Central African Republic

We focus on the nutritional resilience of households with pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under the age of two, who are at the highest risk for malnutrition. The 1,000-day period between conception and the child’s second birthday is crucial to their development and remains our focus in a country that has some of the highest rates of both maternal and child mortality. We work with mothers and mothers-to-be by building their capacity to maintain a diverse diet and observe good hygiene practices.

To address CAR’s dire needs in terms of access to food, as well as the quality, quantity, and proper use thereof, we combine a wide range of integrated activities as part of a holistic food systems approach. This can include supporting local farmers’ groups with seeds, tools, and training, as well as direct food distributions. We also provide support for income-generating activities via kits and trainings, as well as with the development of community savings and loans associations. The rehabilitation of facilities such as roads or markets and sensitization on food behavioural changes are also essential as part of our approach.

Concern CAR has designed a Gender Strategy tackling gender imbalance and discriminations in Concern’s systems and programming. Regarding the activities, some projects currently implemented contain a social cohesion, reduction of risks and gender-sensitive prong. For example, as part of a consortium, funded by the European Union, we will provide support to survivors of GBV with dignity and emergency PeP kits and literacy courses. In parallel, we facilitate the creation or revival of Local Reconciliation and Peace Committees, with training in good governance or peaceful mediation. Similar initiatives called Social Cohesion Community Committees also exist under an Irish Aid-funded project.