Emergency Food Security in Central African Republic - FAO 2014

March 2014 – Since December 2012 all 4.6 million people living in the Central African Republic (CAR) have been affected by ongoing conflict and insecurity. Over the past year fighting between armed groups and increasing vigilante violence have taken an immense toll on civilians and escalated humanitarian needs. Agricultural production has been disrupted and essential basic services such as schools and medical facilities have been shut down or destroyed in the fighting. There are widespread and increasing reports of looting extortion arbitrary arrests torture summary executions sexual violence and recruitment of children by roving bands of armed groups across the country. With the support of DFATD and other donors the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is improving the food security - access to sufficient safe and nutritious food of vulnerable people in the country. Activities include: (1) providing 6 000 vulnerable households with improved seeds and tools for cultivation; (2) providing training on improved agricultural practices to these households and tracking their progress; (3) providing equipment or supplies for income-generating activities to 1 200 vulnerable households; and (4) providing training on improving saving practices and nutritional knowledge to these households and tracking their progress.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access for vulnerable populations to adequate quantities of food; and (2) increased access to interventions designed to promote greater self-sufficiency and reduce negative coping mechanisms. The expected intermediate outcome is reduced vulnerability of crisis-affected people especially women and children.