Assessing and Implementing in Crisis: World Bank’s Support to Haiti

Periodically, Country Portfolio Performance Reviews are undertaken in countries to analyze the World Bank's work in the country and to determine how we can better support developing countries. This took place in Haiti on October 18^th, when the World Bank partnered with the Haitian government to complete the exercise. At the same time, so much more was happening.

The process of measuring World Bank outcomes is fundamental to enhance transparency, accountability, and delivering impact that changes lives. It generates knowledge of how World Bank projects are performing, where they are going and whether they meet key country objectives. As Haiti continues grappling with a prolonged social, political and security crisis, the World Bank's presence on the ground aids the country's quest to promote sustainable growth, strengthen resilience to shocks and foster human development.

"As Haiti's new country manager, this exercise provides me with a wealth of knowledge but also, importantly, offers us an opportunity to assess the relevance of our priorities at the country level, said Anne-Lucie Lefebvre, World Bank Country Manager for Haiti. "It's a work in progress as we support the government, undertake continued monitoring and maintain implementation, in order to support those most in need."

Leaning on Evidence, During the Crisis

Despite some signs of progress, Haiti continues to face important security challenges, and the country's sociopolitical conditions remain concerning due to increased gang violence and external shocks. In October 2024, gang activity has displaced over 700,000 people and provoked an increase in the safety net needs as almost half of the Haitian population struggled daily to find enough to eat.

To address this ongoing situation, the World Bank is playing a key role in the completion of a Rapid Crisis Impact Assessment, spearheaded by the government in close collaboration with high level country stakeholders consisting of the European Union, the IDB and the United Nations. This assessment is aligned with the government's priorities and aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the crisis's impact, particularly in the Port-au-Prince Metropolitan Area, and in selected sectors of the Artibonite department, both regions most affected.

The RCIA follows a rapid assessment methodology drawing from both post-conflict and post-disaster approaches. It is drawing on existing data and analyses, as well as consultations with an extensive network of stakeholders and identifies and quantifies short-term priority needs for the transition period of the next two years (2024-2026). The assessment is structured around four "priority axes" of intervention, covering economic recovery, infrastructure rehabilitation, social services and rule of law.

"This document will be essential for Haiti to define a Recovery Framework and Investment Plan, aligned with some of the priorities outlined by the government. It will also strengthen coordination of actions and interventions between the government and Technical and Financial Partners including the European Union, and the Inter-American Development Bank, the United Nations System, and the World Bank", said Mounir Mahmalat, World Bank Senor operations officer and team task leader of the report.

Connected and Committed

Throughout the ongoing crisis, the World Bank remains a steadfast partner to Haiti. Our staff of approximately 50 local and international, remain on the ground in Haiti, connected to stakeholders, Project Implementation Units, the government, other development partners and family and friends - in the case of local staff.

Even during challenging times, the Bank continued to operate effectively notwithstanding a very volatile context, adopting a strong regional focus outside Port-au-Prince. Over 80 % of the World Bank's programs are implemented outside of Port-au-Prince, in communities where the security situation is more stable, targeting the needs of the poorest.

In fact, between 2023 and 2024, the World Bank invested US $180.7 million, the highest amount the World Bank has disbursed in Haiti within the past decade. These investments allow for enhanced basic service delivery, responses to food insecurity, focused disaster risk management interventions, building resilient infrastructure, and supporting urban development while preventing the spread of violence.

With almost 50% of Haiti's population experiencing food insecurity, agriculture and education projects are supporting school feeding programs. 11,990,512 rations have so far been distributed, equivalent to a daily distribution of rations to approximately 170,000 children and 68,782 students now have access to basic education.

The collaboration between the health and energy sectors has enabled 5 regional hospitals to gain access to reliable clean energy, via solar power, benefiting from 900 000 people living in Cap Haitian, Cayes, Jacmel, Camp Perin and Port Salut. This has allowed them to expand their services while reducing operational costs. Twenty-two thousand vulnerable households in an area affected by the 2021 earthquake are also benefiting from monthly cash transfers to support their livelihoods and expand the use of non-cash payments.

Going forward, the Bank program will remain focused on building the resilience of the poor. Due to limited opportunities for major structural reforms in the short term, the Bank will place its effort on preserving the hard-won gains in key areas by supporting job creation, maintaining essential institutional capacity and systems for service delivery, ensuring business continuity in the wake of new disasters, and strengthening societal resilience and livelihoods. Meanwhile, the World Bank will use the lesson learned in the field to reinforce the impacts of its program and to create more opportunities for all.