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Pig
The Economy of Creole Pig in Haiti
In 1979, fearing an attack of the African Swine Fever, the Haitian Government was convinced by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to eradicate their entire stock of Creole pigs. In a move that many say showed the Government's woeful disconnect from matters affecting the peasantry in Haiti, the pigs, which had taken on the role of investments for the poor, were eradicated and replaced by an American stock that never did acclimate to Haitian living.
Haitian Black Pig was the Haitian farmer investment
Here is a picture of the Creole Pig. the Haitian pigs was the way that most Haitian farmers invest for tomorrow.
Considered as a an investment, these pigs would be sold to send children to school, pay for wedding or funerals.
Because maintenance was low, it was easy for a family to have a few Creole pigs in the neighborhood until the need arises to sell them.
The Haitian Creole Pig
In Haiti, many farmers have been relying on the Creole Pig for saving. This is how many of them have been able to send their children to school or if there is an emergency such as unexpected death in the family. However, with the mass killing of the Creole pigs in Haiti in the 1980s, many families have taken a hit financially and consequently, the country has suffered.
we find out how the first "Pig Deal" film from 2002 helped provide pigs and a source of income for Haitians.
The Haitian Creole Pig
One single act that has affected the living condition of the Haitian peasant for a log time is the nationwide slaughter of Creole pigs. This is to date considered one of the government's single most devastating moves.
This took place in the 1980's in Haiti and the Haitian peasants have not recovered since. This was based on fear of the American government of a swine flu outbreak that was happening in the the Dominican Republic. This problem was made worst with the import of a different type of pig to Haiti to replace the Creole pig. However, this new breeds could not adapt to the Haitian environment and became more expensive to maintain
The Pig that was to replace Haitian Pig
Here is the pig that was introduced to Haiti following the destruction of Haitian Creole Pig.as a result of a swine flu outbreak in the Dominican Republic. Unlike the Creole Pig, this one was not adaptable to Haiti environment.
This attempt to replace them with American pigs from Iowa farmers proved to be a total failure. As the new breeds could not adapt to the inevitably harsher methods of farming,