Challenges and Opportunities of Establishing Soil and Water Testing Lab in Haiti.

Agricultural productivity is dependent on inputs that will enhance yield.  Appropriate agricultural inputs can be determined by testing soil, water and plant.  Like many developing countries, Haiti lacks a modern lab that will provide such service nationwide. The National University of Haiti at Henri Christophe Campus in Limonade (UEH-CHC) in Northern Haiti cooperated with Auburn University to establish a modern service lab that uses atomic absorption and other analytical instruments.  Auburn University helped with training of lab supervisor and technicians, purchase of lab equipment and installations.  With a grant from the USAID through a regional development organization called AVANSE, the needed fund was granted to UEH-CHC that was used for the establishment of the service lab.  Auburn University generated soil and water test promotion materials, conducted survey to determine clienteles’ ability to pay and developed sample submission forms.  It also developed web-based interpretation and reporting systems that can be accessible by both Universities’ personnel. Even though putting all the pieces was a challenge, establishing a functioning service lab in Haiti will create a great opportunity for farmers, researchers and others who may need the service of an analytical lab that will deliver a badly needed service for Haiti.