Civil Strife
There was a very insecure political situation across Haïti in late 2003 and early 2004. This coincided with the harvest season and there were worries that coffee would be stolen en route to the mill or the port. Roads were blocked on occasion and there was an increased risk of robbery and kidnapping even in the mountain areas used for the cultivation and production of RECOCARNO coffee, though no major problems compared with other areas of Haïti. Groups of RECOCARNO members guarded premises as best they could, sleeping at the storage sites whenever necessary to combat lawlessness. Meetings continued as normal. Some thefts of coffee from warehouses took place but the perpetrators have since been caught and are awaiting trial. The security situation also affected transport; there was some burning of cars and lorries, and fuel shortages. These factors contributed to delaying, by a month, the transport of coffee in some areas. There was some hostility from intermediaries who previously bought coffee at very low prices in addition to fear of the gunmen (the Chimères) loyal to ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Prices for foodstuffs have increased as a result of the political crisis, especially for basic needs: the price of rice doubled.

United Nations peacekeepers are stationed in Haiti and optimism is increasing now that the political crisis has passed; more coffee has been planted than last year.

There is a strong sense of unity amongst the co-operative members which provides reassurance and protection against political divisions.

Despite the considerable political instability in Haiti, and the effects of this on much of the national economy, coffee development continues and expansion is possible as a result of the substantial national consumption, growing international markets, and cooperation between coffee organisations. RECOCARNO was singled out for special praise by the Minister of Agriculture in 2004 who complemented its strong leadership at local and national levels when he spoke about the success of the national coffee campaign.

Floods and Hurricanes
Haiti's four-month-long hurricane season lasts from June to September, with storms being most prevalent in August. The consequences for the people of Haïti can be devastating.

There were no exports in 98/99 as a result of Hurricane George.

In mid-September 2004, Haiti received some 13 inches (33 cm) of rain in the mountains of northern Haiti as a result of Hurricane Jeanne. This caused extensive mudslides and coastal flooding - especially in Gonaïves, and elsewhere in Artibonite and the NW of Haïti - that resulted in the death of more than 3,000 people and a further 200,000 becoming homeless and in need of urgent humanitarian aid.

Disaster relief assistance was provided by the UN and other international agencies.

Hurricane Jeanne over the E. Dominican Republic and heading for NW Haïti on 20 Sep 04. Image by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the public domain.