Ouham

Ouham is a prefecture of the Central African Republic, located in the northwest of the country. Its capital is Bossangoa. The prefecture takes its name from the Ouham River, which runs through the region and helps define its geography and livelihoods. The area features a mix of savanna and forested landscapes and is largely rural.

Administratively, Ouham is subdivided into several sub-prefectures and communes, with Bossangoa as the major urban center. The population is diverse and predominantly rural, with communities relying on subsistence farming and livestock rearing. Common crops include cassava, maize, peanuts, and yams, with small-scale farming supporting local markets and trade routes.

The economy is largely agricultural, supplemented by informal trade, markets, and some craft production. Infrastructure varies, with limited road access, healthcare, and education services outside major towns. The Ouham region has faced humanitarian and security challenges during periods of instability in the Central African Republic, with displacement and disruption of services affecting local communities.

Historically, the territory was part of the colonial administration and, after independence in 1960, became one of the CAR’s administrative prefectures. In recent years, security fluctuations and clashes involving armed groups have affected the prefecture, though relief and development initiatives have aimed to improve stability and livelihoods.