Planning and implementing sustainable agroforestry projects with local participation : lessons learned from the Haiti agroforestry outreach project -- a project report

However, one tree planting project, the Agroforestry Outreach Project, appears to be successful in mobilizing small farmers to plant trees for profit. This project is often cited as one of the few large-scale agroforestry projects worldwide which has been (and still is being) implemented successfully. This study analyzes the design and implementation features leading to this "success." Using a criteria of success which includes the concepts of farmer participation and project continuity after external funding stops, it concludes that the project, while not completely successful, is a partial multidimensional success. Chapter I of the study summarizes Haiti"s current dire situation and outlines the major factors leading to ongoing deforestation. Chapter II looks at past forestation activities, while Chapter III describes the overall framework of the project and its preliminary results. Chapter IV outlines the major feature of the project"s new approach, which is characterized as a hybrid of the conventional blueprint and the newer learning process approach. It then contrasts the different implementation approaches of the lead agencies, CARE and the Pan American Development Foundation, together with their major accomplishments and problems. Chapters V and VI identify a conceptual framework of the main elements needed to achieve full participation and sustainability and contrast it with the actual Project results achieved so far. A final section highlights lessons learned to assist the Government of Haiti or national and international organizations to plan and implement sustainable agroforestry projects which offer small farmers a real chance to participate in the solution of Haiti"s environmental and development-related problems. (Author abstract, modified)