Recent grants to support agriculture in Haiti and Burundi from the Church of the Brethren\u2019s Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) total $40,000.<\/p>\n
Haiti<\/strong><\/p>\n An allocation of $36,000 continues GFCF support for the agriculture work of Eglise des Freres Haitiens (the Church of the Brethren in Haiti). Previous grants to this project include $50,000 given in 2012, and $50,000 given in January of this year.<\/p>\n This grant will provide funds for 19 mini-projects ranging from animal raising and crop production projects for rural communities, to value-added food projects such as fruit drinks and peanut butter sales for urban communities.<\/p>\n This past year the agriculture agents, along with staff from the Haiti Medical Project, received a series of training seminars on the formation of integrated community health committees, reports GFCF manager Jeff Boshart. \u201cThe agriculture program and the health program are hoping to work collaboratively going forward, more closely aligning the goals of the two programs and staff.\u201d Boshart said in the grant request. \u201cThis new budget reflects a shift in emphasis away from agricultural inputs toward greater training and group formation activities.\u201d<\/p>\n Burundi<\/strong><\/p>\n An allocation of $4,000 has been given for purchase of a cassava mill for a women\u2019s group in Bujumbara, Burundi. The recipient of the grant is Ramirizadukore, a group of 22 women who are working with Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Services (THARS) in Burundi. This request comes to the GFCF via John Braun, executive director of THARS International and member of the Brethren and Baptist congregation in Wenatchee, Wash. Funds will be used to purchase a grinding machine for cassava flour, including accessories, transport, and installation.<\/p>\n