The Lambi Fund of Haiti

Fall 2009 Newsletter — Contents

Fall 2009 Newsletter - PDF file

Pumping Their Way to Prosperity

The Story of MOPDAD

MOPDAD, a community-based organization from the town of Delann in the Artibonite region of Haiti, was formed in 2000 to improve agriculture in the area. The goals of the organization were straightforward — they wanted to increase crop production and localize grain milling.

With the help of the Lambi Fund, MOPDAD (in English, Peasant Movement for the Agricultural Development of Delann) was able to purchase two mobile irrigation pumps.

These pumps have allowed members of the organization to quadruple their crop production and cultivate crops in three seasons. As a result of their success with staple crops — particularly corn — they have now been able to introduce a range of new vegetables and diversify production. This is not only good for the local diet, it also provides greater security to MOPDAD in the event of a poor corn harvest.

Recently, the Lambi Fund suggested that MOPDAD purchase a third irrigation pump to further increase production. MOPDAD explained that they didn't need it at the time because the rainy season was coming.

They suggested instead that they use the funds for a farmer's credit fund so that community farmers could borrow funds and invest in their farms. The profits from this fund will buy another irrigation pump after the rainy season is over.

"This story demonstrates the success of the methodology of collective decision making," said Lambi Fund's Project Director Ferry Pierre-Charles. "If you were less responsive to the needs of the community, then you would say, 'we have money for a pump, so a pump we will buy.'"

"We sat with them to discuss the strategy, listened to their suggestions, and had the best possible outcome."

These mobile irrigation pumps have improved both food security and incomes for MOPDAD and their community.

Now MOPDAD, is working with the Lambi Fund to take the next step in agricultural production. When the planters harvest their crops, the women have to travel long distances to get the corn processed because there are no mills in the area. They have to travel to Dezam, Lachapèl, Ti Rivyè, and other neighboring towns to get their grain milled. Because there is no reliable public transportation, they usually have to travel by foot. They also have to pay between 8-9 gourdes (roughly $0.50) to have the grain milled.

This situation diminishes the benefits of MOPDAD's crop production, by making the critical step of milling slow and inefficient. This prompted members of the organization to submit a proposal to the Lambi Fund for the construction of a grain mill for the area.

The experience of the organization in collective project management, particularly with the irrigation pumps and a credit fund, has helped build their capacity to manage projects.

Because they have demonstrated reliable project execution, the Lambi Fund has agreed to fund the construction of a corn and millet mill for MOPDAD, which will greatly improve the efficiency of its operations.