El Niño conditions could delay the rainy season

Livelihoods are deteriorating as a result of rising commodity prices and drought, particularly in the Nord-Est. The poorest households continue to use negative coping strategies, and some regions remain in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Stress (IPC Phase 2).

Markets are well supplied with local products: roots and tubers, bananas and market garden products; but their prices remain high. The price of imported rice, in particular, increased approximately 9% between January and February. The increase is significant in Port-de-Paix (more than 22%), Gonaïves (18%) and Port-au-Prince (between 12 and 18%). The subsidy of basic necessities, including rice, has not yet produced the desired effects.

The February rains favored agricultural activities in the far south and the humid mountains, where rice fields, maize, bean and market garden crops bode well.

However, municipalities in the departments of Ouest, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Centre and Nippes are still struggling with drought, which could delay the sowing despite the start of land preparation that calls for an increase in the demand for agricultural workers.