Agropastoral Project in Berberati, The Republic of Central Africa

The second year of activities for the project “Development of Agriculture and Livestock Farming in Support of the Sara Mbi Ga Zo Agropastoral Training Center—Berberati, Central African Republic” has come to a close. The project is supported by the Thouret Foundation with a contribution from the Committee for Charitable Interventions for the Development of Peoples. With over 150 hectares of arable land and inexhaustible water sources, the Wotoro agro-pastoral center has significant potential for carrying out activities related to agriculture and livestock farming. Located on the outskirts of the city of Berberati, the center is less than thirty minutes from the city, which is a major advantage. The existing infrastructure represents a significant asset that has enabled the implementation of these activities, In this case, it was used to house guests and to conduct training activities. As planned for the second year, the project focused on the training and support of twenty (20) vulnerable children in conflict with the law. In addition to conventional care, psychological support was at the center of the activities carried out throughout 2025. The children also received close medical monitoring. Regular follow-up treatments and monthly check-ups were conducted on-site at the center.

All cases that cannot be treated at the center are automatically transferred to Berberati University Hospital for additional treatment. The young people are helped to learn how to take care of themselves and maintain personal hygiene, as well as how to care for their own living spaces and common areas. This is also a form of therapy that enables them to take greater responsibility for themselves and their surroundings. Of course, play is an essential part of the program. By popular demand, the young people have devoted plenty of time to their favorite sport – soccer. This has provided an opportunity for fun, but it has also allowed social psychologists to gain deeper insights into the young people’s lives, enabling them to monitor the participants and identify any emotional issues that need to be addressed. In fact, psychologists play a major role in the group’s educational and therapeutic activities. Thanks to them, various types of trauma have been identified and treated. In particular, cases of psychoactive substance use, numerous flashbacks, some suicidal behaviors, and numerous post-traumatic stress disorders were identified.

Agricultural production has been expanded to include the following crops: eight hectares of corn, four hectares of peanuts, and six hectares of cassava. The goat herd now consists of 40 goats and maintenance and restoration of the pigsty and chicken coop are continuing. Changes were made because the funds allocated for the first year’s activities could not be used to complete the work. Fish farming has been implemented. Due to the high rainfall in the southwestern forest area where the center is located, the fish ponds have partially deteriorated following numerous torrential rains. However, a significant quantity of tilapia and catfish has still been produced.