Why is agriculture the largest sector of the Central African Republic’s economy?

Agriculture serves as the foundation of the Central African Republic’s economy primarily because it employs nearly four-fifths of the workforce and contributes half of the country’s gross domestic product.1

The country’s reliance on this sector is supported by its geography; the nation is situated on a fertile plateau with abundant water resources, providing significant agricultural potential. Most citizens depend on farming for their livelihoods, with women largely responsible for cultivating essential food crops such as cassava, corn, millet, sorghum, rice, squashes, and peanuts.23

While the economy also benefits from timber and diamond exports, the government has actively encouraged agricultural diversification and the production of cash crops like cotton and coffee to strengthen the nation's financial standing. Despite these efforts, the economy remains vulnerable due to its heavy reliance on international commodities markets and price fluctuations.312