According to the latest edition of the report "Crop Prospects and Food Situation" published Wednesday, December 13 by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Haiti is the only country in Latin America and the Caribbean to be considered to be in a situation of severe food insecurity.

Following the adverse effects of recurring droughts between 2014 and 2016, not to mention the devastating impacts of hurricanes Matthew and Irma, respectively in 2016 and 2017, it is estimated that 1.32 million people require food assistance in Haiti.

In Haiti, maize production in 2017 is uncertain. According to forecasts by FAO, the production of the spring crop season (the main production season, 60% of the country's total production), will be lower than in 2016, given the negative impact of the prolonged drought that took place between June and July 2017.

In addition, planting of the summer crop year was affected by Hurricane Irma in September, particularly in the north-east of the country, adversely affecting production prospects.

IH/ iciHaiti