By Marie Marthe Saint Cyr | Executive Director
It is a difficult task for farming to grow in Haiti. Yet, 60% of the population is reported as dependent on farming for livelihood. With the steady lack of employment alternatives and the lack of income, local farming remains a priority for all Haitians who are unable to afford imported goods for adequate food intake. In addition, basic social services that can create a safety net for the poor do not exist.
Although a priority on agriculture has been established under the current administration, targeted for assistance is agro-business for export and large import of basic staples, paralyzing the growth of the local market. Yet, small family farms are the core of food production for local food intake. Bank loans for farmers are very limited and practically nonexistent for the poor farmers. Credit Unions or groups are taxed once their credit fund balance reaches $1 million gourdes; Lambi Fund is supporting those who take the initiative and we are reinforcing their capacity to fund themselves.
“I grew to understand why my father goes so early in the morning in the field,” said young Ernest. I was sitting side by side on the step talking with him. His father was tilling the field for planting waiting on rain. By the time it is 11:30 in the morning, no farmer would not be able to throw the hoe and turn the land as a result of the labor they have already put in. It is upwards to 85 F and they really earn their keep by the sweat of their brows. If they start in the morning at about 5:00am, by midday there is no possible way to continue. With the ox-plow, five times as much work can be done. Lambi Fund adds a credit fund with every ox-plow project. Credit funds allow the farmers to start with an initial investment to purchase the ox-plow service and maximize its production and thus their profit. Within the first harvest they can repay their loans and build their capacity to supply the local markets. The availability of the ox-plow service does not increase production; it is the capacity of the farmer to purchase the service that makes the difference.
Sustainable agriculture as a priority of the Lambi Fund of Haiti assures that production is increasing and continues with the interest that returns to the organizations.
Thank you for your generous contribution that has made the ox-plow credit fund available for farmers in rural area Haiti.
Happy Holidays!
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