Zakat Foundation of America’s Egg Initiative Is Fighting Malnutrition in the Central African Republic

February 25, 2025

Many parts of Africa have faced an ongoing challenge with food insecurity which has been exacerbating widespread malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable children. In the Central African Republic (CAR), where poverty, conflict, and economic instability have strained the population, malnutrition rates are alarmingly high. According to reports from UNICEF, WFP, and the FAO, the country faces severe nutritional deficiencies, impacting thousands of children and families.

Zakat Foundation of America is addressing this urgent issue through its innovative Livelihoods Program, designed to combat poverty and in turn, malnutrition, while creating sustainable solutions for affected communities. One groundbreaking intervention focuses on the distribution of laying hens to families with malnourished children at the Bangui Pediatric Complex. In partnership with the NGO COOIAP, Zakat Foundation of America aims to provide a steady supply of protein-rich eggs, offering a long-term nutritional solution for families in need.

Currently, egg consumption in CAR is low, with just 15 eggs per person per year. This is a stark contrast to the global average of 160 eggs annually. With this program, Zakat Foundation of America is helping break the cycle of malnutrition by providing families with a sustainable source of food that can be used for the nourishment of malnourished children. Through the distribution of laying hens, families gain access to regular, fresh eggs, helping prevent relapses and improving long-term health.

For immediate support, 1,436 malnourished children and their caregivers benefited from the distribution of 7,640 eggs, provided them with essential nutrients and reduced the risk of malnutrition. Additionally, 271 caregivers will be trained in poultry farming, equipping them with the skills to support their families' nutritional needs and improve their livelihoods.

The long-term impact of this initiative will extend beyond immediate nutritional support. Zakat Foundation of America and its partners plan to establish a breeding unit with 2,500 to 3,000 hens, ensuring consistent egg production and distribution across multiple locations, including

those outside of Bangui. This initiative will also create employment opportunities for young people in the area, fostering community resilience and self-sufficiency.

The Livelihood Program represents a powerful, community-based solution to food insecurity, providing not just relief but the tools necessary to create lasting change. By addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of malnourished children and their families, Zakat Foundation of America is helping empower communities in the Central African Republic to break free from the cycle of hunger and poverty.