Survey report on losses of Public Law 480 Title II commodities in Haiti during the political transition period September 15, 1994 to January 13, 1995

480 Title II Food Program in Haiti. Audit report covers the period of political transition from 10/15/94 to 1/13/95. Because the normal P.L. 480 Title II control system was unable to provide sufficient security over commodity distribution at a time when civil authority was lacking, the program suffered substantial losses due to theft. These losses, which totalled 2.7 MTs of commodities valued at $1.1 million (about 16% of the program total), occurred primarily at over 700 feeding centers, but there were also some break-ins of cooperating sponsor warehouses and some delivery truck robberies. Although civil unrest has subsided and general stability has returned as of January 13, 1995, the situation remains somewhat volatile and uncertain. Since the normal P.L. 480 Title II control cannot be relied upon to curb commodity losses should civil unrest intensify, management should investigate the extent and causes of past commodity losses as a basis for developing additional security measures, which should include monthly monitoring of commodity supplies. The current control system is well-designed and operating as intended in the current period of relative stability; warehouse procedures are very good, and a sample of feeding centers indicated that centers were well-run. Management officials at the cooperating sponsors were particularly complimentary of the support they have received from USAID/Haiti food officials.