Ouham Valley Development Project: Advancing Agribusiness

Bangui, December 12, 2025 – As part of the National Development Plan, the Central African Republic has launched a major initiative to modernize agriculture and strengthen food security in one of the country’s most fertile regions: the Ouham Valley. This flagship project marks a decisive step toward transforming traditional farming systems, improving rural incomes, and building a more resilient, productive agricultural economy.

Project Overview

Backed by an investment of USD 30 million, the Ouham Valley Development Project is one of the government’s most significant undertakings in irrigated agriculture. Implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, it will develop 474 hectares of farmland, supported by modern pumping stations at Bossangoa and Ouham Bac. Construction is expected to begin in 2028, with completion targeted for 2030.

Objectives

The overarching objective of the project is to significantly expand agricultural production in the Ouham Valley by creating reliable, year-round irrigation and improving the productivity of key value chains. This involves ensuring food security through increased production volumes and stabilized yields, stimulating regional economic development by strengthening cooperatives and market-oriented farming, and reducing rural poverty through higher farm incomes and diversified livelihood opportunities. By promoting modern irrigation and integrated farming, the project aims to shift agricultural production from subsistence to commercial scale.

Expected Results and Impact

Once completed, the Ouham Valley Development Project is expected to reshape the agricultural landscape of the region. The development of several hundred hectares of irrigated land will enable up to four annual cropping cycles, supporting a rich mix of cereals, crops, and high-value vegetables. Complementary investments will expand livestock production via oxen and dairy cows, while the construction of fish ponds will strengthen aquaculture activities.

These improvements are projected to raise rice yields by an impressive 436%, with farm incomes increasing dramatically – gross margins are expected to multiply by 38, creating a substantial economic uplift for rural households. Training and equipment support for producer organizations, along with new storage, drying, and market infrastructure, will further enhance productivity and reduce losses. Together, these outcomes will directly benefit thousands of farmers in the region.

Major Benefits

The project’s benefits extend far beyond improved irrigation. By strengthening agricultural systems, the initiative will reinforce food security for entire communities while offering new economic opportunities, particularly for women, whose workload will decrease thanks to mechanization and improved access to water. Enhanced market access and post-harvest infrastructure will reduce losses and increase profitability, while diversified agricultural activities will build resilience against climate and market shocks.

Strategic Outlook

More than a mere agricultural investment, the Ouham Valley Development Project represents a cornerstone of the country’s strategy to build a modern, productive, and inclusive rural economy. The initiative demonstrates the transformative potential of targeted development to unlock the CAR’s vast agricultural potential and create sustainable opportunities for its people.