Kolektif Arcadins is an integrated community development initiative designed to promote transformational change in Arcahaie and other communities along the Arcadins Coast, Haiti.
Catalyzing Lasting Change Through Local Actions
About Kolektif Arcadins
Kolektif Arcadians is an integrated community development initiative designed to leverage impact to promote transformational change in Arcahaie and the Arcadins Coast, Haiti. Kolektif arose from a community visioning process in which residents shared their views of local challenges and opportunities and identified development priorities for the region.
Haitian and international partners then engaged The Bridgespan Group to develop a strategic plan, and with input from 600 local stakeholders, the resulting plan prioritized economic and agricultural development, entrepreneurship, community health care, education, and civic engagement. A master plan has been developed for the site, 40 acres of land in Arcahaie, which calls for a three-phase process of development, capital construction, and program implementation over the next five years.
The first, anchor program for Kolektif will focus on agricultural and economic development, to develop viable livelihood and entrepreneurial opportunities for residents, farmers, young people and women in agriculture, and fishermen.
Arcadins Coast
Arcahaie is a commune of approximately 150,000 people in western Haiti. Arcahaie is a region of historical significance, including the birthplace of the Haitian flag, and boasts beautiful ocean and mountain landscapes, extensive farmland, and a vibrant culture and heritage. Roughly 90% of Arcahaie’s residents depend on agriculture for food and livelihoods, and there is a strong fishing community.
At the same time, over the past decades, the people of Arcahaie have experienced conditions impacting the broader country, including a weak economic sector, a volatile political and security context, governmental corruption, and a rise in gang violence. Arcahaie has a highly engaged youth population and can potentially develop around agriculture, maritime enterprises, and tourism.
The land
Kolektif holds title to 40 acres of land in Arcahaie, where pending successful fundraising, new facilities will be built. The land will be transformed into a safe and welcoming civic hub for community gatherings, education and training, service provision, and productive cultivation of agricultural land.
Kolektif Arcadins Partners
Our consortium is led by Haiti Development Institute and includes Haitian and international partners with deep partnerships with community stakeholders. HDI provides overall leadership and strategic, program, and impact measurement support to the initiative.
W.K. Kellogg Foundation first convened the original partner organizations of Kolektif Arcadins, as they sought solutions to the challenges and opportunities articulated by the Arcahaie community. Ever since Kolektif Arcadins’ inception, WKKF has been a champion and supporter. Today, the foundation showcases this systems-change initiative as part of its Pockets of Hope campaign, which seeks to broaden investment in locally led initiatives that are building a strong and equitable future for Haitian children, families and communities.
Current Status
In collaboration with the community, the Kolektif partners are delivering programs in Arcahaie. At the same time, the partners are mobilizing resources to support the implementation of the Strategic Plan and the construction of new facilities on the land.
In May 2023, the partners established the Kolektif Arcadins Fundraising Committee, whose members are focused on raising funds from diverse sources, including global philanthropy, impact investing, and multi-lateral institutions. Drawn from HDI’s leadership team, the Haitian diaspora, and global philanthropic institutions, Committee members are identifying potential investors and ensuring alignment and coordination for this multi-million fundraising effort.
Mission and Vision
Crafted for profound impact, our initiative resonates across the Arcadins Coast, echoing a ripple of enduring transformation.
The top priority of Kolektif Arcadins is to promote broad-based economic development by attracting investment capital and supporting the development of key value chain enterprises to boost the agriculture and fishing sectors where most residents make their livelihoods.
Our mission is to strengthen agricultural and economic development, increase livelihood and educational opportunities, and improve health outcomes while mobilizing civic engagement to enable transformative change along the Arcadins Coast.
We envision equitable and prosperous communities with access and opportunity for all.
Our Values
The following values guide the Kolektif Arcadins work:
Innovation meets long-term vision
Where fresh perspectives intertwine with a foresight for sustainable progress, opening avenues of boundless possibilities and impactful change.
