In its latest report on the food situation in Haiti (January 2024) the World Food Program (WFP) recalls that since November 1, 2023, tensions have persisted in the commune of Mariani (commune of Carrefour), affecting trade between the department of the West and the Great South zone (departments of Nippes, South, South-East and Grand'Anse). A roadblock has been installed on the RN# 2 and supply trucks are being diverted, forcing drivers to risk their lives to transport essential goods to the Deep South.

The prices of basic necessities are increasing due to limited access to the RN# 2, which serves the Great South.

The Nippes and South departments are the most affected, with a 23% increase in the food basket (now at 26,600 gourdes for a family of five) between October 2023 and mid-January 2024. Food products such as vegetable oils have increased by 23% in the South and 66% in Nippes between December and January.

The four southern departments began to experience shortages of essential foods. 60 to 75% of tradespeople asked in the Deep South reported limited availability or unavailability of supply for the following products : red beans (75%), sugar (62%), and rice (64%).

Retailers surveyed in the 4 departments only have 8 to 10 days of stock for six essential products (rice, wheat flour, corn, beans, sugar and vegetable oil). However, the South-East department seems to withstand the shock slightly better (10 days) due to its proximity to the Dominican Republic (supplies coming from Pedernales via "Departmental Road" 112)

55,000 people have been affected by rising food prices in the Great South since the beginning of January 2024, limiting their ability to ensure their livelihood or feed themselves.

HL/ HaitiLibre