Technology Will Help Improve Haiti’s Economy and Society

“Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have a faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.” ― Steve Jobs

Haiti, my home, is a country with a rich cultural heritage, captivating history, friendly people, and a wealth of natural resources. Haiti (Cherie) has been facing multiple challenges in terms of economic development and social progress. These challenges have been exacerbated by the political instability which has almost become the norm since the end of the dictatorship in 1986.  I’m an optimist by nature and believe there is still a way out. I was further inspired after reading “The Prosperity Paradox: How Innovation Can Lift Nations Out of Poverty by Authors: Clayton M. Christensen, Efosa Ojomo, and Karen Dillon. Innovation and Technology have the potential to play a significant role in addressing the challenges and driving progress in various sectors. Thinking out loud, we can use technology to address challenges in sectors that impact day-to-day life. How can we use technology to address some of the challenges in the agriculture, tourism, health, education, financial inclusion, energy, security, and governance sectors?

Agriculture: Haiti has a rich agricultural tradition, we grow, corn, rice, mangoes, cacao, coffee, and sorghum, just to mention these.  But the sector has been facing multiple challenges such as limited access to capital, poor infrastructure, and limited access to markets. One example is the use of precision agriculture techniques, such as the use of drones and satellite imagery, which can help farmers improve crop yields and reduce waste. There is a company Haiti Drone Services (HDS) pioneering this. Mobile apps and websites can also be used to connect farmers with markets, allowing them to sell their products more easily and at better prices.

Tourism: Haiti has a rich cultural heritage and a wealth of natural attractions, but the tourism sector is probably the sector most affected by socio-economic instability. It also has been facing multiple challenges such as limited infrastructure, security concerns, and a lack of information about the country’s attractions. The use of online platforms, such as Airbnb, travel websites, and social media can help promote the country’s attractions and make it easier for tourists to plan their trips. Additionally, we can use mobile apps to help tourists navigate the country more easily and safely, providing them with information about local attractions and events. This is instead of spreading and uploading negative information. (homework: Google “Haiti” in Google images)

Health: Lack of access to healthcare, poor health infrastructure, and limited funding are known challenges in health in Haiti. With internet access being available through cell phone companies and satellite services, telemedicine can now be used to provide remote medical consultations, allowing patients to receive care even in remote areas. Mobile health apps can be created to provide health education and monitor disease outbreaks.

Education: “The principal goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done.” —Jean Piaget 

Haiti faces multiple challenges in education. These include a lack of funding, poor infrastructure, underqualified educators, and limited access to educational resources.  Online learning platforms can be developed and used to provide access to educational resources, including videos, audio, and text, to students in remote areas. Mobile apps can also be developed and used to provide educational games and quizzes, making learning more engaging and interactive. Providing education and training programs for individuals, businesses, and organizations to help them take advantage of new technologies, and promoting partnerships between the public and private sectors to support the development and implementation of technology-based solutions is a crucial step.

Financial Inclusion: Haiti has a large unbanked population. This is where we are currently investing our time and resources.  Radiating out from the capital, Port-au-Prince, access to financial services, such as loans and savings accounts become more and more limited. Mobile financial services, mobile banking, and digital payments should be used to provide financial services to people who do not have access to traditional banking services. This will help to promote financial stability and encourage economic growth.

Energy: The use of renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, can help to reduce dependence on expensive and polluting energy sources. Looking toward the use of locally adapted small electric vehicles would also reduce dependence on fossil fuels. With the prices and efficiency rising, adopting renewable energy is a no-brainer and necessary if we are to have our increasing use of technology powered.

Security: This has been a main preoccupation of people living and visiting Haiti. I should note that at one time, Haiti was ranked among the safest destinations in the world. Now, Haiti faces multiple security challenges, including crime and civil unrest. Technology must first be used to address issues of improving the lives of the citizens in agriculture, education, health tourism, and financial inclusion. Once sustainable progress is possible and in parallel, technologies such as video surveillance systems and artificial intelligence can help monitor crime and detect potential threats. Additionally, mobile apps can be developed and used to provide real-time information about crime and safety, helping people to participate in their own safety and remain safe.

Governance: Corruption, political instability, and a lack of transparency are part of the multiple governance challenges being faced in Haiti. How can Technology be used to address these challenges and promote good governance?…. I will tread lightly here as this is “terrain mine”. Haiti has a long history of rigged/contested elections and corrupt, opaque governance. However, in my humble opinion, the use of digital platforms, such as e-voting systems may be used to accelerate the vote-counting process. Coupled with e-government portals, these can help to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the public sector. Additionally, anti-corruption systems can be developed, which can help to reduce corruption and increase public trust in government institutions. Blockchain technology should be adapted, adopted, and used to promote transparency and accountability in government operations, as well as reduce conflicts linked to land titles, an issue that hampers investment and fuels corruption, while e-voting systems can be used to promote fair and transparent elections.

It is important to keep in mind that the implementation of technology solutions, in Haiti, should  take into account the country’s unique social, political, and economic context. This means considering the local infrastructure, resources available, as well as the needs and capacities of the local population. Additionally, it must be implemented in a responsible and sustainable manner. Finally,  It is important to ensure that technology is used in an inclusive and equitable manner, so that its benefits reach all segments of the population, regardless of their socio-economic status. With the right investments, policies, and partnerships, and by leveraging technology, Haiti can  build a more prosperous, stable, inclusive and equitable future for all its citizens.

This is article 1 of a 9 articles series to cover further.