In the Central African Republic, women are amongst the most vulnerable in crisis situation. ACTED teams are working to respond to their needs and to support them as they play a key role in developing their communities.
To celebrate the International Women’s Day, we are sharing some testimonies of Central African women mobilized and engaged for food security.
The Central African Republic, critically affected by food insecurity
Since 2013, the Central African Republic has undergone a major political and humanitarian crisis. The security situation is now stabilized in the sub-prefecture of Bossangoa, in the North-West of the country. Nonetheless, the proportion of people suffering from food insecurity remains alarming and the region of Ouham, of which Bossangoa is the district-headquarter, is one of the most affected in the country. ACTED teams support populations by empowering them and developing their resilience. As part of a project developed by the FAO, ACTED is supporting food insecure households and agriculture actors so they can replenish their productive assets.
Improved agricultural techniques to tackle food insecurity
Catherine, a 60 years-old woman from Boy Coton, in the sub-prefecture of Bossangoa, is part of the local farmer group called “Don’t turn your back”, supported by ACTED. Since October 2015, she is practicing improved agricultural techniques on a plot she shares with other local farmers. Thanks to this method improving exchanges and observation, Catherine learned how to seed in line, a technique that she is now using on her own lands and that is increasing the productivity. “Thanks to this training, I will be able to diversify my family’s diet. The extra money will help me send my children to school”, she explains.
Thanks to a responsible micro-loan she got to buy seeds and tools, Denise, also a member of the local farmer group, was able to develop the trade of her agricultural production. She uses additional income to support her family of 11 people and to pay the treatment of her two parents she is taking care of.
This project implemented in Bossangoa underlines the fundamental role of Central African women in the improving of households’ life conditions, in the agricultural revitalization and the strengthening of local social cohesion.
“Together, we can”, concludes Monique, a regular participant of the sensitization sessions and participative workshops organized to facilitate interactions and peaceful cohabitation between agricultural farmers and livestock farmers, that is essential for the good conduct of activities ensuring food security of the area’s communities.