Plant Propagation Training Widens Farmers’ Horizons
Twenty-three women and men will share plant-propagation knowledge with their Savings and Loan group members after a special three-day training given by a facilitator from local partner OPFSLDIBH.
The first day started with an introduction to tree life in Haiti, the definition of plant propagation, and various elements and methods for same, whether natural or artificial. Participants also learned about the production of trees and seeds and the preparations required before planting.
On the second day, the facilitator spoke about germination tests, seed saving, and the main types of propagation: cutting, layering (when a branch still attached to the parent plant is planted in order to grow new roots), and planting buds or roots that can grow into new plants, such as plantains. On day three, participants learned about grafting, whereby a piece of one plant is attached to another plant within the same family in order to transfer qualities and to grow together.
Participant Dieulanda said, “I am now able to understand the theory and put into practice all these different techniques. Orange, lemon, and grapefruit trees are disappearing, and that’s why I want to graft sweet and sour oranges, lemon, and mango trees, as well as other fruit trees. I can’t wait to share this training with the members of my savings and loan group.”
Nacius said he, too, is looking forward to sharing his new knowledge with his savings and loan group. “This will help us all in the struggle against hunger and deforestation.”
Elianise said, “This will help me increase the number of plantains I have and thus help me provide for my family. Thank you for this beautiful and good training.”
Haiti Baie-de-Henne Program
Led by Church World Service and Local Partner Organisation des Planteurs de Fond Saint-Luc pour le Développement Intégré de Baie-de-Henne (OPFSLDIBH)