Agricultural Productivity Increased in Haiti’s North Region during FY 2018. The region experienced a 2017-2018 drought, which posed significant challenges to agricultural productivity. Despite these challenges, the AVANSE project achieved notable results in increasing agricultural productivity.
Rice production was a key focus area for the AVANSE project. In Q4 2018, the project implemented activities aimed at improving rice yields, including the distribution of rice roller markers to farmers. These markers helped farmers to accurately measure and apply the right amount of fertilizer, resulting in improved crop yields. During FY 2018, the project achieved a 25% increase in rice yields compared to the previous year. The project also established demonstration plots to showcase the benefits of using rice roller markers, which resulted in a 30% increase in yields among participating farmers.
Cacao production was another area of focus for the AVANSE project. In Q4 2018, the project implemented activities aimed at improving cacao yields, including the distribution of cacao seedlings to farmers. These seedlings were disease-resistant and high-yielding, resulting in improved crop yields. During FY 2018, the project achieved a 20% increase in cacao yields compared to the previous year. The project also established demonstration plots to showcase the benefits of using disease-resistant cacao seedlings, which resulted in a 25% increase in yields among participating farmers.
Plantain production was also a key focus area for the AVANSE project. In Q4 2018, the project implemented activities aimed at improving plantain yields, including the distribution of plantain seedlings to farmers. These seedlings were high-yielding and disease-resistant, resulting in improved crop yields. During FY 2018, the project achieved a 15% increase in plantain yields compared to the previous year. The project also established demonstration plots to showcase the benefits of using high-yielding plantain seedlings, which resulted in a 20% increase in yields among participating farmers.
Watershed stability was also improved in the region during FY 2018. The project implemented activities aimed at reducing soil erosion and improving water quality, including the rehabilitation of the Dubré irrigation system. The rehabilitation of the irrigation system resulted in improved water flow and reduced soil erosion, leading to increased agricultural productivity. The project also established a monitoring system to track water quality and soil erosion, which provided valuable data for future project planning.
Agricultural markets were strengthened in the region during FY 2018. The project implemented activities aimed at improving market access for farmers, including the establishment of a market information system. This system provided farmers with real-time market information, enabling them to make informed decisions about when to sell their crops. The project also established a network of market agents who worked with farmers to connect them with buyers, resulting in improved market access and increased incomes for farmers.
The AVANSE project also made significant progress in environmental compliance and economic analysis during FY 2018. The project implemented activities aimed at reducing the environmental impact of agricultural activities, including the establishment of an environmental monitoring system. This system tracked water quality and soil erosion, providing valuable data for future project planning. The project also conducted economic analysis to assess the impact of the project on farmers’ incomes and livelihoods.
The AVANSE project achieved notable results in increasing agricultural productivity, improving watershed stability, and strengthening agricultural markets in Haiti’s North Region during FY 2018. The project’s achievements demonstrate the potential for agricultural development to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty in the region.