IICA visits Haiti with OAS Delegation January 27-29

David C. Hatch, IICA’s Associate Deputy Director General, Director for the Northern Region, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Representative in the United States served as part of the Organization of American States (OAS) delegation that visited Haiti January 27 to January 29.

“Haiti’s suffrage is beyond words,” said Hatch. “The will of the Haitian people to rebuild their country and survive is heart felt and real.”   He continued, “We must all continue to support and help Haiti through this very painful process.”

During the few days, Hatch met with senior officials of the Haitian government and IICA officials who have been working closely with the Minister of Agriculture of Haiti to prioritize actions.   A rapid assessment of the damages to the rural and agricultural sectors under the coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture and with other partners has been completed and these results have been shared with the Ministry and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).  Collaborative efforts have already begun.

To date, IICA has identified 14 specific projects in consultation with the Haitian Minister of Agriculture and the Dominican Republic Minister of Agriculture. These projects will expand current successful projects (e.g. $30 million to expand Pro-Huerta), focus on job creation, promote rural development to support migration of some 1.5 million people to the rural sector, and create the foundation for sustainable agriculture over the long term in order to reduce poverty and increase food security.        

Funds are being sought to implement these projects through in depth discussions with high level officials in key organizations in Washington, DC, Canada and Europe during the month of February.

In the coming weeks, the Institute plans to analyze the implications of the significant urban to rural migration and determine steps to address rural development imperatives through specific projects (e.g. creating employment opportunities through agriculture).  

A meeting with donors to request acceleration of approval procedures is also scheduled for the coming week.


Pictures in Haiti

More pictures can be seen on the OAS website

     
Transportation provided by the Dominican Republic Army               Destruction of the Notre Dame Cathedral downtown


     
Typical street scene in Haiti                                                       PADF Operations