By Chris Low | Co-Founder and Executive Director
Thanks to your support, families in Matènwa continue to strengthen their ability to grow food, care for the land, and build a more secure future. This spring, we saw encouraging progress both in the fields and in the classroom as community members and students engaged in activities that support long-term food security and environmental sustainability.
Creating More Productive Farmland
The steep hillsides of La Gonâve present both opportunity and challenge for farming families. During the past several months, community members in Matènwa and neighboring areas have been hard at work creating agricultural terraces on sloped land—an important investment in the future of local food production.
Terracing is a time-intensive process. Farmers carefully dig into steep terrain and build stone retaining structures to create level planting areas. These terraces help reduce erosion, conserve valuable topsoil, improve water retention, and make it possible to cultivate land that would otherwise be difficult to farm.
For families living in a region where access to food and income can be unpredictable, these improvements are about much more than agriculture. They are investments in long-term resilience. By making hillside plots more productive, farmers can increase yields, strengthen food security, and better withstand the challenges posed by changing weather patterns and environmental degradation.
Teaching the Next Generation
At the same time, agricultural knowledge continues to be shared with the next generation. This spring, students at the Matènwa Community Learning Center participated in activities that connected classroom learning with food production and stewardship of the land.
During Haiti’s agricultural celebration in May, students planted fruit trees including mango, avocado, papaya, and tamarind. These trees will provide food, shade, and environmental benefits for years to come while helping young people develop a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture.
One of the strengths of our work has always been the connection between education and community development. Children learn about agriculture not simply from books but through hands-on experience, while families continue to strengthen their gardens and farms using practical techniques that improve productivity and sustainability.
Thank You for Making This Work Possible
The progress described here is possible because of a community that believes in investing in people, local knowledge, and sustainable solutions. Your support helps provide the tools, training, and community-based programs that enable families to care for their land, improve harvests, and build a more secure future.
Thank you for standing with the people of Matènwa as they continue this important work. Your generosity helps farmers strengthen their livelihoods today while creating opportunities for future generations.
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