Central African Republic

The Central African Republic (CAR) is, as its name suggests, a continental country located in the heart of Africa. The country's history is punctuated by recurrent conflicts, fueled by rebel groups trying to control access to the country's natural resources (diamonds, gold, cattle and wood). The state is only able to effectively control a portion of the country's territory, while the rest remains under the control of rival armed factions. Socio-political instability, weak state institutions, and the landlocked and fragmented nature of the country hamper agricultural production. However, the country is making progress in the area of community forestry.