Grafting consists of planting a branch (the graft) of a good fruit species on to a trunk that is sturdy but with poor characteristics (low yield, small or poor-quality fruit). The implanted graft continues to grow out of its new host. Thus improved, the tree will yield more and better-quality hardy fruit. The new production will then have great potential, locally as well as for exportation: a case in point is the « francisque » mango, a species that is only found in Haiti and greatly appreciated in the US. So, grafting enables peasants to provide their families with high-quality food and more income, which greatly improves their living conditions. MPP agricultural engineers have already trained 83 members in grafting techniques so far. The trainees have been given a kit of special tools for the grafting of fruit trees (pruning shears, « grafting » knife and binding tape). By the end of February 2009, each of the trainees has pledged to pass down his know-how to 4 new people. By the end of this year, 328 families will have the means to increase their income and almost a thousand will be able to do so when the 3-year project is completed.

Mrs Estansil Joseph, one of the trainees, testifies: « I am old now and I have 10 children, but if I had been lucky enough to learn the grafting techniques earlier, I wouldn’t have cut down all my orange trees to make charcoal in order to pay for my kids’ schooling [1]. I could have grafted them and would have made more money than with the charcoal. Since I completed the training, I have already prepared 20 grafts for the few orange trees that I have left around the house. As early as next year, I will have great sweet oranges that sell well on the Hinche market. »