Four of the six grower associations we work with were devastated by Hurricane Matthew. Most people lost everything: their homes, their animals, and their crops. It will take them years to recover. Just Haiti is working with their leadership so that they can regenerate their livelihoods, and that will mean planting trees. Planting trees will ensure that the farmers we work with can continue to earn an income from coffee. Trees will also make these communities more resilient when future storms hit, because trees prevent landslides, flooding and soil erosion. Widespread deforestation in Haiti has added to the vulnerability of the island.
Thanks to your support, Just Haiti has already purchased beans, rice, cooking oil, bouillon and water for the four associations. The growers we work with have sent their thanks and are all very grateful for our support.
We hope to reserve the rest of the funds collected for coffee trees, as well as for the shade trees they need to flourish. Shade trees will be mixed use, and will include fruit trees that will also provide an income. Communities will design their own plans for replanting, and Just Haiti will provide education and training on caring for and protecting the trees.
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