According to the IPC Acute Food Insecurity analysis update conducted in September 2018, 1.9 million people, corresponding to 40% of the population analyzed, are severely food insecure and in need of urgent action. Specifically, about 550,000 people, corresponding to 13% of the population analyzed, are facing Emergency food insecurity conditions (IPC Phase 4) and about 1,350,000 people, 31% of the population analyzed, are in Crisis (IPC Phase 3). 

Food insecurity is more severe in the areas affected by the conflict in central north and east of the country, where a large number of IDPs and host families live. About 30% of the population in IPC Phase 3 and IPC Phase 4 is located in ‘concentrations’, relatively safe zones within prefectures’ main towns, where IDPs are hosted in settlements and hosting families. 

Populations with acute food insecurity are mainly found in the Batangafo, Kaga Bandoro, Rafai Zone and prefectures of Ohuam Pende, Nana Gribizi, Ouaka and Haut Mbomou. Overall, there are 621,035 IDPs, 40% of which live in settlements and the rest in host families, representing a pressure on the livelihoods of the local host communities. In some prefectures, displaced populations represent a significant proportion of the total population: Haute Kotto (85%), Haut Mbomou (45%), Nana Gribizi (32%) and Ouaka (30%).

Armed conflict remains the major driver of food insecurity in the country, especially in certain prefectures (Nana Gribizi, Ouaka, Haute Kotto and Basse Kotto). In particular, host communities and IDPs have lost access to their livelihoods, resulting in large food gaps only marginally mitigated by the humanitarian food assistance provided during the lean season in some prefectures. In addition, the poor state of the roads and the high food prices in some markets futher reduce the physical and financial access of households to food. Access to agricultural inputs and tools also remains a concern for households. 

Humanitarian assistance has been critical to prevent further deterioration in most concentrations; however, the assistance provided is largely insufficient due to inadequate funding, poor humanitarian access and very difficult road conditions. Urgent action is required to scale up humanitarian assistance. Similarly, considering the increased returns in some localities, these populations as well as those that are food insecure will require continued support to rebuild their homes, fields and assets.

Lack of data on nutrition, mortality and food security situation at granular level in some areas has limited this analysis. In order to provide a post harvest update of the food and nutrition security situation, increased funding to undertake assessments is needed.