Folks:
A major chokehold on Haiti in recent months has been the border closing by the Dominican Republic. The ostensible cause of this action was a dispute about water rights for rice fields. The effects, however, have been multiple. The dispute compounded the ongoing political upheaval. Furthermore, it has meant that food has not been coming overland into Haiti.
Haiti is routinely one of the hungriest places on earth. A fifth of its children are chronically malnourished. Haiti cannot produce enough food for its people. It needs to buy food from the Dominican Republic. The border closure imposed serious hardship.
CODEP people, however, have other options. CODEP is about agro-forestry which means growing food along with the forests. Fruit trees are one obvious example. Importantly, the shade from the trees shields vegetables from the harsh sun producing more abundant crops. CODEP folks grow black beans, tomatoes, peanuts, eggplant and more. They have enough food to sell at the markets. During this time of constricted food supplies across the country, their families have survived.
The good news is that as of November 1, the border with the DR has been re-opened for trade. Haitians cannot cross the border, but food will come in. We are glad for this small move in a better direction!
Michael Anello
Executive Director
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PPS: Save the Date: October 25, 2024. Our 35th Anniversary Celebration!