Farmers working on their land
33 and 38, Kananga and Mbuji-Mayi
Alphonsine Ngalula and Felicien Lusamba
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In the rural village of Nkonko, Alphonsine Ngalula Kayembe balances farming and soap-making while raising five children with her husband. With support from a WFP-backed programme, she received training in improved farming techniques and soap production, helping the couple increase both harvests and income.
Her husband, Félicien, once struggled to earn enough as a welder. Now, they work together producing Moussa soap—Alphonsine leads on production while Félicien supports with measuring and cutting. The soap business has brought greater stability and allowed them to send their children to school.
For the couple, the business is more than income—it's a partnership. “When she works, it lightens the burden for both of us,” Félicien says. Their story shows how shared opportunities can transform family life and create a path to a better future.
“Before joining the programme, I struggled to manage my business and farming effectively. But with the training, I've learned better techniques, increased my production, and can now send all my children to school.”
Alphonsine
“Respect is mutual – when I respect her, she respects me. We're doing this for our children and for us.”
Felicien
“All my children are in school now. Before, I could only afford to send some of them, and it was difficult. Now, thanks to my work, I can pay for all of them to learn.”
