Food insecurity in Haiti from a social lens

Abstract

Haiti grapples with a deepening food crisis, as 4.7 million people face acute insecurity, a stark rise since 2019. The Food and Agricultural Organization cites armed gang violence, diminished agricultural output, and the 2021 earthquake as primary factors. Gangs exacerbate the situation by controlling ports, causing fuel shortages, and disrupting essential services. While solutions proposed by international organizations range from criminal institution reform to foreign military intervention, locals and NGOs question their efficacy. The earthquake adds to the woes, necessitating immediate humanitarian aid, though delayed assistance raises doubts about Haiti's dependency on foreign aid organizations and the government's efficacy. In the backdrop of economic turmoil, a faltering agriculture system, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Haiti's challenges persist, calling for comprehensive, long-term strategies addressing the root cause—social and governmental instability.