continues to carry out a project of sustainable agriculture, village recovery and income-generating activities (IGA).
The center, which is located in the Nchelenge district, welcomes refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (see Fides, 7/2/2018).
In a note sent to Agenzia Fides, Eugene N'gandu, responsible for Caritas Zambia's livelihood and climate change adaptation programs, states that these people were forced to leave their country due to civil unrest on the banks of Lake Mweru. N'gangu reveals that the project focuses on sustainable livelihoods and durable solutions for young refugees between the ages of 17 and 23. The head of Caritas also explains that the three-year project, which has already entered its second year, has three levels of intervention, which include sustainable agriculture, the rehabilitation of villages and IGA activities. So far 150 people have benefited. In addition, as part of the program there are awareness meetings on justice, peace and care for the environment to address the problems of conflicts and climate change. According to statistics, more than 5,000 refugees fled the violence in the DRC five years ago. In the Mantapala settlement, they dedicate themselves to agriculture together with 5,000 Zambians, scattered among 11 integrated villages. The camp was created in early 2018 to accommodate refugees fleeing both inter-ethnic clashes and fighting between Congolese security forces and militias in parts of southeastern DRC in 2017. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 11/7/2022)
