Haiti: Social infrastructures & capacity building for vetiver farmers

Supporting a cooperative of vetiver growers and their families.

Farmers in three villages near Les Cayes, South Haiti, have formed a cooperative to cultivate vetiver roots. We have supported this community for years through various initiatives.

Haiti: Supporting vetiver growers

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, which sells purified water at low prices and uses profits 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. In 2020, women were trained in vegetable cultivation and composting, establishing a plant nursery for seedlings, with agronomist support for care and harvesting.

Haiti garden lady

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

Since 2021, the Givaudan Foundation has been helping vetiver farmers in Haiti by promoting sustainable soil management to combat erosion, particularly in hilly areas. The project, involving over 300 cooperative members, aims to enhance agricultural practices and improve livelihoods. Currently, it focuses on strengthening the cooperative's organizational and technical capacities, supporting conservation practices across 30 hectares, and diversifying income sources.

Starting in 2024, we will also support projects to improve educational conditions in two elementary schools, providing repairs and solar panels for interactive digital tools, and assisting teachers in their use while ensuring access to drinking water.