A joint initiative by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) is helping strengthen Haiti’s cocoa and breadfruit value chains while creating sustainable employment opportunities and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
A high-level delegation recently visited the Grand’Anse region to review progress made through the PROFIT and SAMS projects, which focus on building resilient agricultural industries, improving food security, and supporting rural communities.
The projects are supported by Norway, France, and Switzerland, and implemented in partnership with Haitian authorities and local organisations. Their goal is to develop inclusive agricultural value chains that generate decent jobs, increase farmer incomes, and strengthen local economies.
The cocoa and breadfruit sectors have been identified as having strong potential for sustainable growth. Haitian cocoa is recognised for its quality and unique flavours, creating opportunities in specialised international markets, including fair trade. Breadfruit, meanwhile, offers opportunities to improve food security, expand local processing, and provide additional income sources for rural households.
Through the PROFIT project, investments have been made in agricultural infrastructure and farmer support systems. These include the construction of a cocoa fermentation facility with a capacity of 250 tonnes per year and four breadfruit processing centres capable of handling 100 tonnes per month.
The initiative has contributed to the creation of around 2,000 direct and indirect jobs while supporting thousands of farmers through training, market access, and improved production methods. More than 10,000 producers have been registered on a logistics platform designed to improve coordination and access to services.
The project has also strengthened local food systems by supporting breadfruit processing and supplying locally produced food for school meal programmes. More than 6,700 producers have benefited from WFP local procurement initiatives, representing significant investment in rural communities.
Training programmes have helped farmers improve skills in agroecology, post-harvest management, climate resilience, financial planning, and commercial practices. Thousands of farmers have also received seeds, seedlings, and other agricultural support to increase productivity.
The initiative has delivered wider community benefits, including the reconstruction of the Chambellan public market, improvements to rural transport infrastructure, and support for agricultural service providers and small businesses.
Officials involved in the programme highlighted the importance of collaboration between governments, international organisations, private companies, and farmer groups. This coordinated approach has helped adapt support to local needs and improve services available to agricultural producers.
The development of cocoa and breadfruit value chains demonstrates the potential of agriculture to support economic growth and stability in Haiti. By investing in local production, sustainable jobs, and stronger rural economies, the PROFIT and SAMS projects are helping communities build greater resilience and long-term opportunities.
