Take a look at Haiti, for example. For years, Haiti has been caught in the crosshairs of political instability and environmental degradation–two massive threats to food security. The landscape in Haiti is also often hilly and barren, making it difficult to grow crops on a farm. In many parts of the country, the lack of trees leaves room for rain and natural disasters to strip the soil of essential nutrients. These environmental challenges are multiplied by Haiti’s political instability. National unrest, intimidating gangs, and mismanagement of relief efforts have weakened the efficacy of humanitarian aid. Even when promising changes are made, the rural farmers who make up 80% of Haiti’s population are often the last to see the benefits—if they see the benefits at all. It’s no wonder that the poverty and hunger rates are so high. As of 2024, over 36% of Haitians are living in extreme poverty, and 50% of Haitians are undernourished.
However, at Plant With Purpose, we hear stories of hope coming from Haiti! That’s because one of the most powerful weapons against hunger and poverty happens to be our specialty: trees.
When farmers practice agroforestry by growing trees on their land integrated with their crops, the trees provide environmental and economic benefits that boost food security. For example, trees are very effective at improving the health of the soil. Their complex root systems bind the soil, prevent erosion, and help turn dry or flood-prone land into fertile ground for a thriving farm. Trees are also great tools for biodiversity, providing new habitats and food sources for local animals. Trees even help mitigate the effects of climate change! They absorb carbon dioxide, improve the air quality, and provide food during droughts and floods that often lead to food shortages. Agroforestry, alongside other regenerative farming practices, can greatly improve soil quality and crop production.
Trees are also economic assets for rural farmers. Farmers can use their trees to harvest additional fruit, sell timber, or even produce fodder for livestock. A farm that is rich with trees will give farmers multiple revenue streams, empowering them to be food secure when times get tough.
The key to agroforestry’s success is planting the right trees. Native trees are already adapted to local conditions and are highly equipped to thrive on a farm and support local wildlife. In some cases even non-native trees can become “naturalized”, meaning they thrive in their new environment and compete as well as their native neighbors. This is why our partners are incredibly selective about the tree species they use for reforestation projects, and our trainings emphasize the critical role that native trees play in protecting a community. In fact, our environmental curriculum, Seeds of Change, encourages participants to plant native trees as often as possible. By prioritizing native trees, we can ensure that the trees we plant will thrive in the local environment, support local wildlife, and benefit local communities.
Agroforestry is already working in Haiti. Our latest Impact Report shows a 1019% increase in tree planting by our participating farmers in Haiti! This translates to an average of 81 trees planted per farmer in the past year, compared to just 7 for the comparison group. And because of our emphasis on native trees, 81% of Plant With Purpose participants plant native trees, compared to 40% of nonparticipants!
This success is more than just statistics. Real people who participate in our programs are saving money, growing food, and reaping the benefits of agroforestry in their families and communities. Farmers like Messoyel are able to provide for their children. He says, “I myself love to see when my children say ‘daddy, I have a problem,’ and I am able to reach into my pocket and say ‘here my child, I can help.’” Other farmers like Nathalie are empowered to be leaders in their community. She says, “My role is to encourage everybody, mostly the women, to learn and work together to improve their conditions of life.”
Both stories and statistics are evidence that poverty is a condition, not a fate. Though Haiti has more than its share of challenges, planting the right trees can be key to keeping food on the table. The best thing about agroforestry is, it doesn’t require any resources that rural communities don’t already have! When local people plant local trees, rural farmers can access food security and create better lives for themselves and their families.
