Hunger in Haiti has escalated to famine levels, with gangs tightening their grip on the capital and surrounding areas. A recent report has revealed that nearly 6,000 people in Haiti are facing starvation, with almost half the country’s population, which exceeds 11 million, experiencing levels of hunger classified as a crisis or worse. Gang violence in Port-au-Prince and beyond has disrupted the transportation of goods, making it challenging for people to access food.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report highlights that over the past year, an additional 1.2 million Haitians have been pushed into crisis, emergency, or famine levels of hunger due to the impact of gang violence. The situation is dire, with 2 million people in Haiti currently dealing with severe hunger.
Martine Villeneuve, the Haiti director for the nonprofit organisation Action Against Hunger, expressed shock at the scale of the crisis, stating, “This is shocking. We were not expecting that level. Two million… is massive.” The report also noted that while gang violence is a major factor contributing to hunger, the soaring food prices due to double-digit inflation are exacerbating the situation, with food now accounting for 70% of household expenditures.
The cost of a basic food basket has risen by over 11% in the past year, while inflation peaked at 30% in July. Haiti is further grappling with the aftermath of the August 2021 earthquake, recurring droughts, and the repercussions of Hurricane Matthew in 2016, adding to the challenges faced by the population.
Gang control extends to 80% of Port-au-Prince and critical roadways leading to and from different regions of Haiti. Reports indicate that between April and June alone, over 1,300 individuals were either killed or injured, with an additional 428 people being kidnapped. This surge in gang violence has rendered over 700,000 people homeless in recent years.
The report underscores the worsening humanitarian crisis in Haiti, highlighting the alarming levels of armed gang violence disrupting daily life and leading to a rise in acute food insecurity. Families residing in makeshift shelters in Port-au-Prince are particularly vulnerable, with 70% of shelter occupants experiencing hunger at crisis levels or worse.
Stories from people like Joceline St-Louis, a 28-year-old mother of two, and Judeline Auguste, a 39-year-old struggling to feed her child, shed light on the harsh realities faced by many Haitians. The situation is dire, with families resorting to one meal a day or even less to survive. Many are dependent on charity or remittances, but the resources barely last a week, leaving people in a constant state of hunger and distress.
Jean Yonel, forced to scavenge for wood to make charcoal after losing his masonry job, epitomises the struggles faced by many in Haiti. His poignant story reflects the daily battle for survival that countless families endure. Despite facing immense challenges, the resilience and determination of the Haitian people in the face of such adversity are truly inspiring.