The association GROUPE D’EXPLOITATION AGRO SOCIALE COMMUNAUTAIRE, abbreviated to GESAC, is best translated as ‘group for social and cooperative agricultural development’. GESAC is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization founded in 2015 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Switzerland. GESACs main objective is to help the vulnerable and poor population become self-sufficient in order to combat poverty and improve living standards. The vast majority of the population in the Democratic Republic of Congo is poor and a significant proportion suffers from malnutrition. Despite its enormous potential for agricultural self-sufficiency the country is dependent on food imports. The association aims at a sustainable smallholder agricultural development of the Congo via charitable projects. The objective is the development of small farming enterprises. With the reshaping of the Congolese agriculture, food security is promoted and poverty is reduced. The association also supports locals in the creation and implementation of sustainable (small) businesses outside of agriculture. The aim of all measures is the fight against poverty and the creation of jobs by the gradual build-up of profitable small businesses and the provision of necessary infrastructure for the population. Entrepreneurial thinking should be promoted. Mandatory for all projects is sustainability, environmental protection and ethical conduct.
