AYITI ZILE PWOVIDANS

Agriculture

Haiti Organic Agriculture Revival

Haiti’s agricultural history is a tapestry of resilience, exploitation, and ecological transformation. Once a thriving hub of indigenous and sustainable practices, the nation’s farming systems were reshaped by colonialism, economic pressures, and environmental degradation. Today, as Haiti faces food insecurity and climate vulnerability, reconnecting with its organic roots offers a path toward renewal. This article explores Haiti’s agricultural evolution and proposes strategies to revive its organic potential.

—

Before European colonization, the Taino people practiced *conuco* agriculture, a sustainable system involving slash-and-burn techniques, crop rotation, and polyculture. Staples like maize, cassava, and sweet potato were grown alongside medicinal plants, fostering biodiversity and soil health. These methods were inherently organic, relying on natural inputs and traditional knowledge.

The Spanish and later French colonization transformed Haiti (then Saint-Domingue) into a plantation economy. Enslaved Africans labored on sugar, coffee, and indigo plantations, which prioritized export profits over sustainability. Deforestation, monocropping, and forced labor depleted soils and disrupted ecosystems, laying the groundwork for long-term environmental crises.

After gaining independence in 1804, Haiti faced isolation and a crushing indemnity to France (1825–1947), forcing reliance on cash crops like coffee and timber. Smallholder farmers, confined to marginal lands, adopted subsistence practices, but deforestation and erosion accelerated. By the mid-20th century, over 60% of Haiti’s forests had been lost, exacerbating soil degradation and vulnerability to disasters.

The 20th century saw misguided interventions, such as the Green Revolution’s chemical fertilizers and hybrid seeds, which marginalized traditional practices. Neoliberal policies in the 1980s–90s flooded markets with cheap imports (e.g., U.S. rice), undercutting local farmers. Today, less than 2% of Haiti’s forests remain, and climate change intensifies hurricanes and droughts, threatening food security for over 60% of the population reliant on agriculture.

—

Haiti’s agrarian crisis demands a return to organic, agroecological methods that harmonize with its ecological and cultural heritage. Organic farming offers resilience against climate shocks, reduces input costs, and revitalizes soils. Key strategies include:

1.
   Promote agroecological practices that blend Taino and African heritage with modern science. Techniques like intercropping, agroforestry, and terracing prevent erosion, enhance biodiversity, and improve yields. Organizations like *Partners In Agriculture* and *SOIL* have demonstrated success with compost toilets and organic vegetable cooperatives.

2.
   Launch community-led reforestation using native trees (e.g., mango, avocado) that provide food and stabilize soils. Composting, green manure, and crop rotation can restore soil fertility without chemicals. Haiti’s *Farmers’ Movement of Papaye* (MPP) has pioneered reforestation and organic training programs.

3.
   Governments and NGOs must prioritize small farmers through subsidies for organic inputs, land tenure reforms, and tariffs on imported staples. Developing organic certification programs could help Haitian products access premium markets. Strengthening local cooperatives ensures fair prices and reduces post-harvest losses.

4.
   Drought-resistant crops (e.g., sorghum, millet) and rainwater harvesting systems can buffer against climate extremes. Agroforestry systems, which integrate trees with crops, enhance carbon sequestration and microclimates.

5.
   Invest in farmer-to-farmer training and agricultural schools to spread organic techniques. Partnerships with global entities (e.g., FAO, La Via Campesina) can provide funding while respecting local autonomy.

—

Haiti’s agricultural revival hinges on embracing its organic roots. By empowering small farmers, restoring ecosystems, and fostering policies that prioritize sustainability over extraction, Haiti can rebuild food sovereignty and ecological health. This journey requires patience, but the rewards—a resilient, self-sufficient Haiti—are within reach. As the proverb goes, *“Beyond mountains, there are mountains”*; beyond today’s challenges lies the potential for a greener, thriving future.