ABSTRACT
This chapter charts the events that have taken place in Haiti, from the current demonstrations and food riots back to the 1980s when economic reforms and structural adjustment created a basis for chronic food insecurity in the country. Following the implementation of these reforms, Haiti became permanently dependent on imported food, particularly staples such as rice, that mainly came from the USA. Economic mobility is almost impossible for the average Haitian, as a small economic elite controls large segments of the economy. This chapter describes the historical links between this Haitian elite and US actors, and the economic support that this elite has received, particularly from the International Republican Institute. Furthermore, the chapter describes the extreme challenges that Haiti faces as a small island developing state. The island has experienced a series of natural disasters that have had disastrous effects on the economy. International aid to Haiti after the earthquake in 2010, and after the many hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Matthew in 2016, was mainly channelled through the United Nations and other international organizations. Very little of that aid was invested in Haiti’s own agricultural production, or in state welfare services. Haiti remains trapped in a vicious circle of inequality.
