Who We Are

FIDA is a registered charitable organization in Canada and the United States that has actively been promoting the productive agricultural cooperative model in Haiti since 1984. This model is viewed as the most appropriate in addressing the economic issues of poverty given a context wherein the country lacks political will, national infrastructure, and general security. FIDA, along with its working arm in Haiti, productive cooperatives Haiti (pcH), has received global acclaim for an effective adherence to the participatory approach when undertaking sustainable development activities, particularly among the rural poor.

The founding principles were guided by a vision of addressing the root issues of poverty, namely, to foster an environment of economic productivity appropriate to rural communities. Inherent in the mission is to promote the elements of self-respect, which is understood to be rooted in productivity, ownership, and self-reliance. The original constitution embraced the following ancient Chinese philosophy of Lao Tau:

Go in search of your people
Love them
Plan with them
Begin with what they have
Build on what they know
But of the best leaders, when their task is accomplished
Their work is done
The people all remark
“We have done it ourselves”.

The objectives of the organization are to foster economic development in rural communities through the productive agricultural cooperative model, to provide resources and to introduce appropriate technology to communities who desire to advance themselves economically by becoming an invested shareholder in a cooperative business model guided by the Seven International Principles of Cooperative.

The purpose of our activity is to provide an opportunity for members of these communities to move toward greater self-sufficiency through increased production, establishing seed banks, small business development, a member skills program that employs an innovative non-formal education methodology; access to financial credit and various inputs related to agricultural production and transformation. More recently, a unique cooperative-based health services program has been introduced.

FIDA/pcH maintains a present relationship with 17 cooperatives representing approximately 10,000 members.

“If Haiti is to survive, it must produce.

If it is to be sustainable, it must embrace the cooperative model.

If the cooperative model is to work, Haiti must learn to trust.”

— FIDA/pcH Project Consultant

The Mission

We believe in the inherent right for every person to own self-respect and to know self-worth. We believe that dignity is achieved through a cultivated ability to provide and care for our family, our community, and ourselves. We endeavor to encourage self-sufficiency in Haiti; to work at the grassroots to introduce appropriate technology and training; to bring hope, encouragement, and resources to help communities work out solutions to their adversities.

The Vision

“True development must be in the hands of the people. If it is not envisioned by the people, owned by the people, and managed by the people, it will surely fail.”

Jack F. Wall, Founder

The FIDA/pcH approach to sustainable development and its vision is to be a leader in the cooperative business model in Haiti: to promote the elements of self-respect and productivity through a grassroots member-owned, member-managed structure that addresses economic capacity through shared resources, productivity, participation, and ownership.

All programs, projects, and related activities that FIDA/pcH initiates and invests in is intended and designed to strengthen and reinforce the cooperative business model and its members to be resource leaders in their community.

FIDA Canada is a fully registered charitable organization: BN 13365 2768 RR0001

FIDA USA is a fully registered 501(c) 3 non-profit organization: US EIN # 47-2300976

productive cooperatives Haiti (pcH) is a fully registered Haitian non-profit organization: #B0307

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