Climate Fragility and Peacebuilding
Snapshot: Population ~5.7 million | GDP per capita ~US$480 | Fragility context: Fragile and conflict-
affected | Region: Central Africa
Integrated Context
The Central African Republic is dealing with a difficult mix of insecurity, weak public institutions, and growing environmental pressure. For most people, especially in rural areas, daily life depends on small-scale farming and access to forests. This makes communities particularly exposed to changing rainfall patterns, declining soil quality, and recurring climate shocks. In recent years, rainfall has become less predictable, with periods of flooding and drought affecting agricultural production and food availability. These pressures are not new, but they are becoming more frequent and harder for communities to manage. As a result, food insecurity and livelihood instability continue to deepen. At the same time, environmental governance remains limited. In many parts of the country, there is little oversight of how land and natural resources are used. This has led to unsustainable practices, including deforestation and poor land management. In this context, climate action cannot be separated from broader issues of governance and stability. Efforts to build resilience need to support local livelihoods, protect natural resources, and strengthen community-level systems for managing land and forests.
Key Climate and Environmental Challenges
• Ongoing deforestation and pressure on forest ecosystems
• Unpredictable rainfall and rising food insecurity
• Limited governance of land and natural resources
• Flood risks affecting riverine and low-lying communities
GCCED Engagement Priorities
• Supporting community-based forest management
• Promoting practical, climate-resilient farming approaches
• Raising awareness of climate risks and strengthening local planning
• Improving basic systems for environmental monitoring and data
Strategic Note
In the Central African Republic, climate resilience efforts are most effective when they are grounded in local realities. This means linking environmental work with peacebuilding, strengthening how communities manage their resources, and focusing on solutions that directly support livelihoods.
SDG Alignment: 2 • 13 • 15 • 16
Key Challenges:
- Deforestation and land degradation
- Poor natural resource regulation
- Flood-prone river systems
GCCED Priorities:
- Forest conservation and land-use planning
- Green livelihoods for peace
- Climate-governance training
