The Jamaica Observer reports on an agreement that will see technical cooperation in Haiti secure funding for an agroforestry program to address the loss of forest cover and erosion as well as help ensure food security.

This and future initiatives will help to reduce soil erosion, improve land fertility and increase crop yields, thus improving the livelihoods of rural farmers and their families. Initially the work will focus on Haiti but later be extended to other Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The agreement between the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) together with Natural Partners and Three for the Future is designed to pave the way for joint work in the development of agriculture and reforestation.

The main areas of cooperation include enhancing productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector; the recovery, enrichment and stabilisation of soils; the diversification of crops, including trees, and efforts to increase the income derived from the sale of surplus food and wood products.

Read the full story: Help for regional agriculture