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Peanut farmers - 4th March 2022

Peanut farming is very important to people in Paoua in the Central African Republic. Life is very hard for the farmers there. They haven't got enough money for food.

In 2013, there was a war in the CAR. Groups are still fighting in Paoua. This is a problem for peanut farmers.

There are thieves along the roads to markets. Sometimes, they steal from the peanut farmers.

Jean-Paul Ndopaye says that life is dangerous for farmers.

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."

Sometimes, farmers can't get to the market. So, they sell their peanuts at very low prices.

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 CAR is a very poor country. The World Food Programme says that there isn’t enough food in Paoua. It’s an emergency. People there are dying. They have no food.

It is dangerous to take the peanuts to the big markets. The farmers are making peanut oil and paste instead. But it is hard work without the correct equipment. Women make peanut oil and paste by hand.

Moussa Issoufou says it's important to help the peanut business. It gives food and work.

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 good for Paoua. But the people there need food.