The DEED project, a USAID-funded initiative, aims to develop sustainable commercial agriculture in Haiti’s watershed zones while protecting the environment and improving natural resource management. The project operates in two large watershed areas: Limbé in the north and Montrouis on the western Arcadins coast. DEED works with local producer groups, community organizations, and local government agencies to reinforce and strengthen sustainable agriculture practices.
The management of natural resources in Haiti is shared by two line ministries: the Ministry of Agriculture (MARNDR) and the Ministry of Environment (MdE). Community participation in watershed management is mandated by legislation, including the 1987 Constitution and the Environment Action Plan. However, national policy on watershed management is unclear, unfocused, and often confusing due to conflicting approaches and primary responsibilities given to different government agencies operating at different levels.
The DEED project organized two one-day workshops in early 2008 to bring stakeholders together and discuss environmental and development issues in the watershed zones. The workshops aimed to identify key challenges and opportunities for sustainable watershed management. The project also sought to understand the perspectives of local communities, including their needs, concerns, and expectations regarding watershed management.
The DEED project’s objectives are aligned with the principles of sustainable development, which emphasize the importance of economic, social, and environmental considerations. The project’s approach to watershed management is based on a participatory approach, which involves local communities and other civil society actors in decision-making and prioritization of actions. This approach is consistent with the principles of good governance and the need for effective coordination among government agencies and stakeholders.
The DEED project’s work in Haiti’s watershed zones is focused on developing sustainable commercial agriculture practices that protect the environment and improve natural resource management. The project’s approach is based on a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and environmental context of the watershed zones, including the needs and concerns of local communities. By working with local stakeholders and government agencies, the DEED project aims to develop effective watershed management policies and practices that benefit both local communities and the environment.
The DEED project’s policy recommendations for watershed management in Haiti are based on a thorough analysis of the current policy context and the needs of local communities. The project’s recommendations aim to clarify roles and responsibilities among government agencies and stakeholders, and to promote effective coordination and collaboration in watershed management. The project’s policy framework is designed to support the development of sustainable commercial agriculture practices that protect the environment and improve natural resource management in Haiti’s watershed zones.
The DEED project’s policy framework for watershed management in Haiti is based on a set of key principles, including the importance of participatory approaches, decision-making at the lowest practical level, and the leadership role of local government agencies. The project’s framework also emphasizes the need for effective coordination among government agencies and stakeholders, and the importance of economic factors in influencing the choice of agricultural practices and technologies by local communities and individual planters.
The DEED project’s policy recommendations for watershed management in Haiti include the establishment of a Local Management Committee (CGL) to oversee watershed management activities at the local level. The project also recommends the leadership role of Mayors, Asecs, and Casecs in organizing the CGL, and the importance of coordination with the Government’s Civil Protection agency. The project’s recommendations also emphasize the need for an ecological approach to watershed management, including the use of a “ridge to reef” concept, and the importance of economic development in supporting sustainable watershed management practices.
Overall, the DEED project’s policy framework for watershed management in Haiti is designed to support the development of sustainable commercial agriculture practices that protect the environment and improve natural resource management in the country’s watershed zones. The project’s approach is based on a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and environmental context of the watershed zones, and is aligned with the principles of sustainable development and good governance.