Food inflation continues to limit poor households' access to food

The security situation in CAR continues to deteriorate in the eastern, central, and northwestern sectors, specifically in the prefectures of Ouham-Pende, Basse-Kotto, and Ouaka, where armed clashes affect the civilian population and disrupt income-generating activities and livelihood strategies. As of June 30, 2022, the total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in CAR is estimated at 610,265 individuals, consisting of 153,975 people in sites and 456,290 people in host families. This represents an overall increase of 8,131 IDPs (1.4%) compared to May 2022 (CMP, June 2022). These population movements are occurring in areas affected by incidents related to transhumance, intrusions and abuses by armed men against the civilian population, and flooding and heavy rains in the Ouham and Mbomou prefectures.

Market supplies of basic foodstuffs are low to moderate, and flows remain disrupted, particularly in areas occupied by armed groups and where access is difficult due to the increasing threat of explosive devices, abuse, and harassment on the roads. In addition, the export restriction measures taken by Cameroon since April 2022 are further reducing supplies. Household demand is increasing during the lean season, but much more so due to the depletion of family stocks for own consumption.

With increased demand in the face of reduced availability, food prices remain high compared to the same period last year across the country. As of June 2022, the median PMAS cost stands at XAF 73,445, a 5 percent increase from May 2022. Recent fuel shortages, which further increase transportation costs, exacerbate the pressure on food availability and prices in the country. Thus, between May and June 2022, significant upward price movements were recorded, particularly for groundnuts (33 percent), cassava (+29 percent), and imported rice (25 percent) (REACH, June 2022).

Poor and very poor households and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the northern, southeastern, and central prefectures are currently facing Stress (IPC Phase 2) due to insecurity and food inflation. These food security outcomes could shift to Crisis (IPC Phase 3) during this lean season, which began early in April-May due to civil insecurity, early stock depletion, food inflation, and low-income levels until September 2022, when the first crops of the 2022/2023 agricultural season are available.