Haiti is one of the most food-insecure countries in the world, in large part due to soil infertility and erosion that impede farming. University students in our agronomy internship research the use of compost to improve the soil and raise crops that are healthier, can better sustain drought, and yield larger harvests. This hands-on training will prepare them to make a lasting impact on small farmers in Haiti and provide career opportunities in a country where a good job is hard to find.
Haiti was once one of the most agriculturally productive countries in the world, but decades of deforestation and poverty have eroded and depleted the soil. As a result, although the majority of Haitians farm, they can't produce enough food to feed their families. Currently, most agriculture education focuses on methods that are neither environmentally nor economically sustainable, and there are few opportunities for hands-on training in techniques that meet the needs of small farmers.
SOIL's program is a unique effort to improve the quality of sustainable agriculture education in Haiti. Students will gain hands-on experience while conducting research on the use of compost, which is environmentally friendly and affordable. They will investigate how compost can improve the health of the soil and help Haitian farmers grow better crops, and share that research with other organizations supporting local agriculture.
Our agriculture interns will not only help SOIL perform valuable research on our compost, they'll also graduate with the skills and experiences they need to have a quantitative impact on helping small farmers grow more food. In turn, more successful farmers will improve their own livelihoods and make food more affordable and available to all Haitians.
