A disastrous socio-economic situation
Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world. Its main economic resource is agriculture. However, small agricultural plantations (about 2000m2 per plantation) and poor productivity are not enough to satisfy the needs of the population. Poverty levels are therefore alarming: more than 50% of the population today survives on less than 0.70 euro cents per day. Although the country originally had an incredibly rich botanical heritage (more than 5000 different species) and abundant fruit trees (mango, papaya, orange, grapefruit, pineapples, etc), the deforestation that has taken place in the last 200 years has completely upset the natural balance of the country.
A vicious circle
Tropical forests, which covered 25% of the land in 1950, now barely account for 1%. This desertification has had terrible consequences. Exposed to tropical thunderstorms and hurricanes that are common to the region, the island is ravaged by natural disasters, and casualties are increasing every day. With erosion, the soil is no longer able to hold rainwater, and the resulting mud torrents are gradually making the soil unsuitable for agriculture. The degradation of natural resources is a serious threat to agricultural production and a threat to the means of subsistence of the rural poor. In order to survive, farmers continue to cut down trees to make charcoal.
| Haiti in figures
9.5 million inhabitants 4 million inhabitants suffering from hunger 200 years of abusive forest exploitation 50 million trees cut down every year 95% of tropical forest cover has disappeared 1% of land with forest cover as against 25% in 1950 |
Uniting to promote fruit cultivation and market gardening in the region
The environmental degradation, food insecurity and living conditions in the country today require urgent measures. The project set up by Freres des Hommes and the Papaye Peasant Movement is aimed at developing fruit culture and market gardening, which has been not sufficiently exploited to date especially in Haiti’s Central Plateau region. _ This 3-year mission will develop along five basic lines of action: improving the fruit production of orchards, developing mango drying processes, improving vegetable production, promoting apiculture and developing sales. Our objective is also to fight soil erosion by increasing forest cover, and training people in and creating greater awareness regarding healthy diets for families.
Five steps to fight hunger
1. Improving orchad production
Increasing mango production is one of the cornerstones of this project. The mango season in Haiti lasts 2 months. The local market cannot absorb all the produce: there is therefore enormous wastage and loss of earnings. Our actions are aimed at increasing fruit production as well as extending the productive period. In order to do that, we not only need to train farmers in maintenance, picking and grafting techniques, but also create nurseries essential for planting orchards.
2. Developing mango drying processes
Since rural families living on the Central Plateau are extremely poor, they cannot afford to preserve or stock mangos. Our aim is to build drying apparatus and train families in drying techniques so that they can consume and sell fruits even when these are not in season.
3. Improving vegetable procuction
In order to ensure food security of the population, it is vital that vegetable production is increased. We therefore propose to develop drip irrigation and to train farmers in market gardening. Not only will rural families benefit from a more balanced diet, but the surplus can be sold to raise the standard of living.
4. Developing apiculture
Deforestation and the damage done by the varroa mite have significantly affected honey production, which has therefore become much sought-after in the Haitian market. Honey production needs to be resumed by acquiring beekeeping equipment and bee colonies and by training rural families in apicultural techniques. By the end of the project period, 500 more bee hives will have been installed.
5. Developing sales
By organising the sale of fruits and vegetables in the local and national markets and by creating agricultural cooperatives, farming families could get better prices for their produce. Under the project, packaging material will be acquired and manufactured, peasants trained and the sale of mangos in the national market launched.
| Predictions in figures
1100 families to be trained in improving orchards 45 skilled workers trained in mango drying techniques 1100 families trained in fruit gathering and packaging 250 families given specialised training in honey production 1400 families trained in the improvement and diversification of vegetable production 3 nurseries for fruit trees to be set up 1000 orchards to be equipped for drip irrigation 500 new beehives created 3 honey extraction systems for collective use 180 000 persons directly or indirectly to benefit from the project |
| The Papaye Peasant Movement
This peasant movement was started by a Haitian agronomist, Jean-Baptiste Chavannes 35 years ago on the Central Plateau. The association today includes more than 60 000 members. Its aim is to promote innovative agriculture, adapted to the small Haitian plantations, that also respects the environment. The PPM trains and supports farmers by providing them with the means to becoming the actors and deciders of their own future. |
