In the South department, agriculture is at the heart of a concerted effort aimed at giving producers the means to better exploit the land and promote their know-how. With the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture (MARNDR), through the Departmental Agricultural Directorate of the South (DDAS), facilitates farmers' access to quality agricultural inputs and tools, while contributing to the strengthening of their production capacities, thus facilitating the promotion of sustainable local agriculture.

From Cavaillon to Les Cayes, via Camp-Perrin and Port-Salut, to Tiburon, at the end of the southern coast, large quantities of seeds and agricultural equipment were distributed for the benefit of producers. These distribution series aim to support the efforts of farmers, whose daily work contributes greatly to feeding the population, supplying local markets and strengthening food security.

Initially, nearly 3,000 farmers in the communes of Camp-Perrin, Cavaillon, Chardonnières and Torbeck benefited from vegetable seed kits and agricultural tools. These donations include watering cans, shovels, rakes, buckets, hoes and fertilizer, intended to facilitate agricultural work and promote the development of market gardening, while encouraging the creation of home gardens, likely to offer households, particularly women, new production possibilities, diversification of the diet and prospects for additional income.

Secondly, support extended to food and cereal crops. With the support of FAO, the Ministry distributed seeds and plant material in the municipalities of Port-à-Piment, Chardonnières and Tiburon, for the benefit of 1,200 producers. The farmers concerned received corn and black bean seeds, as well as cuttings of sweet potato, cassava and banana suckers. Through the distribution of these agricultural inputs, the Ministry wants to support the cultivation of plots, diversify production and increase food availability within rural communities.

In view of the winter agricultural season, FAO plans to support the Ministry to facilitate access for farmers and fishermen in the South to quality seeds, appropriate equipment and technical support adapted to their respective activities. In fact, in the communes of Côteaux and Roche-à-Bateau, distributions are planned for November. Agricultural producers should in particular receive corn and bean seeds, cassava and sweet potato cuttings, as well as vegetable seed kits with the aim of supporting crops and diversifying production.

On the other hand, fishermen in the municipalities of Saint Jean, Port Salut, Roche-à-Bateau, Coteaux, Port a Piment, Chardonnières, Les Anglais and Tiburon should benefit from technical support and material support aimed at improving their working conditions and strengthening their operational capacities. Training sessions on environmental protection and techniques linked to the fishing system promoting Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) are also planned in order to promote better fishing practices.

Beneficiaries should also receive equipment including igloo-type coolers, nets, traps, nylon ropes, repair kits and emergency equipment. These donations should help improve the working conditions of fishermen, facilitate the conservation of catches and support their economic activities.

HL/ HaitiLibre