Revitalizing family livestock farming in Haiti in the face of food insecurity
22/07/2026 09:33:00
The Resilient Agriculture for Food Security Project (PARSA), implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture with funding from the World Bank, addresses a humanitarian crisis. The sub-component, Incentives Related to Livestock Production, implemented with technical support from a consortium comprised of the Inter-American Institute for Agricultural Cooperation (IICA) and the Haitian NGO Giradel-Haiti, aims to revitalize livestock resources for four sectors in 32 communes across the South, Grande Anse, Nippes, and Central departments.
Spanning 30 months, the project operates in the following communes :
– Central Department : Maïssade, Thomassique, Hinche, Cerca la Source, Cerca Cavajal, Thomonde;
– Grand’Anse Department Roseaux, Jérémie, Marfranc, Beaumont, Moron, Corail, Pestel;
– Nippes Department : Petit Trou de Nippes, Baradères, Miragroane, Fonds des Nègres, L’Azile, Arnaud;
– South Department : Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Cavaillon, Aquin, Chantal, Arniquet, Saint-Jean-du-Sud, Les Anglais, Les Chardonnières, Tiburon, Maniche, Camp-Perrin, Torbeck, Les Cayes.
The project relies on the technical support of a team of experts, including one specialist per sector, four departmental coordinators, and 32 community facilitators working to strengthen local capacities to ensure the resilience and sustainability of interventions in the targeted areas.
By the end of 2026, 16,636 livestock farming families, 55% of whom are women, will receive technical packages tailored to their needs in four sectors: beekeeping, fish farming, poultry farming (laying hens and guinea fowl in the Central region), and small ruminants (goats and sheep).
“Our goal is not only to provide animals and equipment, but above all to offer concrete technical support to vulnerable livestock farmers in the affected areas to rebuild their livestock activities and strengthen their resilience to shocks by adopting resilient farming practices,” explains Rachelle Pierre Louis, Technical Cooperation Coordinator for IICA-Haiti.
In this regard, the project is actively working to recapitalize beneficiaries, while also providing ongoing support and guidance to ensure the sustainability of the actions undertaken.
In addition to the distributed technical packages, the project plans to introduce innovations aimed at modernizing livestock farming practices and ensuring the sustainability of its interventions: Artificial Insemination to improve the genetics of small ruminants; the introduction of lick blocks to help them during periods of drought; Vermiculture to provide protein to poultry; and Apiculture Reference Points for the collective use of certain expensive equipment for high-quality hive products (propolis, royal jelly, honey). In aquaculture, the project plans to use compost in fish feed as an innovation. Internships will provide support in the four departments.
According to Emmanuel Calixte, Executive Director of GIRADEL Haiti, “The project helps to promote livestock farming, often neglected in favor of other production sectors, even though it constitutes an important source of income, savings, and a means of improving food security.” He also emphasizes that the training provided to producers by the extension workers helps strengthen their technical capacities, giving them tools, skills, and knowledge to better manage their activities in the face of the constraints and opportunities they will encounter.
Testimonials :
Fleury Marducia, a beneficiary in the 2nd section of Changeux, Abricot locality, Asile commune, recounts : “The chickens the project gave me allowed me to produce enough eggs. I was able to sell them so far for 7,500 gourdes. With this money, I bought a pig. Today, the pig is growing well, and I cherish it.”
Caristil Angelo, a beneficiary in the 2nd section of Source-Chaude, Bayard locality, Moron commune, adds : “I received three female goats and one male goat. Thanks to the training, I know how to care for them, feed them, and monitor their health. My animals are healthy and represent a real asset for my family.”
Ms. Mirlène Jean Pierre, a beneficiary in the Jeantotte area, 1st section, Moron commune, testifies : “I received four goats: three females and one male. I manage them very well. They are adapting well to my environment, and I take care of them every day. The females will soon give me kids, which will double my capital. It’s invaluable help for me and my family. I thank the project for this support.”
By October 2026, all beneficiaries should receive their technical packages. Practical training is being provided beforehand, with a focus on : animal feed based on local resources, disease prevention, technical and financial farm management, and marketing techniques.
HL/ S/ HaitiLibre
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