Imported Rice In Haiti

The country of Haiti is located in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Its island neighbor is the Dominican Republic. The terrain is mostly rugged and mountainous. Many have described the appearance of the land as a wrinkled brown. In the past, Haiti was covered in beautiful forests and lush green foliage, but today it is mostly barren. Its beaches are spectacular, sporting white sands and crystal blue waters. The people of Haiti are just as vibrant, always loud and joyful. The capital city of Port Au Prince defines the country’s demeanor. Bright colors, street markets, and reggae music can be found in almost every corner. As pleasant as all this sounds, the country’s history is less joyful and its government even less so. Somehow, …show more content…
In the 1990s, taxes on imported foods were drastically lowered to appease international sellers and lower the cost of food. (Katz) While the idea sounds helpful, it has crippled Haitian agriculture to a further extent than the land erosion. The imported food is cheaper to buy than locally grown food; therefore, the farmers do not make a profit, forcing them cease their work or move. This problem has especially effected rice production. Haiti cannot grow enough rice to feed its people which creates a need for imported rice. But, the imported rice, though of lesser quality, is the only rice that the people can afford to …show more content…
These schools still cost the same amount of money as the other schools, but have donations from churches and supporters to rely on for the costs of attendance. There are also music schools, and law schools. These are specialized schools though, and do require a tuition. Those who can afford to leave the country seek to attend schools in the United States. Many people leave Haiti to pursue a career or to attend college. If they cannot afford it, they use a system almost as if they were an indentured servant. They contact someone in the United States or another country who is willing to pay for their passage and start them off in some type of training or school. Eventually the student works to pay the benefactor back. Many outside countries like the United States have tried to reform the system with not much success. The earthquake majorly effected education. For months afterwards the schools were closed due to damages, and many families could no longer afford to send their children once they reopened. The education system needs time, attention, and funds that the people of Haiti simply do not have.