IDB approves $38.7 million grant to strengthen agriculture and food security in northern Haiti

The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $38.7 million grant from the IDB Grant Facility to improve food security in the North and North-East departments of Haiti, according to a press release. The financing will fund the Program for Sustainable Agricultural Productivity in the North and North-East. It aims to expand sustainable access to irrigation, promote climate-resilient agricultural technologies, and strengthen agrifood producer organizations and small businesses.

The program targets rural areas of the North and North-East departments, where food availability and access remain pressing concerns. It was designed to address both dimensions of food security through investments in production, technology, and enterprise support. Environmental and social management measures are embedded in the operation. Climate-resilience considerations also form part of its foundation. Actions to promote the participation of women and young people are included as well.

Approximately 7,800 smallholder farmers are expected to benefit through improved irrigation, technology adoption, and technical assistance. The initiative will also support 155 micro, small, and medium-sized agrifood enterprises (MSMEs) and producer organizations. Support will be delivered through business development services and matching grants. Technical and vocational training opportunities for rural youth will be expanded under the program. These measures aim to strengthen agricultural production and rural livelihoods.

Project preparation was informed by broad consultations across the target area. More than 1,000 farmers participated in the process. Additional input came from more than 400 value chain operators and 340 MSMEs. Farmers’ associations, community members, local authorities, and civil society organizations also contributed. The consultations helped shape the program’s design and priorities.

The IDB program is expected to be complemented by $9.2 million in parallel cofinancing from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This brings total financing to $47.9 million. Through these combined investments, the program seeks to foster more sustainable and adaptive rural development. It also aims to enhance resilience to climate-related challenges in northern Haiti. The operation reinforces broader efforts to secure rural livelihoods across the region.