The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with Kansas State University (KSU), is making a significant stride in Haiti's agricultural sector with the launch of the third Agricultural Technology Park at Campus Henry Christophe in Limonade (CHCL). This initiative is part of the Haiti Agricultural University Partnership Activity (HAUP), supported by USAID's Feed the Future Initiative.
HAUP aims to enhance Haitian institutions' capabilities in research, education, and extension services, benefitting rural communities. CHCL, a state university with a rich agricultural history in the northern region, will bolster its educational and research roles in agriculture through this partnership.
The Agricultural Technology Park at CHCL will serve as a hub of climate-smart agriculture, showcasing innovative technologies and strategies. By adopting these practices, local farmers can improve crop cultivation sustainably, leading to increased income and a more resilient agricultural sector.
One of six agricultural parks in Haiti, CHCL will also function as a training center, offering applied research opportunities to undergraduate students. Local farmers will gain valuable insights into boosting agricultural productivity and refining farming techniques.
USAID/Haiti's Economic Growth and Agriculture Development office Director Michelle Jennings emphasized the importance of engaging youth and enhancing the agricultural sector's resilience. The interventions introduced through HAUP will be integrated into research and extension efforts, positively impacting farmers' know-how and productivity across the nation.
Vara Prasad, director of the Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab at KSU, expressed gratitude for USAID/Haiti's funding, allowing for partnerships with Haitian universities to showcase cutting-edge production technologies.
This partnership show USAID's commitment to fostering a stable and economically viable Haiti. The assistance provided focuses on long-term reconstruction and development, promoting economic growth, improving healthcare and education services, and enhancing the effectiveness of the government.
The Agricultural Technology Park at CHCL empowers local farmers, researchers, and students, promoting sustainable development and a brighter future for Haitian agriculture. It represents hope for the nation's agricultural community.
Photo Credit: istock-ekkasit919
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