USAID/OFDA Haiti One-Year Agriculture and Food Security Overview

Initial assessments suggested that seed aid was necessary to support farmers, but a Seed System Security Assessment (SSSA) conducted by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in May and June 2010 revealed that acute seed security issues were minimal. The assessment found that farmers were able to access seeds from various sources, and despite a significant influx of seed aid, only 4% of all seeds planted were relief seeds. The SSSA identified several factors contributing to reduced planting, including financial constraints, land tenure concerns, routine health problems, and ongoing drought. These issues predated the earthquake and highlighted chronic problems inherent in the Haitian seed system. The assessment validated USAID's decision not to support immediate seed distributions as an emergency agricultural response in Haiti. The SSSA provides valuable insights into the Haitian seed system and can inform medium- to long-term investment in agricultural systems. The analysis and interview case numbers offer information pertinent to all seed practitioners in Haiti, not just humanitarian organizations. The assessment also enables USAID/OFDA and other humanitarian agencies to respond efficiently to future disasters in Haiti. For example, when Hurricane Tomas passed over Haiti in November 2010, the SSSA results were available to guide best practices in seed response. The SSSA's findings have significant implications for agricultural development programs in Haiti. The assessment highlights the need for medium- to long-term investment in agricultural systems, including support for farmer training, infrastructure development, and market linkage facilitation. This investment can help address chronic problems in the Haitian seed system and improve food security for farmers and their families. The SSSA's recommendations can inform USAID and other development agency programs targeting longer-term agricultural support in Haiti. The assessment's breadth of analysis and interview case numbers provide a comprehensive understanding of the Haitian seed system, enabling more effective and efficient responses to future disasters and agricultural development challenges.