GIS WATERSHED ANALYSIS FOR EROSION CONTROL OF UPPER LA BAIE DES MOUSTIQUES, NORTHWEST HAITI

“Ground-truth” data were collected from the upper (southern) end of La Baie des Moustiques in order to assess the factors contributing to severe erosion and loss of agricultural productivity. The data for one area of the watershed, including bedrock geology, surface-water hydrography, soil characteristics, and slope angle were processed together to indicate critical relationships. The ultimate goal of the study is to find solutions to life-threatening problems.

Approximately half of each year features strong storms and torrential rainfall in Northwest Haiti. The other months are more typically periods of drought. Livelihoods depending on agriculture and coastal fishing are, like most of Haiti, below any sustainable level. Current environmental-social conditions require significant changes.

A poorly consolidated, Miocene siltstone along with all local soils are under constant degradation from runoff down steep slopes into the ocean. Deforested highlands and slopes provide no natural regulation for soil preservation. A system of canals exists in the upper bay for the purpose of controlling drainage and facilitating irrigation. However, these are easily clogged and contribute to salination of otherwise valuable soil regions. The organization of datasets and covariant analyses indicate specific GIS criteria that can guide development projects. These results should in turn lead to a proposal for more comprehensive investigations.