AGRICULTURAL dEVELOPMENT

Much precious top soil is lost to erosion on the steep Haitian mountainsides. But with teaching, thousands of farmers are protecting their fields from erosion using vetiver grass.

The farmers learn to grow and store an improved variety of black seed. Through a selection process, they are able to improve the quality of the variety. 

Farmers learn the importance of soil organic matter. They are learning not to burn the crop residue, but instead plant cover crops. 

There is good market value for trees in Haiti. Many farmers are happy to learn how to plant degraded plots into harvestable woodlots. 

We try new kinds and varieties of fruit trees with the farmers. It is a longer term investment, but fruit trees are a good source of income and provide needed vitamins for the children. 

Chaya is a wonderful perennial vegetable that is loaded with vitamins. Farmers learn how to safely cook and eat it. 

We sent technicians to Aghorizons vet school to be trained as vet techs. They teach the farmers how to better care for their animals

In the Pays Pourri, Haiti area, farmers are excited about the income they can get from growing leeks. Our technicians are teaching them how to grow vegetables without using synthetic fertilizers and chemicals. 

Farmers in the commune of Ganthier, Haiti were happy to learn to grow yams.