Chibas is working to transform farmers’ lives
Research and extension.
We have developed sorghum varieties resistant to aphids (dwarf sweet, photoperiodic) that are capable of fixing nitrogen from the air, and we are currently working on high-protein (14%) varieties. We have also developed sweet potatoes that are rich in vitamin A and resistant to weevils, as well as small mechanization technologies for cereals and legumes. Thanks to our partnerships with UGA and our colleagues in Senegal, we have selected early peanut varieties resistant to leaf spot and rust (runner and Spanish types). We have tested and introduced a taro variety resistant to Phytophthora, along with a rain-fed rice variety adapted to the acidic, aluminum-rich clay soils of Haiti’s Central Plateau. Furthermore, we have introduced high-protein rice varieties with excellent grain quality and high yield potential in southern Haiti .
Our research has also delved into the dynamics and expansion of energy forests in the largest charcoal-producing areas of the country, as well as the impact of climate change on Haiti’s fishing industry.
We are currently developing edible Jatropha varieties capable of producing cooking oil and high-protein concentrate with a higher nutritional value than soymeal. Additionally, we are selecting bean varieties for Haiti that are resistant to all three mosaic viruses and have heat tolerance to help farmers adapt to climate change. We have devised strategies to feed livestock during the lean season and demonstrated how to double (without fertilization) or triple (with fertilization) crop yields for corn, sorghum, rice, beans, cowpeas, peanuts, yams, and sweet potatoes through optimized planting density and minimal fertilizer use, even on challenging alkaline and aluminum-rich acidic soils.
Finally, we have developed innovative, nutritious agro-industrial products. This list is not exhaustive, and I am immensely proud of my team’s accomplishments.
Chibas now boasts a multidisciplinary team of 16 researchers, including geneticists and breeders, agronomists, a physiologist, a chemist, a food technologist, a sociologist, economists, a veterinarian, animal production specialists, and an agro-forester. We have established a Technoparc in the agricultural center of Mirebalais, and eight research stations across the country. We currently have six doctoral students, three of whom are hosted in Chibas’ Mirebalais laboratory, and 15 students pursuing their Master’s degrees. Additionally, we have overseen more than 50 high-quality BSc theses, many of which are ready for publication.
Our research, extension, and academic activities have expanded significantly over the past few years, providing training to farmers, technicians, and students at the BSc, MSc, and PhD levels. This journey has been exhilarating
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