admin | June 19, 2025
In Kanyabayonga, a rural community in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, Paluku Mali is not your typical farmer. He is a journalist, a father of ten, and the director of Radio Communautaire AMANI. Every day, he uses his voice to serve his community in a region often affected by insecurity and humanitarian challenges.
But in 2022, it was his voice—through completing a survey from Farm Radio International (FRI) that brought him a surprising reward: a $50 Canadian prize.
Mr. Mali says, “When I received the email, I was skeptical. But with help from a friend in Goma, I was able to withdraw the money.”
Instead of spending the money right away, he made a strategic decision: he bought a goat.
He says, “At home, we call her the FRI goat. Even my children recognize her as such.”
Soon after, the goat gave birth to a kid and started producing milk. For several days, this milk nourished an orphaned baby goat, saving its life.
For Mr. Mali, this animal is much more than a simple investment. He explains: “I want her to be the beginning of a sustainable family livestock business. She can help me pay for the children’s school fees, cover our healthcare, provide manure for the fields, meat for weddings, and support important family milestones.”
With gratitude, Mr. Mali concludes, “Giving a farmer a livestock animal is giving them a foundation to build their family economy. Thank you to FRI for this precious boost.”