Haiti Livelihood Profiles

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The livelihood profiles that follow document how rural populations throughout Haiti live. A livelihood is the sum of ways in which households obtain the bare necessities, how they make ends meet from year to year, and how they survive (or fail to survive) through difficult times. Two main products are offered here: Livelihood zone map: The map shows the division of the country into homogenous zones defined according to a livelihoods framework (similar geography, wealth breakdown, and production and marketing options). Livelihood zone profiles: The profile describes the major characteristics of each zone, including a brief differentiation of different wealth groups. There is some emphasis on hazards and the relative capacity of different types of households in different places to withstand them. In compiling these profiles, a balance has been struck between accessibility and level of detail. The aim has been to present sufficient information to allow a rounded and balanced view of livelihoods nationally. The profiles provide a rapid introduction to livelihoods in the country; they do not offer localized detail. The preparation of these profiles was a joint activity between the USAID FEWS NET project, Coordination Nationale de Sécurité Alimentaire du Gouvernement d’Haiti, USAID, CARE, Catholic Relief Services, Save the Children, and World Vision.

Livelihood Profile briefly describes wealth groups and compares the various sources of food and income particular to each. The profile provides a basis for understanding how and whether different groups may be vulnerable to “shocks” such as drought, flooding, conflict or a market disruption. In recent years, FEWS NET expanded its profiles through a mapping exercise that includes additional baseline information on: livelihood differences between the poor and the better-off, common hazards in the zone, seasonal calendars and a consumption calendar focused on the poor. These livelihood zoning plus profiles are available for 24 countries.