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PILOT PROJECT: Gros-Morne

In Spring 2011, Hens for Haiti began construction of a 3,000 square foot facility on the outskirts of Gros-Morne , Haiti.  This pilot project was in partnership with the Kembe Foundation, the Clinton Global Initiative, Catholic Relief Services, and the local Caritas.  The egg laying facility was designed to accomodate 1,500 hens, producing on average, 1,250 eggs per day - 15% of the local demand.  A year later, in Spring 2012, hens arrived at the facility and the operation was underway.  Word of a convenient, affordable, and fresh protein source spread quickly through the town and business grew.  Groups of women formed cooperatives to buy eggs in bulk and sell at a retail price in the market, thus creating jobs and income for local merchants.  However, the success did not come without challenges.  The operation faced increased feed prices, illness in the flock, low water supply, and management instability.  Caritas continues to tackle these obstacles and search for sustainable solutions.  

 

In March 2017, Caritas Gros-Morne decided it was time to make a second go at the poulaye facility, keeping in mind past challenges and moving forward with new approaches.  The  newly appointed manager, trained local agronomist and veterinarian, hopes that a deeper water source, locally grown and processed chicken feed, and increased commitment to financial management and oversight will solve the issues faced in the past.  Hens for Haiti is supportive of re-igniting the egg-laying facility in Gros-Morne and has contributed $5,000 in grants towards the effort so far.  Caritas Gros-Morne also obtained financial and technical support from Food for the Poor, Allegheny Franciscan Sisters, Mercy Focus, and Haiti Water.  Hens for Haiti hopes that the Gros-Morne Caritas Poulaye will once again be an inspiration to the community and an example for duplicated projects.  

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August 2018 UPDATE:

Great strides have been made to refurbish this large poultry facility in Gros-Morne.  Two structures were completed to house a solar-powered small grain mill and mixer as well as bulk storage for feed ingredients such as corn.  Access to water has also been improved on the property. Thanks to Haiti Water, two wells were dug and pumps installed to supply water to the chickens.  The remaining work to be done includes piping the water to give the chickens free access inside the housing structure, building a security fence to enclose the two newly constructed structures, and securing the purchase of new hens!  Stay tuned as progress continues to develop. 

 

 

PARTNER PROJECTS

Galette-Chambon "Poulettes for Progress"

Winner of the 2015 H4H Sustainable Agriculture Matching Grant, Poulettes for Progress started small with the intention of scaling up once things took off.  

Beaudachita "Highfield's Hens"

One of two groups selected for the 2017 H4H Matching Grant, Highfield's Hens was able to complete a poultry facility on the side of a mountain!  After proving a successful start, this group was awarded a second matching grant in 2018 to expand their poultry flock. The program is running well and anticipating branching into onsite feed production to help decrease operational costs. 

Scagitech "Truvapoulaye"

This Haitian-led group was awarded a 2018 Matching Grant from Hens for Haiti. Through this grant and other funding, the group was able to construct an 800-layer facility on a large plot of farm land in beautiful, Trou-du-Nord. The group is awaiting investment from local leaders to fill the house with hens and begin egg production!

Scagitech Team.JPG
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