A new idea is hatching at CODEP.
Years ago, many will remember, we sponsored a significant effort to build fishponds and support the people of CODEP in raising fish for their own consumption — great protein — and to sell.
There was huge merit in the project, many generous people were excited to donate to it, and the dream started to emerge.
Then the 2010 magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti. The fishponds were damaged beyond repair, with huge cracks and crumbling concrete. They have remained scattered around the community as painful reminders of a sweet dream that was interrupted.
Recently we had a flash of inspiration: chickens! Why not use the empty concrete holes as a safe and secure place to raise chickens?
We did some planning and are launching the project. The first round was largely a flop. 500 chicks were shipped from the Dominican Republic. 50 died on the boat. Another 75 died after the transport from Jacmel and subsequent adjustment in the new “chicken coops.” Ouch.
We are now getting a better grasp on the work involved and the expenses of feed, vitamins, meds, transport to market, and so forth. As can be predicted, we have also run into squabbles about rights to the fishponds. In one case, for example, part of a fishpond was created on land that was leased. The lease has expired and — sure enough — the original owner now wants to assert rights over a partial, broken-down fishpond. Geesh!
Spirits are high, however. Live chickens sell for about $8.75 in the market. The project can eventually be a money maker, as well as a source of food for CODEP itself.
While we are primarily in the business of reforesting, we are also refocusing, reclaiming, and rebuilding.
Cluck cluck.
Michael Anello
Executive Director