Central African Republic: in Paoua, insecurity threatens the development of the peanut sector [4/5]
Audio 02:25
peanut cultivation represents hope for Central African farmers.
(Illustrative image) © Getty Images / EyeEm - Christina Taylor
By: Carol Valade Follow
2 min
Until 30 years ago, Paoua was a prosperous small town in the northwest of the Central African Republic, living from the highly profitable cotton cultivation.
But the succession of political and security crises has reduced the industry to nothing.
Today, peanut cultivation represents hope for farmers.
But in the region, insecurity and incessant fighting between rebel groups and pro-government forces endanger the development of the sector.
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From our correspondent in Bangui,
The peanuts rise a few centimeters above the basin. When they fall, the shock separates the seeds from their pods. The technique is artisanal, but after a few hours, Celestine closes a 40 kilogram bag: “
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.
"
Direction the storage warehouse where nearly 200 bags are already piled up. Jean-Paul supervises the unloading: “
What prevents us from developing groundnuts in Paoua is insecurity. When we want to transport our products to Bangui or Berbereti, we are faced with the threat of road cutters. This means that we are forced to sell to small traders in Paoua. In Bangui, three bags sell for 40,000
, here in Paoua, it's 27,000
.
"
At the Paoua market, peanuts are sold at retail.
But here again, the activity is not without risk.
“
One day on the road, I was struck,
testifies Clémentine, a retailer
.
I was asked for money, what they call "the formality".
As I had no money, I wanted to negotiate and there directly, they beat me up.
They even shot me in the legs!
Fortunately, the bullet did not hit me.
I got out safe and sound.
But since then, I have high blood pressure.
So I no longer use this road since this incident.
"
►
To listen: Central African Republic: the economy of Ouham-Pendé suffers from the closure of borders [1/5]
Regroup
Profit: 500 CFA francs per half basin.
For Marie, president of the Federation of Rural Actors, there is only one solution: to come together so as not to be left alone in the face of security risks.
“
I set an example from here,
” she explains.
If we add up all the groups of farmers, we produced eighteen tonnes.
And we were able to obtain a contract with the FAO
[World Food Program, Editor's note].
"
A truck decides to try the adventure.
On his roof, a few young men, their faces protected by a scarf.
The inhabitants of Paoua come out on their steps and raise a little dust in their direction to wish them good luck.
►
To listen:
♦
Central African Republic: high-risk transhumance, the breeders caught in a stranglehold [2/5]
♦
Central African Republic: high risk transhumance, endangered social cohesion [3/5]
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Central African Republic
Agriculture and Fishing
Economy Africa