Understanding Poverty in Haiti

Haiti remains the poorest country in the Latin America and the Caribbean region and among the poorest countries in the world. As of 2023, approximately 60% of the population lives below the poverty line, with nearly 30% in extreme poverty.

The Current Economic Reality

The Haitian economy has faced consecutive years of contraction. High inflation, which peaked above 40% in late 2022 and early 2023, has eroded the purchasing power of families, making basic necessities like bread, clean water, and medicine unaffordable for millions.

For those living in rural areas like Artibonite (where Gonaïves is located), the challenges are even more acute. Limited access to markets, poor infrastructure, and lack of credit mean that families often rely on subsistence farming, which is increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks.

Key Drivers of Poverty

• Market Instability: Fluctuating global prices for imports like fuel and basic grains directly impact local food costs.
• Instability & Security: Gang control of major arterial roads has severely restricted the movement of goods and services.
• External Shocks: Earthquakes and hurricanes repeatedly destroy infrastructure that takes years to rebuild.

ORDEPROGRESIA focuses on community-led interventions that provide immediate relief — such as food and water — while also investing in long-term social mobility through education.