Reafforestation instead of solar cookers – soil protection through agricultural extension services

Haiti is one of the world’s poorest countries. Over half of the population earn their living as small farmers in mountain villages, where fuelwood and charcoal provide over 70% of their energy needs. Forest stands are decimated by uncontrolled logging, and the consequences are disastrous: rainwater washes away the fertile humus layer and with it the farmers’ livelihoods.

Despite a variety of promotional programmes, solar energy has not managed to replace fuelwood for cooking purposes: solar cookers are too expensive, they are of limited use in the mornings and evenings – the main mealtimes, and they are unsuited for the preparation of many staple foods. So traditional cooking stoves have to stay. But how can the farmers get fuelwood without destroying the environment? Working together with the local population, MISEREOR’s partner organisations came up with a solution: the farmers plant tree gardens on terraces. Around their small fields, on which they grow manioc, maize and beans, the farmers now plant fruit trees and trees that yield animal feed, firewood and wood for building. The trees prevent erosion and enhance soil fertility. The farmers can increase their yields and grow a greater variety of crops; they improve their diets and earn money by selling their produce – and they are protecting the environment.