Irrigation systems in Haiti, a cure for drought?
One of the things that I find very interesting is that the country of Haiti doesn't have a lot of irrigation systems. When you look at the current drought situation, the nation should invest in low cost methods of moving water from large lakes to the countryside.
While this one is paved in concrete, this isn't something that has to be done as many are built right into the land. These channels literally allow for water to be regulated so that it can go to farms in need.
When we look at places like La Gonave it isn't as easy. There are no large lakes that are in the countryside, or anywhere on the island. So while an irrigation system would still work, it would need to be built around reserve water wells. Wells that would not have public access could be built so that water is then forced out to specific farms. These farms would have to meet a minimum size and raise crops that the island is highly dependent on, such as rice.
These canals would be helpful as well with some livestock as farmers could have organized farms where they would then also have access to the water. With a soil based type of canal, plants like Bidens Pilosa can be planted in them to help clean the water as it passes by.
When you look at these irrigation systems, you can see that these are earth based systems that don't require an expensive amount of infrastructure. Again a series of "farm specific" wells would need to be built for the canals and a local government agency running these systems.
A farm cooperative could also be the way to get such a system going. These farms would have to have high standards and plans for proper non-chemical fertilizers. When you look at the overall benefits and how it can help with lowering food prices on the island, and be a remedy against drought, this is something that should get a closer look.
Go Gonave!
When we look at places like La Gonave it isn't as easy. There are no large lakes that are in the countryside, or anywhere on the island. So while an irrigation system would still work, it would need to be built around reserve water wells. Wells that would not have public access could be built so that water is then forced out to specific farms. These farms would have to meet a minimum size and raise crops that the island is highly dependent on, such as rice.
These canals would be helpful as well with some livestock as farmers could have organized farms where they would then also have access to the water. With a soil based type of canal, plants like Bidens Pilosa can be planted in them to help clean the water as it passes by.
When you look at these irrigation systems, you can see that these are earth based systems that don't require an expensive amount of infrastructure. Again a series of "farm specific" wells would need to be built for the canals and a local government agency running these systems.
A farm cooperative could also be the way to get such a system going. These farms would have to have high standards and plans for proper non-chemical fertilizers. When you look at the overall benefits and how it can help with lowering food prices on the island, and be a remedy against drought, this is something that should get a closer look.
Go Gonave!
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