The agricultural development initiative in Haiti, known as AVANSE, aimed to increase agricultural productivity, improve watershed stability, and strengthen agricultural markets. The project was implemented in the North region of Haiti from October 2016 to September 2017, with funding from USAID/Haiti.
AVANSE focused on increasing agricultural productivity through the development of rice, cacao, and plantain value chains. In FY 2017, the project assisted over 367 rice plots, resulting in an average yield increase of 25% compared to the previous year. The project also supported the development of cacao and plantain value chains, with over 1,000 farmers benefiting from training and technical assistance.
In addition to agricultural productivity, AVANSE aimed to improve watershed stability through natural resource management (NRM) activities. The project supported the rehabilitation of irrigation systems, including the Grison Garde Irrigation System, and implemented hillside soil conservation techniques in watersheds above irrigation systems. As a result, the project reported a 30% increase in watershed stability in FY 2017.
AVANSE also focused on strengthening agricultural markets through the development of market information systems and the facilitation of market linkages. The project supported the establishment of a market information system, which provided farmers with real-time market prices and information on market demand. The project also facilitated market linkages between farmers and buyers, resulting in a 25% increase in market access for farmers in FY 2017.
The project also implemented infrastructure development activities, including the rehabilitation of input stores and the construction of a fertilizer subsidy activity. The project reported a 50% increase in the number of rehabilitated input stores in FY 2017.
AVANSE’s monitoring and evaluation framework was designed to track progress towards project targets and indicators. The project used a range of monitoring and evaluation tools, including surveys, focus groups, and key informant interviews. The project also conducted regular data quality assessments to ensure the accuracy and reliability of project data.
The project’s environmental compliance framework was designed to ensure that project activities were implemented in an environmentally sustainable manner. The project implemented a range of environmental mitigation and monitoring measures, including the rehabilitation of degraded lands and the implementation of hillside soil conservation techniques.
Overall, AVANSE made significant progress towards its project targets and indicators in FY 2017. The project’s focus on agricultural productivity, watershed stability, and market development resulted in improved livelihoods for farmers and rural communities in the North region of Haiti.