Haiti

In the eye of the storm

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. It has been plagued by political unrest for most of its history and natural disasters frequently sweep the nation.

• 80 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line
• Literacy rates stand at just 52 per cent

Situated in the middle of the hurricane belt, Haiti is subject to regular and severe storms from June to October each year. The country also suffers from occasional flooding, earthquakes, and periodic droughts.

How Oxfam is helping

We seek to reduce communities' vulnerability to natural and man-made disasters through training and awareness-raising.

Case study: Being prepared in Haiti

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Read more examples of our work in Haiti:

• Development

Clubbing together for a decent wage

Two-thirds of Haiti's population depends on agriculture to make a living. One of the country's few exports is coffee. But since the collapse in world coffee prices, farmers have been selling at a loss.

Without a decent wage, many farmers aren't able to afford to buy enough food for their families or to send their children to school.

How Oxfam is helping

We help set up co-operatives that enable producers to sell their coffee at a decent price. Oxfam also trains growers in marketing methods so they can sell their speciality coffees to the international market rather than relying on middlemen who profit from the growers' labour.

Other development work

• Helping people, especially women, influence decisions made at a national level that affect their lives

Oxfam's work in Haiti in depth

Breaking news: Haiti earthquake

A major earthquake has struck Haiti just ten miles from the capital city of Port-Au-Prince. Local officials are reporting a catastrophe of major proportions.

Oxfam has long experience in Haiti, and we're rushing in teams from around the region to respond where our assistance is most needed. Our response will include providing clean water, shelter and sanitation.

Donate now and help us respond to this emergency

Hurricanes in the Caribbean – 2008

Tropical Storm Hanna hit Haiti on 4 September 2008.  This was the third storm to hit the country in three weeks, affecting an estimated 650,000 people.

Oxfam launched an immediate emergency response. Our focus was on public health promotion and the provision of clean water and sanitation. We also supported reconstruction efforts and carried out distributions of hygiene and kitchen kits to families living in temporary shelters.

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Oxfam's work in Haiti in depth