Kathleen Lamaute
Molly College, USA
Title: Community based collaborative action: Transcultural Issues Impact on a Community Development Program in Carrefour, Haiti
Biography
Biography: Kathleen Lamaute
Abstract
There are many reports on the state of malnutrition in Haiti. Exacerbated by the 2010 earthquake, conditions such as poverty, lack of access to food, clean water and medical care are threatening many Haitians, particularly children. Haiti does not have enough food. It relies heavily on imported food. Extreme poverty prevents many Haitians from adequate nutritional intake. Experience in the development and implementation of a ready-to-use-therapeutic food program for malnourished children age 6 months to 5 years in a small medical clinic in Carrefour made it evident that this intervention was not sustainable due to the cost of supplying Medika Mamba. In addition, the program did not address all of the village people suffering from malnutrition. Pregnant women are of particular concern due to the increase in caloric needs. The ongoing nutrition problem prompted the investigator to seek a sustainable project that would empower the village population to create an agricultural project that would improve nutrition in the area.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to empower the village population to create an agricultural project that would improve nutrition in Carrefour, Haiti. RESEARCH DESIGN: Community based collaborative action research was the framework for this project. Initial phase involving inquiry and inviting participation was completed. Ongoing transcultural issues related to this project are explored.
SAMPLE: Purposive sampling was used.
METHODS: The data collection plan includes: minutes from nutrition committee meetings, participant observation, in depth individual interviews, focus group interviews.
ANALYSIS: The findings of this study are not generalizeable beyond the population of the study. Exploration of the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of a sustainable agricultural and food distribution program in Carrefour will be presented. Transcultural issues will be addressed.