Help Families Grow their Own Food in Rural Haiti

The Lambi Fund of Haiti entered into a partnership with Organization Peyizan Garyen Pou devlopman Savann Kare (OPGDSC) to increase mango groves in the region and  address reforestation.  In addition, there was an increase in the exportation of Mango Fransik, an added revenue to the community.  With Lambi Fund's assistance, OPGDSC began planting these mango groves.  By undertaking this project, the result is that the organization will reduce the lost of fruit that occurs before and after the mango harvest when the quantity is very high and there is limit to the local consumer's need.  Meaning that the production is higher than the local need. This project has a plan to create more options for commercialization of the mango product to increase revenue for the growers.

OPGDSC plans to produce 60,000 mango trees by establishing two nurseries and planting 30,000 mango fransik trees per year.  The project is one year old now and within that year as the project continues in its strategic implementation, the Lambi fund trained OPGDSC members in both building organizationsl capacity and techniques for nursery and developing mango trees. A total of 37 members received the five day training with hands on material.

The preparation post-training included, the selection of space for the nurseries, purchase of equipment and tools for planting, search for seeds and grefage of new trees and building trellis to protect the new seedlings.  The community in a kombit (gathering to mutually help as volunteer) filled 30,000 bags with soil and mulch to start planting.   

The community of Savann Kare,  where OPGDSC organization resides has truly accomplished their first year of collaboration having now 28,322 mango trees in production that will be distributed this month to members for planting in permanent spaces. They lost 523 trees but they continue to work to reach their 100% goals.  They are at 98% production for the first year.  

There were challenges due to nature such as wind breaking down trellis more than once and distribution of plants later than anticipated due to rate of growth of new seedling. However, OPGDSC continues towards its goal of planting 60,000 mango trees by 2019.

Across the community we have increased a local food eaten by most people. When the mango is abundant during the summer harvest, the community eat the pulp, drink the juice and export to other regions and other countries to increase the revenue for farmers.

This is the way you have participated in expanding local food production and the best things is that farming for mangoes is an activity that brings sustainability. We are so grateful for your help and support to make this happen for 41 farmers in rural Haiti. 

Thank you.

Links:

• http://www.lambifund.org