Haiti: CBOs, pillars of community resilience in the face of crises

On October 2, 2025, the French Ambassador to Haiti visited the PAD Nord IV / Agriter III project activities in the commune of Bas-Limbé, in the north of the country. This visit, organized in the town of Corail, highlighted the central role of Grassroots Community Organizations (OCB)* in local development and the ability of residents to cope with difficulties.

A sustainable development model driven by rural communities

As the country goes through a period of crisis, these local organizations are getting organized and taking charge of their future. Through powerful testimonials, representatives from seven agroecological production areas shared the concrete transformations that have taken place in their territories: agricultural developments to combat erosion, reforestation, adoption of agroecological and agroforestry practices, improved productivity, and income diversification. 

CBOs are not simply beneficiaries of development aid: they have become major agents of change. They manage agricultural product processing units (rice, corn, peanuts, cassava, cocoa, etc.), input shops, animal health and advisory services, and even drinking water access systems. Their daily commitment structures local supply chains and strengthens the autonomy of rural families. 

Beyond economic results, these organizations play an essential role in raising awareness among populations, particularly young people, about sustainable development issues. They embody active, inclusive, and effective local governance capable of responding to environmental and social challenges in a context of institutional failure. 

This official visit confirmed that the community dynamics promoted by CBOs are an important lever for building resilience in Haiti. The partnership between Agrisud, Gradimirh, and local actors shows that targeted technical and human support can strengthen local capacities and promote endogenous development, driven by the communities themselves. 

* « Community-based organizations (CBOs) are grassroots organizations that are independent of the state. Risks, costs, and benefits are shared among members, and leaders or managers are accountable to members. Most are nonprofit, but some operate as cooperative businesses." Definition by Mitlin (1998: 91)  

[FOCUS] Agroecological transition & Strengthening local supply chains in Haiti 

This visit by the French Ambassador to Haiti took place as part of the PAD Nord project, co-financed by AFD through the Agriter III program.  

Some key figures: 

• 572 family farms supported 
• 22 para-agricultural service units supported 
• 16 grassroots community organizations strengthened 
• 200 hectares restored through agroforestry practices 
• 1,500 people, including 900 young people, made aware of sustainable development issues. 

Find out more about the PAD North IV project and the Agriter III Program