In the Central African Republic (CAR), a quiet revolution is taking place within the agricultural sector, driven by cooperative groups that are transforming farming from rudimentary practices into more productive and sustainable ventures.
Fifteen cooperatives currently serve 870 members, demonstrating how collective effort and targeted support can breed entrepreneurship and uplift communities, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic development.
Mechanization: A Game Changer for Farmers
One of the most significant shifts among these cooperatives has been the move from traditional manual farming to mechanized agriculture. Didier Lotromo, President of the Mossoro ti Waka cooperative in Mboko, emphasizes the impact of this transition.
He states, “It’s changed our lives,” highlighting how access to machinery has broken barriers that once limited productivity.
Similarly, Lucienne, a cooperative member from Pissa, shares her experience: “We went from hand to machine. With tractors we can do more in less time and with less fatigue.”
These testimonials underscore how mechanization, supported by external programs, is empowering farmers to increase yields and improve their living standards.
From Support to Self-Sufficiency
The Programme d’Appui à la Promotion de l’Entrepreneuriat en Milieu Urbain et Rural (PAPEUR-Rural), funded by the European Union, has played a crucial role in this transformation. After four years of assistance, cooperatives are now taking meaningful steps toward self-sufficiency.
Even during a temporary suspension of the program last season, cooperatives pooled savings accumulated from previous harvests to fund their own ploughing efforts. Their resilience paid off, with the cooperatives cultivating a total of 316 hectares.
Igor Ngaisse, of the Nouvel Elan cooperative in Kpabé, explains, “From four hectares ploughed in 2019 before PAPEUR-Rural, this year we reached 110 in a season managed entirely with our own funds.” This growth exemplifies how external support can set the foundation for independent success.
Rising Production and Recognition
The progress of cooperatives has not gone unnoticed. The Bossembele seed cooperative, led by Christine Mbiti, increased its output sixfold in 2022, its first year working with PAPEUR-Rural, and now produces enough to meet rising demand.
“With the equipment from the programme, we’ve been able to save enough money to become more autonomous,” Mbiti notes.
The cooperative’s reputation continues to grow, with international buyers already placing orders before harvest, and their participation at seed fairs in Bangui has further cemented their standing.
Athanase Bongomon, President of the Boukoko seed cooperative, adds: “Today we master techniques for producing quality maize seeds. Our cooperative was highlighted as an example at the Mbaïki fair. It is a source of pride.”
Transforming Lives on a Personal Level
Beyond collective achievements, individual entrepreneurs are also benefiting. Florence, a single mother from Kpabé, illustrates this well. Her expanded farm from a small plot to a full hectare has resulted in her increasing seed sales from eight to nearly 70 sacks annually.
The income has allowed her to open a small shop, diversifying her earnings and securing her children’s future. Her story exemplifies how agricultural entrepreneurship can lift families out of poverty and foster sustainable livelihoods.
A Path Toward Economic Growth
The success stories emerging from these cooperatives demonstrate that with the right tools, training and financial support, farmers can evolve into entrepreneurs capable of transforming the country’s economy.
By introducing mechanization and building local capacities, PAPEUR-Rural has provided a clear roadmap for sustainable growth.
The program’s emphasis on empowering cooperatives to operate independently ensures that progress will continue beyond its duration, fostering a resilient agricultural sector that can contribute significantly to national development.
The cooperatives in the Central African Republic are not only farming groups. They are breeding grounds for entrepreneurs who, with support, are transforming agriculture and economic prospects across the country.
These initiatives highlight the profound impact that collective effort, innovation and targeted aid can have in unlocking the country’s agricultural potential and paving the way for a more prosperous future.
