Approximately 2.7 million people, almost half of the Central African Republic’s population (44%), are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, classified in Crisis and Emergency (IPC Phase 3 and 4) between September 2022 to March 2023, driven by the severe flooding and some dry spells, conflict, causing insecurity. Overall, 2 million people are in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and 642,000 in Emergency (IPC Phase 4).

In the projected period of April to August 2023, which coincides with the lean season, 3 million (49% of the population analysed) are likely to be in Crisis and Emergency (IPC Phase 3 and 4), including 807,000 in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and 2.2 million in Crisis (IPC Phase 3).

The severity of the food insecurity will be mainly due to the projected increase in imported and local food prices due to increased transport and petroleum costs, and low access to plant protection products and other chemicals needed for agricultural activities. This will result in limited household access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food. The most affected counties that will likely be classified in IPC Phase 3 and 4 (Crisis and Emergency) include Alindao, Kembé, Mingala, Mobaye, Satéma, Zangba (Basse-Kotto); Bambouti, Djéma, Obo, Zémio (Haut-Mbomou); Ouadda, Yalinga (Basse-Kotto); Bakouma, Gambo, Ouango (Mbomou); Kaga-Bandoro, Mbrès (Nana-Gribizi); Bogangolo (Ombella-M’poko); Bakala, Grimari, Ippy, Kouango (Ouaka); Bouca, Kabo, Markounda, Nana-Bakassa, Nana-Boguila (Ouham); Bocaranga, Koui, Ngaoundaye (Ouham-Pende); and Birao, Ouanda-Djallé (Vakaga).

The most highly food insecure people (IPC Phase 3 or above) in the projected period are mainly those affected by violence who are displaced across the country. In addition, those most affected are poor households in urban and peri-urban areas whose access to food is limited due to low purchasing

Provide humanitarian assistance and protection programmes: Urgent action is need to save lives, reduce food gaps and protect livelihood of the households classified in Crisis and Emergency (IPC Phase 3 and 4) situations including displaced people, returnees and host families as well as people with specific needs (poor and very poor households, elderly people and people with chronic illnesses).

Provide livelihood support: Implement urgent protection and actions targeted by sub-prefecture to facilitate access to income, agricultural inputs (market gardening), livestock rearing and the creation of community assets, particularly for households in Crisis and Emergency situations. Improve the synergy of action between state institutions and technical and financial partners for a better impact of livelihoods and social protection actions.

Improve access to safe water and adequate sanitation: Improve access to water, sanitation and hygiene services for people in areas with poor coverage and restricted access through the construction of new or the rehabilitation of existing water points, the strengthening of community structures for managing water points and the promotion of hygiene and sanitation.

Support agricultural production: Promote access for small-scale producers to improved seeds and strains resistant to diseases and pests, and adapted agricultural tools and strengthen their capacities in terms of agricultural techniques.