CAR peanut production brings hope

The town of Paoua, in the Central African Republic, depends a lot on peanut farming. For many farmers, daily life is difficult. They can't get food for their families.

There was a war in the CAR, in 2013, which has left the country divided. Paoua is one of these divided towns, which is surrounded by fighting.

Peanut farmers have to escape conflict and thieves on their way to the markets.

Jean-Paul Ndopaye, a peanut store manager, talks about these problems.

Jean-Paul Ndopaye: "What is preventing us from developing further peanut farming in Paoua is insecurity. When we want to send our goods to Bangui, to Berberati or even to Bouar, we might run into road bandits."

When farmers can't get to the markets, they have to sell the peanuts very cheaply. Sometimes, they sell for 33 percent lower than at the market. Célestine Inforo is a farmer.

Célestine Inforo: "This year, with the insecurity, there have been too many threats and thefts. We had to sell the production very quickly and at low prices. Now, there is a shortage of seeds to replant."

The Central African Republic isn't a rich country and there's also a lack of food. The World Food Programme says that Paoua hasn't got enough food and it's an emergency. Now, there are deaths from malnutrition.

Instead of carrying peanuts on the dangerous routes, some farmers are making peanut oil and pastes. But it is hard work for the women who have to do it by hand.

Moussa Issoufou thinks it is important to support peanut farming because it provides work and food for the people.

Moussa Issoufou: "The transformation is still at an artisanal stage. We really must try to support the chain and the sector to develop this transformation, and try to create outlets for the flow problems, and create value in the chain of the peanut sector at the level of Paoua which constitutes a large pool of peanut production in the Central African Republic."

Peanut farming is a positive thing in the CAR. But more effort is needed to stop malnutrition.

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