#USA #Little Rock #climate resilience #Heifer International #Hurricane Melissa

Heifer International's Plea for Global Support Post-Hurricane Melissa

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across regions including Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba, global development organization Heifer International is raising a clarion call for immediate investment in farmer-led resilience initiatives. As the world gears up for COP30 in Belem, Brazil, the organization warns that time is running short for adequately addressing the vulnerabilities that smallholder farmers face due to climate change.

Hurricane Melissa, classified as a Category 5 storm, unleashed catastrophic rains leading to severe floods and destruction of critical agricultural assets. In Haiti alone, smallholder farmers manage to produce approximately 70% of the nation’s food supply, therefore making their survival essential not just for individual families but the nation’s food security as a whole.

"The impact of Hurricane Melissa is a stark reminder that climate change is an immediate threat rather than a distant concern. Rural communities are on the frontline of these climate challenges, and their resilience needs to be prioritized," said Hervil Cherubin, Senior Country Director for Heifer International in Haiti.

As communities begin the daunting task of recovery, reports indicate that thousands are at severe risk of food insecurity, exacerbated by the destruction of crops and livestock. With infrastructure in ruins, over 25 lives lost in Petit-Goâve alone, and the sustained threat of future climate events, the urgency is palpable.

Heifer International has jumped into action, collaborating with local authorities and partners to assess the damages and formulate response strategies. Their focus is on delivering essential aid, including safe shelter, clean water supplies, food assistance, and agricultural tools necessary for recovery.

In its mission, Heifer International stresses that building resilience should not just be a reactive measure; it needs to be a long-term strategy embedded within global policies. Effective solutions include:

• - Regenerative Agriculture: Promoting farming practices that restore soils and enhance ecosystem services.
• - Diversified Livelihoods: Supporting farmer cooperatives to create stable economic environments for rural communities.
• - Empowering Women and Youth: Leadership and innovative ideas from these groups play a crucial role in driving resilience and growth.
• - Community Preparedness: Implementing early warning systems that leverage local knowledge while integrating it with scientific forecasting.

As nations prepare to convene for COP30, Heifer International calls upon policymakers, donors, and the private sector to actively commit to long-term strategies that bolster the resilience of smallholder farmers. This includes the allocation of adaptation financing directed at community-led actions, sustainable land management practices, and investments in agricultural innovations specific to vulnerable regions.

Haiti’s plight underscores the reality that resilience begins with the farmer. The climate crisis is accelerating, making it increasingly vital for the global community to invest in the knowledge and leadership of those who manage food systems. Heifer International implores that this effort should transition from mere promises to actionable policies, partnerships, and funding initiatives focused on creating a sustainable future hinged on farmer empowerment.

By reinforcing the capacity of smallholder farmers, the global community not only contributes to fighting hunger and poverty but also safeguards the planet's ecological integrity. It is an investment that protects both the current and future generations, echoing Heifer International's longstanding commitment to ending hunger and poverty sustainably while caring for the Earth.

For additional information about Heifer International and their initiatives, please visit www.heifer.org.