Iboungbi – Multisectoral local development project in north-eastern CAR

The Vakaga and Bamingui-Bangoran prefectures lie along the border with Chad and Sudan. State services gradually withdrew from the north-east as a result of the conflicts and the succession of crises (armed conflicts, food crises and degradation of natural resources). However, the security situation has calmed in recent years, allowing some of the administrative authorities (prefects and sub-prefects), as well as some decentralised services and state agencies, to return to Bamingui-Bangoran and Vakaga, although the cruel lack of resources and infrastructure required by these authorities and the various service managers makes it difficult for them to deploy and settle in. The effective presence of the State in this region and all basic social services are therefore still being impacted by the effects of the crisis. In fact, this is a region where opportunities for developing agricultural and non-agricultural income-generating activities are limited and access to water, hygiene and sanitation services is fragile.

Triangle Génération Humanitaire and Première Urgence Internationale have joined forces for a 4-year consortium project. The consortium covers two prefectures in north-eastern CAR: Vakaga and Bamingui-Bangoran. The overall objective of the project is to improve the socio-economic situation of vulnerable populations in the North East by facilitating and strengthening their access to basic services, sustainable natural resources and renewed economic opportunities through the strengthening of state structures and community dynamics, based on participatory local development plans.

Triangle Génération Humanitaire is active in the Vakaga prefecture, while Première Urgence Internationale is active in the Bamingui Bangoran prefecture. Various activities are being developed, such as lobbying the authorities and supporting public and para-statal players in setting up and strengthening basic services. PUI and TGH are also responsible for improving and strengthening health infrastructures, access to water and waste management. In the field of education, the NGOs are encouraging the creation of protective school environments and offering an accelerated education programme for out-of-school children. They also contribute to the creation of vocational training and literacy programmes for young people with no professional qualifications. NGOs are also working to improve access to production resources and markets for agro-pastoral products.

In addition, in Bamingui-Bangoran, PUI is setting up alternative economic activities around the Bamingui park. In both prefectures, support is provided for animal health, and TGH and PUI are helping to revitalise the prefectural action committee to monitor local development plans. The organisations are also supporting the production and marketing of agricultural produce, and helping to structure and operationalise existing groups and sales cooperatives. In Vakaga, TGH is encouraging the creation and revitalisation of businesses.