National supply of imported food are still weak, keeping prices high

While the second round of parliamentary elections went smoothly, the national armed forces and their allies continue their offensive against rebel groups. The rebel groups have abandoned large cities but still remain active in villages, on roadways, and have increased looting and kidnapping. This is preventing the normal resumption of agricultural activities and limiting transport on certain food supply routes to the country. In addition to the disruption of markets, the destruction of granaries in the prefectures, which usually provide seeds, may reduce the local supply of seeds for the coming season.

Despite security escorts, the flow of goods remains below average as dispersed rebel groups still pose a threat, which does not encourage transporters to use the roads. The supply of imported food products remains below average and does not meet demand, especially in urban centers. As a result, prices for imported rice and oil each remain over 30 percent higher than last year; however, as compared to the previous month, the prices of local products are generally stable or down slightly. In the capital, in particular, improved supplies have led to a fall in prices of 25 percent for rice and maize and 17 percent for cassava.

Local harvests in November and December are the main source of household food in the southern prefectures. However, in prefectures with a high presence of internally displaced people, populations who regularly flee threats by hiding in the bush, there is greater recourse to gathering and hunting products and dependence on markets and assistance. In the prefectures of Nana-Gribizi and Mbomou, the food assistance planned for March will drive Stressed! (IPC Phase 2!). In other prefectures, assistance coverage is low, and food access for poor households is deteriorating due to the increase in the cost of the food basket on average. These households remain exposed to Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes.