Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world. The majority of the population subsists on small farms using a small-scale agriculture model. Land-locked, it is rocked by persistent political and economic instability. Significant portions of the country remain outside state control and are ungoverned. The presence of multiple armed actors creates food insecurity and economic instability throughout large portions of the country. DMI’s missions enable self-sufficiency through education and support programs while alleviating poverty and food insecurity.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
DMI’s women’s empowerment programs are designed to alleviate poverty and hunger. Operating in Lobaye and Bangui, DMI organizes women’s self-help groups so that they can create and support one another in a savings and loan program to improve their household income through income generating activities. Women members are trained in business development to scale their small businesses. The groups also provide a platform where women can collectively solve community problems, and increase their civic engagement by encouraging participation in local government.

• Organize and Support Women’s Self-help Groups
• Financial advisement and education
• Business development training
• Facilitate Civic engagement

SUSTAINABLE FARMING
DMI’s food security program teaches smallholder farmers sustainable farming practices so that they can increase crop production. In addition to regular training workshops, DMI staff provide farming tools and seeds to farmers in an effort to eliminate hunger and starvation, and also provide the farmer with the opportunity to create a livelihood. 

• Agriculture education in sustainable farming
• Provide basics for farming including tools and seeds

​​ACCESS TO EDUCATION  
DMI believes that access to education is a fundamental right for all children. Village children and those displaced by war and natural disaster often miss out on school. DMI has designed pre-schools and community schools to provide basic education, providing children with the educational fundamentals so that they can continue their studies. They also offer a nutritious lunch to stave off hunger and malnutrition. After attending a community school program, children are mainstreamed into formal schooling. Adult heads of households and community members are instructed in the importance of education and how to safeguard that basic right.   

• Development of community schools
• Lunches provided to kids in school
• Promotion of formal education to the community

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND DISASTER RELIEF 
DMI responds with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in areas affected by conflict or natural disaster to save lives and alleviate suffering by providing food and medical care during and after a crisis. DMI also supports individuals with disabilities by procuring modern and durable equipment and aids to promote physical, social and psychological rehabilitation.

• Food and medical care provisions
• Care to individuals with disabilities