Ile a Vache Fact Sheet: Community Action Plan
architecture for humanity
Project Context
$2
80%
40%
per capita daily income in Haiti
of Haitians lack adequate sanitation
of Haitians in rural areas lack access to clean water
Port-auPrince Léogâne
Aquin
Jacmel
Les Cayes
Ile à Vache 40 min 30 min 4 hours 40 min
Ile à Vache is a small isolated island located off the southern coast of Haiti, near the town of Les Cayes. It is inhabited by a population of approximately 14,000 spread over 52km2. Despite its reputation as a tourist destination, Ile a Vache is predominantly a poor agricultural community with limited access to basic services such as clean water and health care.
How we work
Ile a Vache has great potential for growth, and is beginning to attract attention as an opportunity to bring investment for tourism to Haiti. It is all the more urgent to equip the population so that they ready to seize the coming economic opportunities. One of the island’s strongest assets for its development is the network of active community groups as well as its social resources, such as schools and churches. Our approach is to build on these assets and strengthen the capacity of community leaders, so that they are able to manage the island’s growth while preserving its fragile environment. Our key goals for the project are: • • • •
Participatory Community Development planning Community Driven Infrastructure Leadership Development and Training Employment and Income Generation
What we can do
2,730
195
48%
people per health facility on IAV
children per school on IAV
of land on IAV used for agriculture
Community Identified Priorities: Economic Development: fishing, farming and livestock are the mainstays of the economy. Training and assistance are needed to modernize agricultural methods, including processing, packaging, equipment and breeding. Environment: 25% of the land coverage consists of mangroves, which are being decimated for the production of charcoal. As the Mangroves are essential for the environmental health of the island, alternative fuel sources are needed. Sanitation: sanitation on the island consists of uncontained pit latrines, septic tanks and open defecation creating obvious environmental concerns and health risks. Water: water is drawn from wells that
are often contaminated. Periodic flooding due to the annual hurricane season often leads to cholera outbreaks. Access and Drainage: the island is almost entirely pedestrian with few motorcycle accessible path. Pathways are often rendered inaccessible due to a lack of stormwater management. Community Radio: a radio station would provide means for transmission of community announcements, educational programs and emergency messages. Healthcare: with a life expectancy of 44 years and an approximate 70% of the population with no access to health care, there is a dire need for improved services. Disaster preparedness: education and capacity building are needed to prepare the community for the many natural hazards it faces.
How you can help
As part of a 10-year commitment to the island, The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has partnered with Architecture for Humanity to create a Community Development Plan. We are looking for additional strategic partnerships towards reaching this goal and an additional $120,000 is needed to support development and outreach efforts. Furthermore, there are opportunities to contribute to specific sectors such as education, community development, sanitation, and disaster risk reduction. For further information on how to get involved, our contact information is on the back cover. Estimated costs: • Upgraded pathway: $120-190/m2 • Ravine remediation: $200-300/m2 • Rural School: $300,000-700,000 • Water Kiosk: $11,000-40,000 • Improved Sanitation: $1,200/latrine • Public space: $200-400/m2 • Health facility: $700-800/m2
The need for good design is greatest where it can least be afforded
How to contact us Nancy Doran nancydoran@architectureforhumanity.org Annamaria Serra annamariaserra@architectureforhumanity.org Kate Evarts kateevarts@architectureforhumanity.org