Transforming Agricultural Practices in Central African Republic: A Collaborative Vision of Sustainability at Carmel Farm
The Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTZ) at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) is at the forefront of promoting sustainable agricultural practices in developing regions. As part of a larger commitment to fostering ecological balance and food security, FTZ has partnered with the non-profit organisation SIRIRI to carry out an in-depth professional assessment of Carmel Farm in the Central African Republic. The farm, once an unproductive oil palm plantation, is being reimagined as a model for sustainable agroforestry. This transformation aims not only to rehabilitate the land but also to create a dynamic space for scientific research, student education, and community empowerment.
BRT Project Manager and PhD student Ing. Jan Staš was the author of the assessment which proposed solutions for transforming Carmel Farm.
“Our vision goes beyond simple land rehabilitation; we aim to develop an ecologically balanced agroforestry system that integrates local needs with sustainable farming practices. By doing so, we seek to enhance food security, protect local ecosystems, and offer a learning platform for students, researchers, and local communities alike.”
The current oil palm plantations, which have not been economically viable, will be integrated into a diversified system that includes a variety of crops and trees, creating an environment that supports both agriculture and biodiversity. This transformation is not only about improving the farm’s productivity, but also about educating the local population and future generations on sustainable farming practices.
An Integrated Learning and Research Hub
The transformation of Carmel Farm has the potential to be much more than just a farming project:
“I believe that the farm can serve as a living laboratory for students from various disciplines, particularly in tropical agriculture. The idea is to make it a site for hands-on learning and research, providing students at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels with real-world experiences in sustainable agriculture. Such experiences are invaluable in shaping the future leaders of global agricultural development.”
In collaboration with SIRIRI, BRT aims to create opportunities for local students to participate in scientific research and training, which will have a lasting impact on agricultural practices in the region. The farm’s transformation can also serve as a model for other research institutions and universities, both in Africa and globally. By providing a space for scientific experimentation and community learning, we can build bridges between academia, local farmers, and the broader agricultural industry.
Sustainable Agriculture as a Solution for Rural Development
At the core of this project is the goal to provide sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. Carmel Farm’s transformation is designed to engage local farmers, helping them shift from traditional practices to more ecologically and economically viable methods. By introducing sustainable agroforestry, we hope to create a model that is replicable across the region, demonstrating the potential for integrating food production with environmental conservation.
Through collaboration with local stakeholders, we can ensure that the transformation is not just theoretical but practically applicable to the region's specific challenges.
“I emphasise the importance of adapting agricultural systems to local conditions, considering not only the climate and soil but also the social and economic context. This approach will allow the project to be more resilient and effective in the long term.”
BRT’s Long-Term Commitment to Innovation
The Carmel Farm project aligns closely with BRT’s broader mission to drive innovation and sustainable solutions in tropical and subtropical agriculture. BRT has a long-standing track record of conducting research in developing countries, particularly in tropical agriculture, where environmental and social challenges are most pressing. By leveraging the expertise of our team and collaborating with organisations like SIRIRI, we are helping to build a network of local experts and institutions that will drive positive change in the region, which is a critical step toward fostering meaningful, sustainable partnerships that extend beyond the life of the project itself. Carmel Farm has the potential to become a beacon of sustainable agricultural development. It is a project that promises not only to improve the lives of people in the Central African Republic but also to serve as an inspiration for similar initiatives across Africa and other developing regions.
SIRIRI has been supporting education, healthcare, and agriculture in the Central African Republic since 2006. Together with our partners, we are building a future where sustainability and innovation are at the heart of agricultural development. For more information, visit www.siriri.org.
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