Rural Development

CHALLENGE

Humanity is more and more migrating from the countryside to urban regions and overly-populated megacities. In poor countries, people hope to make a living in the big towns; however, they frequently end up in even greater poverty. This development is driven by lack of income opportunities, poor infrastructure and lack of access to a reliable, affordable and sustainable power supply in rural or landlocked areas.

STRATEGY

For those remaining behind, and to restrain the exodus, the Salvatorians and SOFIA are engaged in projects aimed at the enhancement of life in rural areas. Our strategy includes efforts for the provision of renewable energy as well as income-generating activities, so that people do not feel obliged to leave their place and look for work in cities.

FOCUS

Given the importance of electricity for hospitals (refrigerators for medicine, night-time emergency operations), education (homework after sunset), modern communication, and for income generation (setting up of small workshops when electricity is provided) SOFIA in cooperation with Salvatorians is planning and implementing developmental projects of this kind.

CURRENT PROJECTS

DR Congo

ELKAP (Electricity for Kapanga)

With the Governor of Lubumbashi (DRCongo) and the European Commission as partners, SOFIA funded and realized a near impossible endeavor: to provide landlocked Kapanga with electricity. The first stage of the project consisted of a dam and the installation of a turbine, as well as the construction of a distribution grid. Essential parts of the installation could only be assembled by hand because the rugged terrain made it impossible for any fully-constructed engine to be transported there. The second section of the project is to create a long-term organizational structure.

A nonprofit entity was created to manage the operation. People were hired and trained for maintenance, the sale of the electricity, and accounting. Awareness-building helped the population appreciate the possibilities created by the project; the two hospitals and the schools in the area were among the first to be connected. Many small businesses sprang up. Communication improved when the Vodafone antenna was connected to ELKAP’s grid.

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Brazil

Coelho Neto agricultural cooperative

When 40 poor families in the state of Maranhão (Brazil) were able for the first time to acquire land, they formed an agricultural cooperative. SOFIA supported their initiative with educational workshops that helped them enhance their agricultural skills. A tractor was provided, fish ponds created, a goat farm fenced, vegetable gardens planted. The project has made a substantial contribution not only to family income but also to the health of many people, providing a diverse and nutritional range of food products.

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