The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved a US$50 million grant for the second installment of the Haiti - Resilient Landscape Project. This project adopts a comprehensive multisector landscape approach, integrating agriculture, environment, and water management to ensure sustainable food security and create job opportunities.

Haiti is confronting critical food security and nutrition-related challenges, intensified by various factors. As a result, many households have had to reduce dietary diversity due to declining incomes and rising food prices. To tackle these pressing issues, the project aims to enhance the resilience of productive landscapes by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, conserving natural resources, improving water management systems, and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Specifically, it will foster the creation of integrated policies and action plans and implement the Master Plan for Resilient Productive Landscapes led by the Ministries of the Agriculture and Environment.

The project will also fund investments and innovations across the value chain, from input production to processing and marketing, improving market access and creating jobs. It will support Haiti's long-term goal of enhancing agricultural productivity, climate resilience of agri-food systems, and natural resource management in selected landscapes.

"Haiti is experiencing one of the most challenging periods in recent history which has severely impacted the environment, agricultural, food security and nutrition", said Anne-Lucie Lefebvre, World Bank Country Manager for Haiti. "Through this grant, the World Bank supports the government's priorities to strengthen infrastructure, protect the environment, and support local communities thereby improving resilience to climate risks, food security, and creating jobs."

Small farmers and communities in the Nippes and the Region des Palmes will directly benefit from the initiative, gaining access to improved input, services, and knowledge essential for implementing climate-smart and nutrition-sensitive agriculture. The project will also support key actors in the agriculture value chains, including services providers, input suppliers, technology providers, buyers, processors, and retailers. Given that women constitute 70 percent of the agriculture workers but have limited land ownership, the project will provide special support to women to enhance their participation and benefits.

The project is financed through the International Development Association, the arm of the World Bank Group which supports low-income countries and small island economies. IDA's grants and low-interest financing helps countries invest in their futures, improve lives, and create safer, more prosperous communities around the world.

Source - https://www.miragenews.com