5 Problems That Lead to Food Insecurity in Haiti:
- LIVESTOCK: The displacement of livestock during hurricanes and severe storms. Hurricane Matthew, a category 4 hurricane, greatly affected the livestock and poultry industry in Haiti, almost eradicating all the livestock and fish in the most affected areas (WFP, n.d.). Although the poultry production in Haiti is limited, the little they have has reduced to almost nothing thus decreasing the food production available to Haitians.
- EROSION: Erosion of soil due to high rates of deforestation and droughts. Deforestation of forests in Haiti has increased with the rise in urbanization; however, with the lack of trees present, the soil has become dry and crusty due to constant droughts. The dried soil is carried by rain water and wind at a higher rate than normal (Barguot & Raizada, 2013). As soil is eroded, the nutrients and protection of agricultural soil is displaced and leaves the land infertile, reducing crop yield.
- NUTRIENTS: Agricultural soil degradation due to poor agricultural practices and extreme weather, natural disasters, has led to a reduction in agricultural production and crop yield (Barguot & Raizada, 2013). Many small-scale farmers do not use agricultural practices that prevent the depletion of nutrients and minerals in the soil and the disappearance of the topsoil. The lack of fertilizer used, and no crop rotation has led to the reduction of suitable land for agriculture in Haiti (Barguot & Raizada, 2013).
- WATER: Lack of an established and functioning irrigation system in rural areas to provide usable water, especially during the periods of droughts the nation experiences in between the rainy seasons (Barguot & Raizada, 2013). It is estimated that around half of the Haitian population does not have access to an improved water source (Sentlinger, n.d.). Without accessible water to water the crops, food production will continue to suffer in Haiti.
- TRANSPORTATION: Absence of established transportation system between urban and rural areas in Haiti has hindered the exportation of large quantities of agricultural production and crops to urban areas, as well as, the necessary materials these small-scale farmers need to increase annual crop yield (Encyclopaedia Britannica, n.d.). This hindrance due to lack of transportation is proving to worsen the issue of food insecurity in Haiti.