OREANDA-NEWS  Canada today announced $54 million in development assistance funding for projects in Haiti that will address emergency food assistance needs and long-term investments to ensure sustainability and resilience, particularly in the area of agriculture.

Canada’s additional support for the World Food Programme will respond to emergency food needs as a result of Hurricane Matthew, as well as the drought caused by El Ni?o in Haiti. Activities will include the provision of general food distribution, food- or cash-for-work programs and cash assistance to the most vulnerable families.

Canada’s contribution to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s work in Haiti will go toward emergency agricultural support and early recovery efforts. This will include the provision of immediate crop, livestock and fisheries support to hurricane-affected vulnerable households. Program activities will protect the livelihoods of vulnerable groups, such as subsistence farmers and pastoralists.

Canada’s assistance will provide three months of food assistance in support of the Hurricane Matthew emergency response in Haiti. It is expected that Canada’s contribution will help feed 8,000 people in need of assistance. This initiative is being carried out in partnership with World Renew Canada and the Foundation for International Development Assistance/productive cooperatives Haiti.

To strengthen agri-food value chains and adaptation to climate change, Canada is committing $50 million over five years. Under this call, proposed projects will contribute to enhancing the economic well-being and reducing vulnerability for rural Haitians in Artibonite, Sud and Grand’Anse. Partners are invited to submit their proposals by April 6, 2017. For more information, please visit Haiti: Strengthening agri-food value chains and adaptation to climate change.