14-07-2025 | di COOPI

CAR. Emergency food security with AICS

In August 2024, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale relaunched the “Emergency food security project for the resilience of the most vulnerable populations in the Bozoum and Paoua sub-prefectures”, with funding from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The initiative aims to enhance local production capacity and promote healthy nutritional practices, while supporting family self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship. It builds on previous projects led by COOPI in the Central African Republic with backing from the Italian Cooperation and other international donors.

The country continues to face a protracted humanitarian crisis, fueled by ongoing armed conflict and large-scale displacement. As of 2024, 46% of the population is living in severe vulnerability. Local communities are struggling with worsening food insecurity, crumbling infrastructure, and a lack of basic services such as education and healthcare. Women and young people are especially affected by economic hardship, limited opportunities, and a lack of social support, all worsened by the instability.

The project seeks to strengthen agricultural and livestock production at the household level by providing training on sustainable farming methods and natural resource management. It also includes the distribution of production kits tailored to local needs—such as improved seeds and farming tools. Special focus is placed on empowering women and youth through hands-on training in rural entrepreneurship, income-generating activities, and labor-intensive public works (known as THIMO). Awareness-raising campaigns and targeted support programs aim to open up economic opportunities, improve living conditions, and boost resilience to future crises—all while promoting social inclusion and gender equality.

The project’s main beneficiaries include displaced families, vulnerable children, and women and girls who have survived violence. They are identified in collaboration with local NGOs, community leaders, and authorities, based on detailed needs assessments covering food, education, healthcare, and protection. Key risks include political instability, conflict-related violence, and natural disasters. COOPI responds with emergency humanitarian aid as well as long-term programs in education, health, and protection, with a strong focus on access to basic rights and local capacity-building for sustainable resilience.

One of the project’s beneficiaries, Awa, shares her experience:

After all the crises CAR has faced, I had lost everything. But thanks to this project, I’ve been able to generate income and take care of my children.”

Her story is just one example of how such initiatives can bring real, lasting change to vulnerable communities—providing not only immediate relief, but also the tools to rebuild their future.

COOPI –  Cooperazione Internazionale has been working in CAR since 1974, focusing on emergency and development projects in the areas of protection, emergency education, and food security.