Haiti’s peasantry as poto mitan : refocusing the foundations of prosperity and development

The paper provides a case study of the conversion of state land in the Commune of Limonade, from a community-controlled agricultural economy to a large-scale agro-export banana plantation called Agritrans. This study shows how repurposing state land may impact food security and social stability of peasant farmers. The Agritrans plantation, designed and implemented by Haitian businessman and current President Jovenel Moïse, is used as a blueprint for Haiti’s development future. Pre- and post-land conversion data provide documentation of the immediate impact on peasant activities and lives in terms of the Agritrans land grab.