Plant a tree in Haiti and help 155 families eat

Project Needs and Beneficiaries

Almost 1/3 of Haitians have no access to safe drinking water, resulting in disease and a high death rate for children. Haiti is described by the U.N. as one of the most degraded countries in the world. Without trees to protect the land, flooding from hurricanes destroys homes, lives, farmland and ecosystems. Our poorest neighbor in the Western Hemisphere needs an urgent plan to plant trees and provide safe water for 600 peasants in the village of Chato.

Activities

Peasants in Chato asked Lambi to help build a network of 10 water cisterns. They also want to reforest the area with 100,000 trees. They will provide the labor and, with your help, Lambi will provide construction materials, training and seedlings

Project Update

Cisterns and reforestation

Ten cisterns have been built. In the aftermath of the hurricanes which pounded on the entire country in August and September 2008, it was reported that 2 of the cisterns sustained some damage. Funding received for Hurricane relief was used to repair damaged cisterns.

Reforestation

Chato’s reforestation efforts are in full operation. About 50,000 fruit and forest tree seedlings were produced during the second phase, however Chato reported losses of seedlings to the hurricane season. The hurricanes caused many delays in replanting schedules, however farmers have resumed their activities. They have planted young trees and have begun the production of 35,000 seedlings. About 13,000 seedlings prepared for reforestation have been planted. Members of the organization have convened collective workgroups called ‘Konbits” to plant those seedlings in areas impacted by the hurricanes. They have also met with members of neighboring communities to discuss the containment of goats known to “graze” on young trees.

Project Impact:

The cisterns brought great relief to the community of Chato. Children and more particularly girls from Chato no longer have to walk miles to the nearest water source and can now go to school on a regular basis. Sustainable reforestation will have an impact on the environment and will help peasants earn a living through the sale of fruits at local markets. Joseph Clervil, Chato resident stresses that they have learned more than planting trees “We understand through our experience that we must engage our neighboring villagers to reforest as well.” He adds that they have proceeded to share with neighbors information and knowledge acquired from Lambi Fund’s sustainable reforestation workshops.

Project Update In the first phase of the project, peasant organization AFKB, produced 60,000 seedlings. About 2/3 or 40,000 seedlings planted as young trees survived! The second seedling production phase was launched in September 2007, members of the organization worked together to produce 36,000 seedlings. Seedling production includes the preparation of 36,000 bags with soil, organic fertilizers and seeds. In these efforts seedlings for 23,000 fruit trees and 13,000 forest trees were prepared. Of the 36,000 seedlings prepared, 29,365 young trees were distributed to AFKB members and replanted in areas where they would be protected. What remains to be done: • Project Evaluation • Production of 30,000 more seedlings for a total of 120,000 seedlings Project Impact The residents of Bayone benefit from this project, as it helps stabilize the soil of an eroded mountain side. The project’s impact transcends the reforestation effort as it also strengthens AFKB’s ability to manage a project and address unanticipated problems. A stronger organization means that members will be better prepared to address issues and implement activities that will benefit the entire community.

• Global Giving-1516- Plant a tree, help 155 families eat.doc (DOC)

Activities If we provide 120,000 saplings, supplies and training for the 155 members of the peasant organization AKFB in Haiti, they will reforest the land and once again provide a sustainable income for their families through farming.

The project’s specific objectives are:

• Produce 120,000 seedlings including fruit trees and native species • Increase members' knowledge of seedling production and reforestation • Sensitize the AKFB members on the causes and consequences of environmental degradation • Promote the practice of sustainable agriculture and engage AKFB members, residents of Bayone and surrounding area in the practice sustainable farming. Accomplishments:

AKFB in partnership with the Lambi Fund has accomplished the following:

• Workshops: Lambi Fund conducted a 5 day seminar for 30 AKFB members. The workshop included subjects such as: Greenhouse construction and maintenance, seedling selection, preparation, distribution and replanting, soil conservation, sustainable agriculture tree planting, reforestation, agro forestry.

• Consultant: A local agronomist was retained to consult with the organization

• Greenhouses: Two greenhouses have been constructed

• Seedling Production: 60,000 seedlings have been produced and planted

• Monitoring: A committee was created to oversee the planting and the maintenance of young trees

What remains to be done:

• Assessment of first tree planting effort successes, failures and lessons learned • Production and planting of 60,000 seedlings • Monitoring and assessment of the project