08-10-2025 | di COOPI

CAR. Food security and resilience in the communities of Bozoum and Paoua

Between August 2024 and October 2025, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale implemented an emergency food security project aimed at strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable populations in the sub-prefectures of Bozoum and Paoua, in the north-west of the Central African Republic, thanks to the funding from the Italian Cooperation.

In a context marked by widespread insecurity, economic fragility and recurring crises, the intervention made a tangible contribution to improving the living conditions of more than 1,000 people, supporting the recovery of livelihoods and access to food through an integrated and strongly participatory approach.

Strengthening households’ productive autonomy

The project focused on revitalising agricultural, livestock and self-employment activities as a key lever to address food insecurity. Overall, 75 community groups and 1,040 beneficiaries were supported, with particular attention to women, young people and individuals in vulnerable situations.

Through the distribution of agricultural and productive kits – for horticulture, subsistence farming, small ruminant breeding and fish farming – families and groups were able to restart or strengthen their productive activities. The kits, certified in collaboration with state technical services, ensured access to quality seeds, tools, livestock and inputs suited to local conditions, and were accompanied by practical training sessions.

Training, skills and good community governance

A key element of the intervention was the strengthening of technical and organisational capacities. A total of 700 beneficiaries took part in training on group management, production planning and transparency in resource management, while farmers, livestock keepers and fish farmers received training on sustainable practices and animal health prevention.

Particular emphasis was also placed on the training of women leaders, who were involved in pathways focused on nutrition, food processing and preservation, thereby strengthening the role of women in household and community food security.

Employment and infrastructure: the contribution of THIMO

To respond to high levels of youth unemployment, the project activated the Travaux à Haute Intensité de Main d’Œuvre (THIMO), engaging 940 young people—more than double the number initially planned. Through these activities, young people were able to earn temporary income while contributing to the development of their communities.

Thanks to the THIMO approach, key structural interventions were carried out:

• 26 fish ponds rehabilitated for 8 community groups;
• 58 livestock facilities constructed or rehabilitated;
• agricultural areas prepared and made productive, covering a total of 35 hectares for subsistence and horticultural crops.

These interventions have durably improved local productive capacities, laying solid foundations for future food security.

Results and outlook

Beneficiary families have improved their ability to produce food, generate income and face future crises with stronger tools. The project also fostered strong local ownership, thanks to the involvement of local authorities, technical services and community organisations.

The intervention is part of a broader pathway of COOPI’s continued presence in the region, contributing to strengthening the resilience of the communities of Bozoum and Paoua and to building concrete foundations for more stable and inclusive development.