In Haiti, a Million Trees Tell a Different Story

SFA farmer members implementing an agroecology system combining trees with annual crops.

Earth Day is not just a moment to reflect. It is a call to protect, restore, and act. In Haiti, that call is already being answered by thousands of farmers who are working every day to heal the land.

Across all ten of SFA's branch locations throughout Haiti, farmers are actively rebuilding landscapes that have been under pressure for decades. In 2025 alone, SFA's 10,394 members grew, transplanted, and looked after more than 1,087,887 trees, helping to stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and restore forest cover in fragile environments. Trees were planted as orchards, living fences, contour plantings for slope stabilization, and for reforestation. These are not just trees. They are living systems that protect watersheds and contribute to climate resilience.

SFA farmer-managed community seed bank.

Tree planting is the foundation of how SFA works, but it is only part of the story. The SFA's model links tree planting to a full range of agricultural services, with farmers earning "tree currency" credits that give them access to high-quality crop seeds, tools, training, and microcredit loans. The result is crop yields increasing by an average of 40% and household incomes rising by 50 to 100%, depending on location.

Training session in agroecology farming methods.

In 2025, SFA members participated in 237 agricultural training sessions and 315 farmers completed structured training in agroecological principles and practices, including soil and water conservation, integrated pest management, agroforestry, and crop rotation. Fifteen new community seed banks were established, preserving locally adapted plant varieties while strengthening food security and resilience to climate shocks.

Microcredit loan recipient in the small business she created.

The SFA's microcredit program, exclusively for women farmers, provided 775 loans in 2025 at a 100% repayment rate, as has been the case since the program launched in 2011. And 350 students continued taking part in an environmental education pilot project that is helping a new generation understand the value of trees and a healthy environment.

Together, these efforts reflect a simple but powerful truth: restoring the land and supporting people go hand in hand.

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Hugh Locke, President, SFA 

Timote Georges, Executive Director, SFA

Pierre Michard Beajour, SFA Consultant

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