Project profile — Local Development - Communes of Marmelade and Plaisance

This project helps farmers increase their income by diversifying and improving agricultural output, while conserving soil cover. The participants train new farmers and members of local committees, with the goal of increasing agricultural output, and processing and marketing agricultural products, according to communal development plans.

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Results achieved by this project, which ended in March 2012, include: the improvement of local governance and living conditions of the residents of the communes of Marmelade and Plaisance (98,000 inhabitants), through the preparation and implementation of communal development plans. Access to credit and support to farm product processing have helped increase farmers’ income and food security. A study based on a limited sample of recipients found that on average, incomes have tripled. The introduction of improved seeds, diversification of output, creation of a mini dairy and cane mills, and the launch of aviculture (32 poultry houses) and fish farming (20 tanks built and seeded) have invigorated the economy of both communes.