Revitalizing agriculture for reconstruction and development in Haiti
Agriculture in Haiti has suffered three decades of crisis and institutional neglect. Nevertheless, almost 60 percent of Haitians live in rural areas and rely on farming for their livelihoods.
For that reason, agriculture must play a central role in post-earthquake reconstruction. However, the plans and programs of the Haitian government and the international community have proven insufficient to revitalize the sector and improve conditions for small-scale farmers, and have failed to recognize the important roles of women in agriculture.
The Haitian government and the main actors in agriculture should continue to prioritize agricultural development, while putting greater emphasis on long-term programs to assist Haitians to get back on their feet and improve their living conditions with dignity.
Oxfam's recommendations
- The Haitian government needs to make agriculture a top policy priority, and provide adequate budgetary resources;
- The government should help strengthen farmers’ organizations and rural women’s organizations;
- Increased national food production should be the centrepiece of agricultural policy;
- Donors should make good on their pledges of aid to Haitian agriculture
Related links
Join Oxfam's GROW Campaign, to help ensure we all have enough to eat, always
Planting Now (1st Edition): Agricultural challenges and opportunities for Haiti’s reconstruction
