Low emissions development in the agricultural sector can mitigate climate change and is particularly important in countries such as Haiti whose economies largely depend on agriculture. Haiti has experienced frequent natural disasters, environmental degradation, and low economic development, all of which leave the country highly vulnerable to climate change. In 2015, the Feed the Future initiative launched the Chanji Lavi Plante project aimed at stabilizing hillside erosion in watersheds, boosting agricultural productivity, and improving farmers’ access to markets and finance in three different parts of Haiti. Agricultural practices supported by this project are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emission intensity (i.e. per unit of output) for plantains (-53%), maize (-47%), rice (-44%), beans (-50%), and mango (-35%). Several actions and good practices highlighted below, and profiled in this case study, were implemented as part of the Chanji Lavi Plante project.
- A holistic landscape approach that addresses hillside stabilization and sustainable hillside agricultural practices together can reverse land degradation.
- Investing in social institutions and structuring incentives to reduce free-riding behavior are important components of collective management of open resources.
- Promoting agricultural practices that increase farmer revenues while providing ecosystem services supports sustained positive outcomes.