Since 2013, the population of the commune of Marigot (Southeast department, borough of Jacmel), supported by the organization Solidarity Union Cooperation (SUCO) and the European Union, is currently meeting the food security challenge through a project, which in addition to nutrition, aims to protect the environment and agricultural recovery.

Two years after launching the project, the results are very encouraging: 18 hectares of watersheds were protected by the installation of metal structures and biological, more than 69,000 fruit and forest seedlings were planted nearly a thousand jobs were created and about 400 families became familiar with soil conservation techniques.

Steps have also been taken to improve agricultural irrigation through the construction of almost 1,050 meters linear channels, which have increased the irrigated area in the zone, which now reaches 170 hectares.

In addition, 22 additional hectares of land have been valued while agricultural production has intensified and diversified across all farmland of Marigot.

The women are closely associated with all agricultural dynamics of the commune. Two women's organizations (MOFADEM and FLKM) are in charge of two nurseries set up by the project for the preparation of seedlings. These groups were trained in the principles of entrepreneurship, process by which everyone has benefited seedling production contracts (for about 27,000 seedlings).

In addition, the project promotes organic farming, by using more organic fertilizers. 12 community composting barrels were installed and 890 compost bags distributed, bringing to 25 hectares area fertilized with compost. The products resulting from this process are of better quality from the nutritional point of view.

The organization SUCO also initiated breastfeeding and healthy eating campaigns that have benefited more than 1,300 women and 1,000 children. A food guide will also be distributed among the population and serve as a reference tool for promoting healthier nutritional practices.

These many positive results makes this project in Marigot a success story, whose activities could usefully be replicated in other areas of the country.

HL/ HaitiLibre