Building a Future for Haiti: Agriculture, Technology, and Sustainable Development

By Camilla Fumagalli

Haiti is a country with a rich history and culture, but it also faces numerous social development challenges, including poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare and, above all, limited economic opportunities. However, with the development and diffusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI), there is a growing potential of technology to drive positive changes and improve the lives of people in Haiti.

Source: Pexel

The agricultural sector: core of Haiti’s economy

Agriculture remains the main sector of Haiti’s economy, with approximately half of the workforce employed and accounting for about 25% of national GDP. Despite this crucial role, Haiti’s agricultural sector faces systemic challenges. The majority of farmers operates on a subsistence level, with limited access to modern tools, technologies, and markets. These limitations contribute to low-income levels and undermine the potential to generate sustainable livelihoods.

Environmental degradation intensifies these issues, leaving communities more exposed to natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. In fact, nearly half of Haiti’s population is affected by food insecurity, highlighting the critical need for sustainable agricultural development, rural investment, and a better access to the markets.

Digital Transformation and Sustainability

In addition to traditional sectors, Haiti’s digital landscape is starting to show growth and development trends. In 2023, the country counted 4.53 million internet users, reflecting a rising digital awareness and opportunities for change. It is estimated that, between 2023 and 2028, the tech sector could see an expansion of $3.7 billion, providing a substantial boost to the economy. A very positive aspect is Haiti’s dynamic, flexible and young population. By teaching digital skills and supporting e-commerce, Haiti can help local businesses to reach customers in the global market, create more job opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship and be independent from the traditional economic sectors. 

Digital transformation also helps to create a culture that uses data to take better decisions for policies and businesses based on local and relevant insights. Teaching young people to use digital skills not only improves productivity and efficiency but also contributes to the diffusion of benefits coming from economic growth.

Sustainability is one of the key points of Haiti’s future. Renewable energy, mainly solar and wind, can be presented as an opportunity to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuel for power generation. Encouraging the use of clean energy allows Haiti to fight against climate change, reduce electricity costs and create new opportunities for new jobs and industries in green technology sector.

Strengthening rural communities through the access to digital tools and reliable energy is very important. It supports smarter farming practices, it improves education and healthcare services, and it increases the capacity to handle natural emergences or bad weather conditions. This kind of support is essential for helping communities with economic and environmental challenges.

In conclusion, Haiti stands at a crucial moment. Even if the country faces serious challenges, including climate vulnerability, food insecurity and low agricultural productivity, it also holds a big potential. The potential lies in the population composed by many youths, digital growth and the promise of sustainable development. The focus on digital innovation, modern agriculture and renewable energy offers a strong opportunity for Haiti’s progress. These investments could help build an inclusive economy and in the meanwhile increasing resilience to the different challenges. The strategic initiatives go beyond the immediate needs, they also empower communities, boost economic growth and build the groundwork for lasting stability.  

Sources:

·       International Finance Corporation (IFC), https://www.ifc.org/en/home 

·       United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), https://www.fao.org/countryprofiles/index/en/?iso3=HTI 

·       The World Bank, The World Bank in Haiti, https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/haiti/overview 

·       International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), IFAD projects in Haiti, https://www.ifad.org/en/w/countries/haiti