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Rural Women on the Frontlines in the Fight for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in Haiti
October 10, 2024A seedling distribution as part of the AVETI project provided nearly four thousand (4,000) seedlings in the Abricot municipality, specifically in the locality of Dufort. More than 50% of the recipients were women. Most of these women are from two Farmer Field Schools in the municipality: the Union of Dufort Planters and Réfléchi.
Climate change is one of the most devastating scourges. Caused by massive greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, it makes natural disasters such as hurricanes or storms more frequent. Haiti, particularly the Grand'Anse department, is highly vulnerable to climate change. Prolonged drought, water shortages, and frequent floods are some of the main consequences in the region, causing the destruction of fields and loss of crops.
In this context, the agricultural sector is particularly affected, and those who depend directly on it must adapt. This is why the AVETI project has developed a set of climate-resilient strategies to help the population of the Grand'Anse department cope with climate change. One of these measures is the promotion of agroforestry through the Farmer Field Schools.
The AVETI project encourages members of the Farmer Field Schools, particularly those in Dufort, to integrate beekeeping into their plots and plant trees to attract bees, contribute to reforestation, and enhance resilience to climate change. As part of this, two types of seedlings were distributed to farmers: forest species such as Cedar, Sucrin, Saman, and Ash, and fruit species such as citrus (orange, lemon), mango, tamarind, and cashew. Distribution was made possible thanks to funding from the Roncalli International Foundation.
While it is true that climate change is primarily caused by the most industrialized countries, as evidenced by the latest reports from the United Nations Environment Program, the consequences affect every country on the planet. This underscores the importance of collective action to protect our environment.
Since women are demographically dominant in Haiti, this project, which aims to reach more than 35,000 participants, including 60% women and youth, has the potential to make a significant difference in building resilience and adaptation to climate change.
The Climate Adaptation and Economic Valorization of Agricultural Sectors in Haiti (AVETI) project is implemented by the International Agricultural Alliance (CECI, SOCODEVI, and UPA DI) and Développement international Desjardins. It is financially supported by the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada.
