AgriNatif: Haitian Farmers Revive Traditional Practices for a New Farming Future
Local farmers in Haiti are becoming leaders of a movement which could bring back old farming methods to restore the nation’s healthy soil.
AgriNatif is an initiative of Grown in Haiti, an organization which aims to reconnect local farmers with the traditional techniques of their elders. This grassroots approach ensures that the practices that the initiative promotes to local leaders are culturally relevant. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern regenerative techniques, AgriNatif’s mission is to empower local communities to learn new skills and take charge of their own agricultural and ecological future.
By integrating cultural insights with cutting-edge agri-science, AgriNatif addresses the demands of a global food system under the strain of climate change while respecting Haiti’s holistic philosophy around the roles that land, water, air, and all living things play.
Employing a blend of permaculture and syntropic farming, AgriNatif mimics natural forest cycles to cultivate diverse plant systems, which include long-term trees, short-term trees, and annuals. This dynamic system significantly reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers, irrigation, and fossil fuels while being adaptable to various environmental conditions, thus fortifying food systems against climate change.
This blend of farming techniques, which AgriNatif calls ‘islands of abundance’, adds a rich layer to local ancient farming practices by using circular planting patterns to enhance pollination, pest control, and soil structure. This approach has reportedly transformed degraded land into vibrant ecosystems, boosting soil fertility, increasing biodiversity by enriching soil health and capturing carbon. And by empowering local farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to sustain these practices, the team creates a ripple effect of positive environmental impact.
AgriNatif is about creating a harmonious blend of old and new, reconnecting Haitian people to their food sources and to the land itself. Its education programs and continuous training aim to empower communities to sustain their own regenerative practices, and foster a sense of ownership and pride in their native skills. Building a long-term commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable agriculture is the vision.
Over the past 10 years, AgriNatif states they have seen significant environmental impact and community transformation in Haiti. They have established and managed multiple regenerative food systems in the community of Cap Rouge, witnessing firsthand the transformative effects on both the land and the people. The clear evidence of healthier soils, increased biodiversity, and more resilient ecosystems have become powerful motivators for local actors to join the movement, driving others to adopt and sustain these practices and fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.
Learn more about AgriNatif.
Written by Gilly Smith
Photos provided by AgriNatif
