HAITI

Artibonite (Latibonit in Creole) is the first and longest river in Haiti and Hispaniola altogether, also the second longest river in the Caribbean. It rises in the Cordillera Central of the Dominican Republic and travels west through Haiti. It is navigable upstream for about 100 miles (160 km) by a small craft and after a route of 150 miles, it finally enters the Gulf of La Gonâve. Most of the river's length lies in Haiti, with a length of 253 kilometers.

 

Towards this river deforestation and pollution has negatively affected the quality and amount of water in the Artibonite and Hispaniola, but even more so in Haiti. Because of this, very little amounts of fish remain in the waters. This river has caused at least once in recent history a Cholera outbreak. This outbreak occurred in 2010 and restricted the people in Haiti from drinking the untreated water because it could cause major health risks.

 

The people in Hispaniola decided that the main purpose of this river is to separate Haiti and the Dominican Republic but also to contribute to food production. The region is a major producer of rice, maize, and sorghum. In the Artibonite department, rice manufacturing accounts for more than 50% of the total rice cultivation. Frequently, people call this area “Haiti’s Breadbasket” because of how resourceful it is. The river of Artibonite is a key addition to Haiti and Hispaniola altogether due to the amount of use the people of the land put to it.