Agriculture is key to achieving lasting peace in Central African Republic

Director-General assures President Touadera of FAO's support

Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera and FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva (Photo: @FAO/Giulio Napolitano)

18 April 2016, Rome - FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva today met Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera for talks that focused on rebuilding the country's agriculture sector and making it an engine for peace and sustainable development.

In particular, they discussed ways in which to tap into the Central African Republic's considerable agricultural potential and how to support family farmers and small holders to improve food security and nutrition and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Years of conflict and political instability have hampered agricultural activities on which nearly 75 percent of the country's population rely for food and income. Some 1.3 million people in the Central African Republic are severely food insecure.