Haiti: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper; IMF Country Report 08/115 ...

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Over the past twenty years, Haiti has undergone profound change that has affected all aspects of
national life, particularly in the political, economic, social, and environmental spheres.
The political stability restored in 2006, the successful establishment of a macroeconomic
framework, the reduction in insecurity, and modest but sustained economic growth over the past
four years represent significant strides. However, they are not enough to cope with the myriad
challenges facing the country. The Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (DSNCRP) has
been drafted with a view to tackling these challenges and providing satisfactory responses to the
aspirations of the Haitian people.
The paper is broken down into five parts. The first provides an assessment of poverty and
inequality on the basis of the data gathered from the most recent surveys. The second outlines the
vision of state and non-state actors as well as the challenges to be met by 2015. The third
essentially summarizes the major areas of work decided upon by the Government of Haiti at the
July 25, 2006 International Conference, which have been reorganized into three pillars: growth
vectors, human development, and democratic governance supported by targeted and cross-cutting
strategic areas of intervention. The fourth pertains to the macroeconomic framework and
policies. Lastly, the fifth covers the financing, implementation, and monitoring of the DSNCRP.
Overview of Poverty in Haiti
Data on poverty and inequality in Haiti show that in 2001, 56 percent of the Haitian population
(4.4 million persons of a total population of 8.1 million) lived below the extreme poverty line of
US$1 PPP per person, per day. It was estimated that for every ten persons, 7.6 are considered
poor; that is, they do not receive US$2 PPP per person, per day, and that 40 percent of the poorest
population groups have access to only 5.9 percent of total income, while the most affluent 20
percent control 68 percent of this income. Consequently, 80 percent of the population controls a
mere 32 percent of income, while it is projected that 2 percent of the wealthiest segment controls
26 percent of total income.
Haiti was reported to have regressed on the human development scale, falling from position 146
in 2000 to 153 in 2005. The IHSI, in conjunction with the Latin American and Caribbean
Demographic Center [Centre Latino Américain de Démographie CELADE] and the UNFPA,
estimated life expectancy at birth to be 58.1 percent (2000-2005), based on data taken from the
2003 survey.
Other indices, such as the gradual increase in deforestation, infant malnutrition, and the annual
average decline in real per capita income and average consumption, point to a deterioration in
living conditions.
The Republic of Haiti, faced with the dire consequences of poverty and documented social
inequalities, has pledged to face the challenge by seeking, through a participatory process that
includes all the different population groups, the most effective national strategy for achieving
sustainable growth and a substantial reduction in poverty.
The Participatory Process
The participatory approach adopted for the drafting of the DSNCRP ensured broad–based
stakeholder involvement. All activities took place in two phases. The first, which was called
awareness-building/consultation, took place at the departmental and sectoral levels. The
consultation process included more than 2,000 persons throughout the country. Officials elected
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