FIG. 1. Flowchart showing the inter-institutional and operational relationships of the USAID/Haiti Agroforestry.


 Fig. 1 illustrates the operational and inter-institutional aspects
of the program. It is directed by the USAID/Haiti Office of
Agriculture and Rural Development through a small group con-
sisting of a project officer, one coordinator and one technical ad-
visor. There are four principal NGO implementing agencies:
Operation Double Harvest (ODH), which is responsible for
seedling production and research; The Pan American Develop-
ment Foundation (PADF) and CARE, both of which are tasked
with seedling distribution, outplantings and socio-economic data
gathering; and starting in 1983, the Haitian Society for Studies
and Execution of Agricultural Projects (SHEEPA), was awarded a
grant to multiply and distribute improved varieties of fruit tree
species of economic importance to Haiti. Because of the large
volume of useful data being generated by the project, a direct link
is maintained between the Ministry of Agriculture and the program
coordination unit. Also, due to the large number of ecological
zones encountered in Haiti, a project research unit is being
established to address such issues as: appropriateness of varieties for
a range of edaphic and climatic conditions, comparative returns of
tree cropping versus traditional annual cropping, soil related pro-
blems, economics of tree cropping for fuelwood and lumber, and
farmer awareness and receptivity to the program.

Operational In 1981 USAID/Haiti began an Agroforestry
program that emphasizes farmer cooperation in the planting of
valuable tree species on privately owned land with clearly defined
proprietary rights and interests. Using extension outreach, rural
Haitians are motivated and educated in tree farming. The trees
are harvested after 3-6 years for use and sale as fuelwood and
polewood. Some of the species naturally reproduce via coppicing,
and can thus provide several harvest rotations before replanting is
necessary. Also, fruit trees which will produce food and income
are propagated and planted.


302


have been carrying out reforestation projects have not been able
to muster sufficient financial and technical resources to make a
substantial impact. Working separately, the individual projects
were not coordinated with each other.
 Haiti's Ministry of Agriculture would seem to be a natural
channel for a reforestation program, but its technical and ad-
ministrative staff is already overextended. At this time the
Ministry cannot efficiently absorb and administer a large scale
reforestation program. A report written in 1977 that is still rele-
vant today stated, "There is no question concerning the genuine
sincerity, dedication, knowledge and honest concern regarding
the country's soil conservation programs on the part of the
technical staff of this unit. Yet the personnel, facilities, and
operating budget provided them ... is pitifully inadequate. An
assistance program thrust upon this unit would, under present
conditions, receive no response." (Ewel, 1977.)

 As the sponsoring organization, USAID provides financing,
technical assistance and project coordination. Implementation is
carried out through NGOs. The participating NGOs are ex-
perienced in rural Haitian development. Because they are already
operational in Haiti, start up cost and time is reduced. Because
the NGOs have a grassroots network, USAID is not overwhelmed
with the day-to-day management of details. These are handled at
a more local level that is better equipped to understand and effi-
ciently manage them. The NGOs are provided with the financial
support to carry out programs on a scale that begins to address the
large scale problems, with a minimum of administrative staff.
USAID coordinates the NGO's activities to optimize the country-
wide effect. The separate NGO operations provide models for
testing. Successful models could be incorporated into broad scale
forestry projects both within Haiti and elsewhere during the latter
half of the decade and beyond.

 PROCEEDINGS of the CARIBBEAN FOOD CROPS SOCIETY-VOL. XX


Coordination




Coordination


Research Production Distribution Distribution Extension Socio- Distribution Extension Socio-
 Economics Economics


 HAITIAN FARMERS