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Policy Lessons From History And Natural Resource Projects In Rural Haiti

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  • White, Thomas A.

Abstract

The rural population of Haiti is sinking ever deeper into poverty and misery in parallel with the rapid degradation of its agricultural and forest lands. With essentially no remaining agricultural frontier, no significant value-added products and markets, and very few off-farm employment opportunities, many view emigration as their only hope. This downward spiral of welfare results mostly from taxes on rural production coupled with lack of government investments in rural infrastructure and measures. Traditional rural institutions that could contribute to development have been seen as a political threat and have been repressed. It is evident from the history of Haiti that even good projects have not made up for bad sectoral policies and repressive politics. Large amounts of aid dollars and rapid adoption of specific techniques have not been able to buy development. Though there are many examples of successful local action, alone it is not enough for rural revival. Before spending additional resources productively in rural areas, the government needs three basic reforms. 1. Reform the legal framework and administration that govern rural Haiti. 2. Reform the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development to serve peasants, encourage rural enterprises, and cooperate with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). 3. Initiate and support alternative nongovernment organizational structures (such as NGO umbrella organizations and networks) to implement policies and development programs. Once the macropolicy and institutional reforms are in place, the government needs policy and program action to: * improve basic and essential social and physical infrastructure in rural areas, * strengthen local indigenous groups to manage rural development activities, * support the development of rural microenterprises to provide opportunities for off-farm employment, and * increase peasant social and economic security through legal means and productivity enhancement.

Suggested Citation

  • White, Thomas A., 1994. "Policy Lessons From History And Natural Resource Projects In Rural Haiti," Working Papers 11892, Environmental and Natural Resources Policy Training Project.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:epatwp:11892
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.11892
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    References listed on IDEAS

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