In the tropical forests of the Central African Republic (CAR), the Bayaka, an indigenous Pygmy community, are struggling to safeguard their ancestral lands and ensure their food supply. Despite legal frameworks such as the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention 169, which recognizes the land rights of indigenous peoples, the Bayaka of Belemboke I and IV face persistent challenges that threaten their way of life.

Father Yonlonfoun Ishola Anselme, a priest from the Diocese of Lokossa in Benin and a member of the Society of African Missions (SMA), spent ten years working among marginalized communities in CAR from 2010 to 2020. Recently graduating with a master’s degree in the philosophy of social transformation, Father Ishola shares insights from his research on sustainable development, focusing on the intersection of land rights and food security among the Bayaka. His findings reveal a community grappling with external pressures, legal shortcomings, and the erosion of their traditional practices.

The Bayaka’s Plight: Threatened Land Rights

Traditionally hunter-gatherers, the Bayaka rely on the forest for their survival. However, their ancestral lands are increasingly encroached upon by logging companies, mining operations, and agricultural expansion. Although the Central African Republic was the first African country to ratify ILO Convention 169 in 2010 and has long expressed its commitment to promoting the well-being of indigenous peoples, the government has failed to implement effective protections to secure their land rights.

“The Bayaka’s connection to the land is not just economic; it is also cultural and spiritual,” explains Father Ishola. “When their lands are taken, the Bayaka lose more than resources—they lose their identity.”

This loss of land has devastating consequences for food security. Restricted access to forests limits the Bayaka’s ability to hunt, gather, and practice traditional agriculture, pushing them into poverty and making them dependent on external aid.

The Tale of Two Villages: Belemboke I and IV

Father Ishola’s research focused on two Bayaka villages: Belemboke I and Belemboke IV. While both communities face challenges, their experiences differ significantly.

• Belemboke I: Here, a relatively stable land tenure system has allowed the Bayaka to maintain their traditional practices and achieve a higher level of food security. The average Food Consumption Score (FCS) is 49.6, indicating “acceptable” food security.
• Belemboke IV: In contrast, land conflicts and external pressures have left this village struggling. With an average FCS of 29.1, many families experience “poor” food security, relying on lower-value foods or skipping meals altogether.

“The disparity between these villages highlights how critical land rights are to food security,” says Father Ishola. “Without secure access to land, the Bayaka cannot sustain their traditional ways of life.”

Traditional Knowledge vs. Modern Systems

The Bayaka’s traditional land management system, based on the concept of Ekila, emphasizes communal ownership and equitable resource sharing. However, this system clashes with modern land laws that prioritize private ownership and state control.

“The Bayaka believe that the forest was created by Komba [God] to be shared by all,” explains Father Ishola. “But colonial and postcolonial land laws have disrupted this balance, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.”

This tension is exacerbated by the lack of legal recognition for communal land rights. In CAR, land not privately owned is presumed to belong to the state, leaving indigenous communities like the Bayaka with little recourse against land grabs. It is worth noting that the village of Belemboke I has a special status granted by the Central African government. Although the boundaries allocated to the Bayaka are continually threatened, this village could serve as a model for preserving spaces essential to their way of life.

Survival Strategies

In the face of these challenges, the Bayaka have adopted various coping strategies. Some have turned to subsistence farming, while others rely on support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and religious groups. However, these strategies often provide only short-term solutions.

“The Bayaka are resilient, but they need long-term support,” asserts Father Ishola. “This includes legal protection of their land rights, the integration of traditional knowledge into modern practices, and greater involvement of women in decision-making.”

A Call to Action

Father Ishola’s research underscores the urgent need to protect the Bayaka’s rights and ensure their food security. Key recommendations include:

1. Legal Reforms: Strengthen the implementation of ILO Convention 169 and recognize communal land ownership.
2. Community Empowerment: Involve the Bayaka in land management decisions and integrate their traditional knowledge into development programs.
3. NGO and Religious Support: Continue advocacy and provide culturally appropriate assistance to the Bayaka.
4. Government Accountability: Ensure policies protect indigenous rights and promote sustainable development.

A Message of Hope

Despite these challenges, there is hope. The relative success of Belemboke I demonstrates that secure land rights can lead to improved food security and community resilience. By drawing inspiration from such examples and working collaboratively, stakeholders can help the Bayaka preserve their heritage and build a sustainable future.

“The Bayaka’s struggle is not just about land or food—it is about justice, dignity, and the right to exist,” says Father Ishola. “Their story calls on all of us to stand with marginalized communities and fight for a more equitable world.”

Father Yonlonfoun Ishola Anselme, after his time at Tangaza University in Nairobi, Kenya, is currently serving in the SMA Province of Lyon, France.