The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have begun providing seeds, hand tools and food to nearly 50,000 hungry farming families for this planting season in the most food-insecure areas of the Central African Republic (CAR). It coincides with the height of the lean season when household food stocks are typically lowest.

Under the ‘seeds protection' initiative, FAO provides crop and vegetable seeds, while WFP provides groundnuts, maize, rice, sorghum, and beans to the same families.

"Helping families rebuild food production is an important part of the recovery in this country, as it creates a source of food and income and can help bring stability to communities," said FAO country representative Jean-Alexandre Scaglia. "That's why it's critical we make sure families don't cope with the current scarcity by eating their seeds meant for planting."

For the full story, visit the FAO website. 

Photo credit: FAO