FAO and CERF Launch Emergency Initiative to Support Food Security in Haiti Amid Crises

What's Happening?

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) have initiated an emergency program in Haiti's North and Centre departments. This initiative aims to assist vulnerable households facing displacement, deportation crises, and climatic shocks. The program targets displaced individuals, deportees from the Dominican Republic, and their host communities, focusing on enabling families to produce their own food and enhancing resilience against natural hazards. According to the September 2024 Integrated Food Security Classification (IPC) analysis, nearly half of Haitians are in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) or above, with many living in rural areas dependent on agriculture and livestock. The initiative will support 1,500 rural households, approximately 7,500 people, in displacement camps and host communities in Dondon, Plaine du Nord, Belladère, and Lascahobas.

Why It's Important?

This initiative is crucial as it addresses the severe food insecurity affecting nearly half of Haiti's population. By providing emergency food production support, the program aims to generate over 250 tonnes of food within 90 days, enough to sustain 8,000 households for six months. Additionally, the initiative includes livelihoods rehabilitation and climate-smart agriculture training, which are essential for long-term resilience and food security. The targeted areas are significantly impacted by climatic and social stressors, including deportations and internal displacement. The program not only provides immediate relief but also lays the groundwork for sustainable disaster preparedness and community empowerment.

What's Next?

The initiative will continue to focus on strengthening local production capacities and providing income opportunities through the restoration of irrigation canals and construction of shelters for livestock. Training in climate-smart agricultural practices will be provided to 400 farmers, helping them adapt to the worsening climate crisis. The FAO and CERF aim to work closely with rural communities to protect livelihoods and ensure food security, contributing to recovery and stability in the region.

Beyond the Headlines

The emergency initiative highlights the interconnected challenges of climate change, displacement, and food insecurity in Haiti. By addressing these issues simultaneously, the program seeks to create a sustainable model for disaster preparedness and resilience. The focus on climate-smart agriculture and community empowerment reflects a broader shift towards integrating environmental and social considerations in humanitarian responses.