We are working on a farm and agricultural project with Food for the Poor in Pointe des Mangles, about 26 kilometres north of Gonaives. We cross several mountains on a dirt road to get to the fishing village by the sea.
A couple of hundred people were waiting for us when we arrived.
I am astounded by the lack in this village. We were told that in the census three years ago the population was 6000 but since the storms there are now about 7000 - 8000 people in this area that rely on the village for their needs. What makes things worse is that there is no fresh water for this area, only water from the ocean.
You could see the literal hunger in the people`s eyes. They are hoping that the project can be completed because not only will it bring water to the community, it will also bring fresh fruit and produce that they can eat and sell to Gonaives and the surrounding area.
Part of the project involves planting coconut, avocado, mango and citrus trees.
In order for the trees to grow we are working very hard to get a pump installed on the already existing well in the middle of the hundreds of acres of farmland. A businessman from Gonaives committed to me today that he would build a pipeline to bring water to the village if we can get the pump working on the farmland.
Here are some views of the farm land. There were about 100 people working in the fields, preparing the already cleared ground into plots so that planting of crops can begin.
Emanuel St. Cyr who resides in the fishing village is donating his pasture for the cows. This property has the needed grass for grazing, is near the well, and has plenty of shade trees. In fact, we had to watch our steps as some cows had recently passed through and left their mark!
Construction of fencing has started for the various projects.
Please keep this extremely viable project in your prayers as its success will directly impact the lives of thousands of people in this area.
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