group of women and aid workers

Budikadidi

Project Team

Budikadidi is a five-year (2016-2021) development program to promote self-sufficiency and improved nutrition in the isolated, under-developed Kasai Orientale Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).The Feinstein International Center is leading three studies under this program.

Harnessing Social Networks is the first study. Development agencies commonly conduct activities through self-selecting groups of community members, depending on existing social networks to form cohesive, collaborative groups. This study explores four different dynamics of group formation, how different sectors of the population benefit differently, and how to harness these dynamics to improve the reach and impact of development programs. Each dynamic is presented in a separate brief.

The second study, currently underway, is testing the whether a specially designed wall-hanging that allows parents to understand their children’s growth status will improve parents’ and communities’ understanding of stunting.

The topic of the third study is under discussion.

The program is funded by USAID/Food for Peace and is implemented by a Catholic Relief Services (CRS) led consortium of six national and international agencies, Caritas, National Cooperative Business Association –Cooperative League of the United States of America (NCBA-CLUSA), Network of Congolese Youth Associations (RACOJ), Women’s Development Network (REFED), and Tufts University, in collaboration with the government of the DRC.