Rural communities in haiti face persistent agriculture and livestock production challenges, worsened by environmental vulnerabilities and socio-economic instability

The Inter-American Foundation (IAF) awarded a $358,000 project grant under the IAF Assistance for Overseas Programs (CFDA 85.750) to Ayiti Community Trust, Inc. (ACT) on September 18, 2024. The grant supports ACT's efforts to mobilize the Haitian diaspora and other donors to invest in Haitian-led agricultural development solutions. Through small grants, capacity building, and convening, ACT is working to improve agricultural practices, strengthen market linkages, promote the inclusion of women and youth, and advance the management and administrative skills of Haitian grassroots organizations in the agricultural sector. The grant will be in effect for 3 years until September 18, 2027. ACT is matching the IAF's investment at a 2:1 ratio.

As a result, almost half of haitians are food insecure. Yet they also have a long history of organizing to lift up their communities, which represents an opportunity for the philanthropic sector. Within this context, the haitian diaspora, which channels an estimated $4.5 billion in remittances to haiti annually, has a huge role to play in advancing equitable development in haiti. The IAF supports diaspora communities, such as haitians living abroad, to contribute to grassroots development efforts in their countries of origin. IAF grantee ayiti community trust (act) mobilizes haitians, the haitian diaspora, and other committed donors to invest in haitian-led solutions. Through small grants, capacity building, and convening organizations, act is supporting haitian grassroots organizations working in the agricultural sector to improve agricultural practices, strengthen market linkages, further the inclusion of women and young people, and advance their management and administrative skills and governance. Act is matching the IAF's investment in funds to regrant to organizations at $2 for every $1 from the IAF.