Agricultural prospects are undermined again this year as insecurity keeps many from cultivating

The agricultural season has begun with cumulative rainfall through mid-April registering above last year and above the 30-year average. However, as displacement and security concerns keep many from their fields, agricultural production for the season is expected to be again below average in many areas, further limiting food availability for households and on markets.

According to OCHA estimates in May, more than 500,000 people remain displaced in the Central African Republic despite the relative calm that was experienced earlier in the year. As households deplete their own food stocks in advance of the next harvest, they are consuming less preferred foods or reducing their dietary intake. The most vulnerable households depend on sustained humanitarian assistance provision in order to maintain adequate food consumption.

Even with ongoing humanitarian assistance provision, food access will remain difficult in northwest, southwest, southeast, and central regions (Ouham, Ouham Pende, Nana Gribizi, Vakaga, Ouaka). Displaced households, returnees, and poor resident households in many instance remain unable to meet all of their basic food needs are in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) acute food insecurity through at least September 2017.