Haitian Network Documents

Vetiver Latrine Guide

A “how to” guide to successfully install a natural, sustainable latrine using vetiver grass

The use of vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) replaces the need for a concrete block lined pit, creates privacy and actively helps decompose the waste. Jiji grass (Achnatherum splendens) can be used as an alternative in colder or harsh conditions where vetiver does not grow. Banana and papaya can be planted around the grass hedgerow to convert the waste into a healthy fruit harvest. Vetiver grass can be harvested and used for many purposes.

In Haiti the material costs can be as low as $25 (1/10^th that of a conventional latrine).

Review by Bob Hargrave: 

Many of our readers do not have access to good options for sanitation. One technology to consider is the pit latrine or "long drop"; there are many designs for constructing them. Dr. Roger Gietzen has presented an option using low cost materials that incorporates composting capabilities in his booklet "Vetiver Latrine Guide."

The design of this vetiver latrine boasts several advantages. For one thing, the materials are less expensive than those used to build more typical latrines. For another, vetiver grass, which provides the privacy screen, can also be cut for other uses; meanwhile, vetiver roots help reinforce the pit walls.

Gietzen’s booklet is a very detailed and amply illustrated guide for constructing a vetiver latrine. The process includes choosing the site location, digging a pit, constructing the floor slab and supporting beams, and establishing the vetiver grass. The booklet also includes plans for incorporating a banana and papaya circle around the latrine.

A vetiver latrine is a good option for sanitation, as long as local laws allow for it, vetiver grass is available, and the design would be locally acceptable. The booklet is available in multiple languages.
 

Wouy Fèy Kafe - Treating Coffee Leaf Rust

Creole Document - treating coffee leaf rust

Flè Papay / Chaya

Flè Papay/Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) deja ap grandi nan anpil lakou, nan tout Ayiti, men poko gen anpil moun nan Ayiti ki kon valè li gen. Chaya se yon manje tradisyonel nan Amerik Santral. Li pwodwi anpil bèl gwo fèy vèt fonse. Nouvo fèy yo parèt touswit apre rekòt yo. Foto 1, moutre 2 varyete. Yon ki sanble anpil ak fèy papay epi lòt ki pa sanble. Pi souvan nan Ayiti nou jwenn varyete ki sanble anpil ak fèy papay. Varyete sa ka gen kèk ti cheve pikan nan tij li k’ap piki moun tankou gèp depi li antre nan po mens tankou do men. Li pa ka pike pla men epi li pa ka pike apre li kwit.

Abundância Agroflorestral - Guia de agricultura sintrópica - 20/01/2019

A agricultura sintrópica é um sistema agroflorestal (SAF) desenvolvido por Ernst Götsch cuja força motriz advém da aliança com o poder de sucessão natural. A sucessão natural é a tendência intrínseca da natureza para regenerar um solo estéril e torná-lo fértil e rico em espécies vegetais.

Ernst observou que este processo evolutivo é causado pela colaboração entre os membros de um sistema vivo de modo a beneficiar o sistema como um todo - em contraposição ao modelo Darwiniano, que concebe a evolução como Guiada pela competição. O que pode parecer competição ou destruição em um ambiente natural é, na verdade, uma tentativa de restabelecer o equilíbrio para o bem de todo o sistema.

Esta perspectiva nos permite analisar uma área cultivável como um sistema vivo inteligente e unificado, que evolui naturalmente com o tempo. Para que isso aconteça, complexas interações se estabelecem entre as plantas (e os animais) e a cada uma das criaturas vivas é designado um importante papel nesse processo. Quando um agricultor corretamente promove essas relações de colaboração, seu cultivo se desenvolve e se torna um sistema vivo forte e saudável.

Papaya Seed Antiparasitic Guide - 20/01/2016

Need an effective, low cost antiparasitic remedy? Or prefer natural remedies, if they really work? You want papaya seeds (Carica  papaya).

A placebo, controlled study in Nigeria1 found them to be as effective as pharmaceuticals without any serious side effects. The parasite clearance rates after a SINGLE dose of seeds was between 71 - 100%.

Intestinal parasites are more common then generally believed, even in developed countries. In addition to causing stomach symptoms and weight loss, they can affect an individual’s mental concentration and emotional state. They can also lead to malnutrition and all of its related complications. In some developing countries, parasitic infections can reach epidemic proportions. It is good to know that papaya seeds, which can be taken straight from the fruit, kill parasites, so even the poorest have access to an effective and generally well tolerated treatment!

Konferans Agrikol 2000 - 20/01/2000

Haitian only.