Haiti | Caribbean

Community gardens for food security | Haiti

Haiti is a country with a very high risk of natural disasters. In addition, the inhabitants of the island state are struggling with the consequences of a food and health crisis. The project aims to provide sufficient food by growing healthy food in school and community gardens. In addition, the municipalities are working on risk reduction and protection measures for future disasters.

The project

Project title: Food security and resilience through adapted and diversified production of healthy food in school and community gardens and disaster risk management
Project country: Haiti
Financing: Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ) and ASB’s own resources. The partner organisation is the Association des Paysans de Vallue (farmers’ association in Vallue, APV).
Project volume: € 833,333.00
Project duration: 01/02/2022 to 31/10/2024
Target group: 8,440 people (vulnerable smallholder families) from rural communities in Haiti (Petit-Goâve and Grand-Goâve)

A large part of the population in the project area works in agriculture. The consequences of the climate crisis are causing a loss of harvests and lower agricultural yields in the region, resulting in a low income for many families. The problems in the region are compounded by hillside farmland, free-range livestock farming and water scarcity. By producing a variety of food products such as bananas, cabbage and sugar cane in schools and community gardens, the ASB helps to ensure that people have sufficient food and are better prepared for disasters and their consequences.

How the ASB is helping in Haiti

Innovative school gardens based on agro-ecological principles

The ASB cooperates with the local partner organisation APV. Together with the pupils, the employees set up school gardens using a methodical approach. The methodology includes the components of the reflection-action training. Using this method, people in a community can work together to solve problems that affect them. The aim of this approach is to involve all members of the community in the process in order to find solutions together. It also ensures that members learn from their experiences and improve their knowledge and skills.

In the school gardens, the ASB attaches great importance to preserving plant and animal diversity, using less harmful chemicals and promoting sustainable practices. Farmers, pupils and communities are actively working together to achieve this. The farmers, pupils and community members learn how to apply agro-ecological practices. They receive training from the ASB and partake in a knowledge exchange. They learn how to better manage the soil and water and how to sell their products. They are also learning how to prepare better for climate change.

2,300 pupils from ten schools in Petit-Goâve and Grand-Goâve benefit directly from the food from the community gardens.

Innovative family gardens based on agro-ecological principles

The proven approach of innovative gardens (JGMA) is also suitable for family and community gardens. They are built and managed by families or members of a community. Fruits, vegetables, beans and local medicinal and spice plants are grown here. At the same time, 350 allotments have been created as part of the project. As a result, 350 families and twelve organisations are benefiting from this measure.

Local planning and campaign work for risk reduction and disaster preparedness/management

The ASB is carrying out a campaign for reforestation and soil protection in the project area. In this context, 17,000 local trees and shrubs such as cayemite or trumpet creepers are being planted. This contributes to the protection and restoration of the forest. In addition, land management and concrete erosion protection measures are implemented to prevent loose rocks from becoming detached and being carried away by water. Soil fertility is also to be improved. A dry wall of 1,500 metres in length was built along five valleys, for example. Remediation to provide drinking water for 750 families is also planned. Among other things, the roof of a cistern in Jeanciseau is to be repaired. A well and a water tower at the source of Grande Place, for example, will also be repaired.

A plan is also being developed to cooperate across communes in the event of disasters. Emergency exercises will be carried out and a COVID-19 prevention campaign will be set up.