The Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MARNDR), through the Program to Support Agricultural and Fisheries Productivity and Improve Rural Infrastructure for Market Access (PAPAIR), carried out a significant distribution of fishing equipment and supplies to several fishing associations in the Grande Anse department.

This initiative is part of the co-financing mechanism implemented in the South and Grande Anse departments, with the aim of contributing to improved food security and strengthening the livelihoods of rural populations. PAPAIR is notably funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Present at the distribution, Agronomist Marcelin Aubour, the Minister of Agriculture, took the time to speak directly with the beneficiary fishermen to gather their feedback and concerns.

Representatives of the associations expressed their satisfaction and gratitude to the Ministry for this technical and organizational support. According to their testimonies, this support is particularly important for the fishing sector in Grande Anse.

The fishermen also explained that the support received is already beginning to have an impact on their activities. They emphasized that the associations are gradually generating income that allows them not only to support their families and their children's education but also to contribute to social activities within their communities.

For his part, Marcelin Aubourg congratulated the beneficiary associations for their commitment and participation in the project's implementation. The Minister stressed that the success of this initiative also depends on the beneficiaries' willingness and involvement.

The Minister encouraged them to maintain this momentum and, above all, to take care of the equipment and materials provided to them, in order to ensure their sustainable use and allow a greater number of fishermen to benefit from them through the associations' activities.

In total, 45 fishing associations in Grand’Anse benefited from this intervention. The equipment distributed included 16 fiberglass boats, 50 15 HP outboard motors, 8 13-foot solar freezers, 50 engine maintenance kits, 100 fishing tackle kits, 5 FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices), and 165 75-liter coolers.

The donation also included safety equipment for fishermen, such as life jackets, to help improve working conditions and safety at sea.

HL/ HaitiLibre