Integration of Grasses in Small Holder Farming Systems
Most of rural Haiti is inhabited by agricultural smallholders (small scale independent farmers). These farmers make a living farming slopes, often steep and at high risk for erosion. These slopes are largely unprotected making the farming of seasonal or annual crops on unprotected slopes a major cause of erosion, a serious problem in farming communities. Eroded slopes are less viable growing locations for crops, and therefore produce less output.
In response, we are incorporating perennial grasses into terracing systems, grass waterway linked to grazing in agricultural areas where open range grazing is forbidden, and as controlled feedstock in cut and carry operations.
Due to the wide spacing of trees that are grown, trees do not stop erosion in early growth and only do so once canopies have fully developed. Perennial grasses can be grown together with trees, particularly coppicing trees that are integrated into short rotation farm forests and woodlots including sustainable charcoal production. This program fits with the Haitian Agricultural Ministry interests.
Planting grasses as contours on eroded farmlands