Title:  Training  Course in Agriculture for Higher Yield and SustainabilityPlace:            Demizaine, HaitiOrganizing Institution: Project 2000 InternationalParticipants: 2000 Farmers in DemizaineDuration: OngoingObjectives:

Project 2000 International seeks to establish an alternative agricultural system in Haiti emphasizing comprehensive technical training in combination with the acquisition of modern farming tools and equipment. This proposed marriage of enhanced training and equipment is expected to equip farmers currently employing primitive methods and working non-productive land with the tools and knowledge necessary to increase productivity and employ sustainable cultivation techniques. It is vital that these farmers learn best practice farming methods being utilized in industrialized countries. If ineffectual farming practices in Haiti's countryside are not replaced with modern, sustainable techniques, problems of hunger and reliance on others for basic sustenance will persist and possibly worsen.

Background:

A pilot farm has been established in Demizène, the fourth communal section of Miragoâne in the department of Nippes where training and planting has already been launched. The aim of the proposed project is to expand the training to include 2000 farmers beyond the initial pilot project participants to the general population of farmers in the area. When the pilot is scaled up the program is expected to have approximately 2000 direct participants with even wider spillover benefits as knowledge is diffused to family members and associates.

Main Elements of the Training:

The pilot farm program has already planted a variety of seedlings including lima beans, corn, bananas, watermelon, peppers, and green beans. Training has included an array of planting techniques ranging from poly to monoculture, to demonstrate first hand to the "student farmers" which is the more productive technique practice after the crops have been harvested. Tomato seedlings have also been planted for training and experimentation purposes and a dual tomato project is in process with the ultimate goal of creating a processing company able to produce tomato paste.

In addition:

The pilot farm program is replicable and scalable on all levels. Success and demonstrable benefits from the project will help the knowledge and techniques spread to other areas of Haiti. Similar weather patterns across much of the country (with the exception of the west) also ensure that the techniques can be adopted with little modification.

Locations