Comprehensive Development Project (CODEP) is the work of more than 650 farmers in the mountains of Haiti located in 2 watersheds known as Cormier and Fond de Bodin. This includes thousands of acres of steep mountain ridges denuded of trees and top soil. In the past 14 years, CODEP land management principles have begun to dramatically restore the mountains to their original beauty and fertile productivity.

Groups of workers gather to start nurseries twice each year. Small plastic bags slightly taller than the size of a soda can are provided. However, all other materials, compost, dirt, and seeds are provided by CODEP workers. All trees are grown on site and started from seeds, some of which are so small they can barely be seen by the naked eye. These small ones are planted, then replanted in separate bags later. While these are growing to a size that can be planted, workers go to the nearby mountainsides to prepare the earth for planting. The number of nurseries each year is about 50.

Briefly, land that is steep, rocky, and barren is first contoured (dug along a slope perpendicular to the slope of the mountain) using ramps of vetiver grass to hold top soil and rain. Canals to trap and slow water run-off are also used. Next, eucalyptus trees are planted. Vetiver grass and eucalyptus trees are used because they are very hardly, fast growing, renewable, and goats will not eat them. Hardwood trees and fruit trees are planted in about three years, which is as soon as the eucalyptus trees can provide some shade and when there is sufficient topsoil to sustain them. Coffee plants and cocoa trees follow. Other fruit trees are also used.

Within the first year, trees need to be fertilized. This is crucial and can mean the difference of a tree growing to 5 feet in the first year as opposed to 2 feet without fertilizer.

The change in the mountains can not be overstated. Where there were bare rocky mountains before, now there are fully shaded forests! But the change is not only limited to preserving the land and growing trees. Family life has taken on new hope. Mothers and fathers can now provide for their families. Gardens are flourishing and the rich, new mountain soil is staying on the mountains. Young people are deciding to remain in the mountains instead of seeking work in the city now that there is a hope for a better future. This ensures another generation who has the knowledge and desire to manage the land properly.

The cost per tree is approximately 30¢ US, which includes planting, bag, fertilizer, and wages of the workers, all of whom work one day per week for no pay. In the year 2007, CODEP planted 923,000 trees and installed 140 miles of contour ramps.

Although much change has occurred, thousands of acres of bare mountains remain in peril. CODEP serves as a successful model in Haiti for what is possible.

New Forest

Tree Nursery

Tree Nursery

Countour Ramp

Family Garden