Central African Republic: How Land Empowers Refugee Women and Builds Resilient Livelihoods in the Central African Republic

Mar 3, 2026 | Stella Fatime in Birao
UNHCR
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At dawn, the communal field slowly comes to life in the Korsi neighbourhood of Birao in Vakaga, Central African Republic. Women arrive in small groups, hoes balanced on their shoulders, shovels and rakes in hand. They are members of “Ya Rahamane” (“Oh merciful one” in Sudanese Arabic), a community association led by Sudanese refugee women, born out of displacement but rooted in solidarity, resilience and determination. These women have transformed a simple plot of land made available to them into a driver of self-reliance and empowerment.

Among them is Abdorahim Adam Mariam, in her late thirties, a widow and mother of eleven children, known for her energy and commitment. Most of these women, including Mariam, were farmers before the crisis in Sudan. Forced to flee, they lost their land, their crops, and their role as providers within their households. Upon arrival in Korsi, many found themselves involuntarily dependent on humanitarian aid. “We used to feed others. Losing the ability to produce food for ourselves was the greatest loss of all,” says Mariam.