Star of Hopes Tony B, shows off some impressive resuluts.
Star of Hope has provided essential hand agricultural tools to support farmer organizations in Hesse and Bois Negresse. These tools, crucial during planting, maintenance, and harvest seasons, include wheelbarrows, pickaxes, hoes, axes, pruning hooks, and machetes.
These tools are available for rent, accessible to all planters and bank members. A nominal fee, purely symbolic, is required to borrow a tool for a period not exceeding 8 days, with the option of renewal upon request. Given the limited inventory of this mini bank, only residents of the village qualify for membership in the project. To maintain the sustainability of the initiative, all tools must be returned in good condition to the manager after use.
To oversee the tool bank, we assisted farmers in establishing a Management Committee in each village comprising five members: 1 President, 1 Secretary, 1 Treasurer, and 2 managers (a principal and an assistant to prevent store closure in case of absences). Initially, Star of Hope staff facilitated the procurement of tools for the bank's launch. However, moving forward, the committee is responsible for procuring supplies and replenishing the stock.
The Tool Bank aims to enhance food security for the most impoverished farming families by increasing production through assured access to agricultural tools. The tool store plays a vital role in improving the availability of tools for producers. The "Tool Bank Store" is tasked with selling or lending the agricultural tools on a daily basis, catering to the widespread demand from producers and ensuring tool access for village producers, irrespective of association membership.
The manager's responsibility includes overseeing the appropriate use of tools and ensuring their return in good condition after use. The Tool Bank is operated by and for producers, with a democratically elected management committee chosen at a general assembly. The bank is governed by internal regulations, and the initial working capital is formed, either wholly or partially, through member contributions (social shares) from the producer organization.
Both villages, B. Negresse and Hesse, possess robust agricultural potential where planters engage in practices involving tools that small-scale farmers may find financially challenging to acquire. This situation encourages the ongoing loan of tools throughout the year.
The funding allocated for tool purchases enabled us to supply each village with an equal number of tools: 40 pickaxes, 20 machetes, 20 hoes, 5 axes, and 3 wheelbarrows. As additional funding becomes available, we aim to enhance the bank's inventory with a greater quantity of existing tools and introduce new types of tools and materials. These additions may include saws, hammers, monkey wrenches, drills, rakes, garden rakes, garden forks, ladders, chain saws, screwdrivers, gardening gloves, watering cans, lawn mowers, fertilizers, seeds, scissors, buckets, pruning saws, wheel tractors, etc.
The bank is currently overseen by a management committee, accountable to the board of directors of each school and church in Hesse and B. Negresse villages, and operates under the authority of the village leaders' council. Committee members are elected for a term of three (3) years, with the option of renewal, and can be removed at any time for non-compliance with the statutes and internal regulations.
Common tools employed by small farmers include a machete, a hoe, a pickaxe, and a shovel. Soil preparation is typically carried out manually or with the assistance of animal pulled larger tools.
When additional funds become available, priority actions will be implemented to address the urgent need to boost food production in rural areas. Support will be allocated for the following:
- Construction of a dedicated bank and storage building; currently, tools are stored in a small school room.
- Acquisition of more tools, including those suitable for animal traction and mechanical machines.
- Addition of fertilizer to enhance agricultural practices.
- Assistance in establishing a nursery trees project for the bank.
These actions will soon become essential for small farmers to not only access sufficient basic tools and equipment but also to facilitate the rapid intensification of agricultural production. This is crucial to respond effectively to a sudden surge in food demand in rural areas.
In the midst of the challenges posed by the current economic climate in Haiti, the impact of Star of Hope's assistance in providing essential hand agricultural tools cannot be overstated. The financial hardship faced by the country has intensified the struggles of small-scale farmers, making access to tools and resources even more crucial. Star of Hope's support has been a beacon of hope during these difficult times, offering not just tools but a lifeline to communities grappling with adversity.
The provision of tools, the establishment of the Agricultural Tool Bank, and the ongoing efforts to enhance food production resonate profoundly in the context of economic difficulties. The dedication to ensuring responsible tool management and the collaborative approach with local communities reflect a resilience that transcends financial constraints.
As we express gratitude for the invaluable support received, we recognize that the impact of these initiatives goes beyond immediate relief. It lays the groundwork for sustainable growth and resilience, providing a pathway for communities to navigate through financial challenges and work towards a more secure and prosperous future.
In this spirit, we extend our sincere appreciation to Star of Hope and all contributors for their unwavering commitment to the well-being of small farmers in Hesse and Bois Negresse. The partnership forged in the face of financial adversity serves as a testament to the transformative power of collaborative efforts in overcoming challenges and building a brighter tomorrow.
Tony/Star of Hope Haiti"
Your support has been crucial, resulting in impressive harvests of carrots and cabbages. It's a clear validation of the project's effectiveness.
Empowering families with seeds and tools has proven to be a simple yet impactful solution. Your contributions have created a positive ripple effect, and for that, I express my heartfelt gratitude.
Now, envision an even greater impact if more people joined with a small gift. Your continued support can help us provide more farming tools to those in need.
If you haven't contributed yet, seize this opportunity to make a difference. Please use the "Link below" to help us grow more food and empower communities.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Warm regards,
Mark Presson CEO
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