Ag in the Aftermath: Dearth of Haitian Agricultural Baseline Information

Source: DanieVDM

¶ It has been exceedingly difficult to find baseline agriculture information for Haiti.  In order to conduct proper planning, response and recovery operations, the organizations providing support must have a better idea of the agricultural demographics associated with the country.  From the sources available, Haiti is comprised mostly of small, individual family farms that grow both crops and livestock for personal consumption.  Excess livestock are sold to slaughter to generate additional income.  Horses and donkeys are used for transportation and as draft/pack animals to carry goods.  The agricultural infrastructure – basic production systems, forage availability, animal health care, and food safety practices – was degraded significantly prior to the earthquake.  Without a baseline from which to work, it will be extremely difficult to assess the needs of the agricultural system now, post-earthquake.  As response to the human population continues, agricultural baseline assessments should begin as soon as possible – consider agriculture support a means to enhance food security and public health, as we move forward.

¶ A breakdown of the estimated livestock in Haiti is on the Caribbean Animal Health Network (CaribVet) website and provided below:

¶ Population displacements out of the urban centers and into the countryside appear to be tapering off; however, an estimated 230,000 Haitians have moved back to more rural areas following the earthquake – most returned to live with family.  This also places an additional burden on the already strained agricultural production systems, where families might not have enough crops and livestock to feed additional mouths.  Adding to the burden is that fact that Haiti is in it’s dry season at the moment, and forage for goats, sheep and cattle reaches it’s lowest point in February.  With the social and infrastructure disruption caused by the earthquake, the seasonality of the situation (and already degraded quality of livestock) poses a risk for further under- or malnutrition for the country’s production animals.  In such situations, reproduction also suffers, and as the producers move into their breeding seasons later this year, livestock reproduction rates might plummet.  This will create additional strain to the system due to decreased replacement offspring.

¶ The following is a map that combines information on agricultural regions in Haiti (via USAID Famine Early Warning System Network), as well as population displacement densities following the earthquake (via the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs).  The size of the circles represent the relative proportions of total population migration.  Notice the correlation of population movements with traditional agricultural areas.  For instance, an estimated 62,500 Haitians have relocated to the Artibonite Valley, a region that has historically received long-term foreign agriculture assistance.  Due to the large population migration, it’s previous history as a site for agricultural studies and support, and it’s proximity to Port-au-Prince, this region might be the most ideal to begin obtaining agricultural baseline information and assess the requirements of the farmers and livestock populations.  Without an agricultural assessment and collection of up-to-date information, it is hard to determine where to begin…

Source: FEWSNet; OCHA

**Next we will explore various specific animal disease and production risk factors for assessment and surveillance in Hait**

Tagged as: Agriculture, animal health, animal production, animal-human interaction, crops, developing world, disaster, disease, disease surveillance, emergency response, Haiti, herdsourcing, Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards, public health