Haiti: Social infrastructures & capacity building for vetiver farmers
Supporting a cooperative of vetiver growers and their families.
Farmers in three villages near Les Cayes in southern Haiti have formed a cooperative to cultivate vetiver roots. We have supported this community for several years through a range of initiatives.
Enhancing access to water
In 2017, we funded a project led by women to improve access to drinking water and sanitation. A hygiene facility with showers was inaugurated in May 2018, alongside a drinking water kiosk managed by the same group. The kiosk sells purified water at low cost, with profits used for maintenance.
“The new water and sanitation facility in my village is of great importance to me. In my community we have been waiting for a project like this for a long time.”
Judith, villager
Vetiver is harvested mainly from January to June, but lower household income during the off-season can lead to nutrition issues. To combat this, vegetable gardening was introduced. From 2020 to 2022, women were trained in vegetable cultivation and composting, establishing a plant nursery for seedlings, with agronomist support for care and harvesting.
Thanks to the gardening project, I no longer have to buy my vegetables at the market. This season I managed to eat and sell a good amount of vegetables. I have already bought three hens and one rooster with the money from the sale.
Marie Eliane, beneficiary of the gardening project
Promoting anti-erosion
From 2021 to 2025, we have also been supporting vetiver farmers in Haiti by promoting sustainable soil management practices to combat erosion, particularly in hilly areas. The project, involving more than 300 cooperative members, aims to improve agricultural practices and strengthen livelihoods. It currently focuses on reinforcing the cooperative’s organisational and technical capacities, supporting conservation practices , and diversifying income sources.
School of change
As of 2024, we are supporting improvements in education by renovating classrooms, providing access to digital tools, and installing solar energy systems. The pilot phase was launched in two schools, directly benefiting around 580 students and teachers and reaching a wider community of more than 2,400 family members.
Find out more about our wellbeing projects in communities where Givaudan sources natural ingredients:
