Only 8 percent of the USD28 million sought by the United Nations to support Haiti’s immediate agricultural needs has been funded, Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Jacques Diouf told participants of a high-level meeting of donors in Rome.
“At a time when Haiti is facing a major food crisis we are alarmed at the lack of support to the agricultural component of the Flash Appeal,” said Diouf, noting that Haiti’s farming season begins in March. This season accounts for more than 60 percent of Haiti’s food production, he added.
Diouf also emphasized that sustainable growth in Haiti requires long-term international support for the country’s agriculture sector.
The FAO chief, along with International Fund for Agricultural Development President Kanayo Nwanze and World Food Program Executive Director Josette Sheeran, will spearhead a task force to help the Haitian government draft and implement a long-term food security strategy, which will integrate agricultural production and social safety nets.
Ma. Rizza Leonzon contributed to this report.
