Mid-November Security Crisis: How It Affects Household Food Security in Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Insights for March 2025

The ongoing crisis has led to alarming changes in food consumption in Haiti. Recently, the number of households facing poor food situations surged from 36% to 42% in just one month. This shift is stark compared to an annual increase of only 8 percentage points. The hardest-hit areas include Port-au-Prince, Carrefour, and Delmas.

Hunger is a major concern, with more than 80% of households experiencing moderate to severe hunger, particularly in Cité Soleil, Croix-des-Bouquets, and Port-au-Prince, where rates soar to 90%, 89%, and 91%, respectively. This situation forces many families to cut back significantly. In fact, 67% of households report eating just one meal a day, a jump from 61% in November 2024. Among those displaced by the crisis, this figure rises to 73%.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) face heightened challenges. Over 89% of them struggle with poor food consumption, a stark 20-point difference compared to those who are not displaced. Many have expressed an urgent desire to migrate, with over 60% indicating a willingness to leave because of the crisis.

The economic pressure is palpable as well. The cost of the essential food basket has climbed by 6%, now costing 26,585 Haitian gourdes for a family of five. Areas like Delmas and Pétion-Ville are particularly affected, with Carrefour and Cité Soleil seeing increases of 2% and Tabarre experiencing a 3% rise. Prices of basic staples like rice and sugar have spiked between 8% to 20%, with wheat flour increasing by 13% in Delmas.

Adding to these challenges, only 6% of households report receiving humanitarian assistance. Just 3% have received funds or support from family abroad. This lack of support compounds the severity of hunger and food insecurity in the region.

Experts emphasize that addressing this food crisis requires immediate attention. According to the World Food Program, actions must include securing food supplies and bolstering support systems to prevent further deterioration.

In summary, Haiti’s food crisis is deepening, impacting families and communities in profound ways. As the situation unfolds, continued monitoring and assistance will be crucial to support those most affected. For further insights on the humanitarian situation, you can refer to the World Food Program’s reports.

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