chibas-bioenergy.org

Who we are

CHIBAS (a research center on bio-energy and sustainable agriculture, www.chibas-bioenergy.org) is a not-for-profit organization based in Haiti. It is an institute founded with the goal of establishing a Regional Bio-fuels Technical & Knowledge Center (CHIBAS) that will contribute to developing and acquiring the technologies needed for the development of the bio-fuel sector in Haiti. (1) CHIBAS will be improving, releasing and promoting the use of improved sweet sorghum and Jatropha varieties as multipurpose crops (food/feed and energy) for the sub-humid and drought prone regions of Haiti; (2) CHIBAS is to be a technical center to serve the farmers and the agribusiness sector in getting access to the best and most adequate technology and the best agricultural practices; (3) CHIBAS realizes feasibility studies to establish plans for the formulation of project designs (or projects) and investment strategies (including a complete sustainable and profitable value market chain assessment) maximizing incomes for the farmers and the local communities.

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Position opening (July 2013): BRANA/CHIBAS Deputy Program Manager

New Document: CHIBAS Newsletter #2 - 2011-2012 Update

New page: CHIBAS 2010 Update

New Document: Potential of Jatropha curcas for the economic development of Haiti
Edible Jatropha curcas (non-toxic varieties) is a multi-purpose crop (animal feed, and energy) that can contribute to the environmental rehabilitation (reforestation and soil conservation) and the extension of agriculture toward deforested marginal lands in a country such as Haiti. It would produce locally, and thus replace imports, products for which there is strong demand in Haiti: (1) briquettes from the residues (fruit shell and seed teguments), (2) high protein meal/feed, (3) and biofuels for power plants, stoves, lamps and vehicles.

Renewable Energy panel presentations at the IDB-Clinton Business meeting (International Business Meeting, Port-au-Prince, 1-2 October, 2009)

Compte rendu de la 1ere Conférence des parties prenantes et acteurs de la filière Gwo Medsiyen en Haïti

Issue #1 of the CHIBAS newsletter is now online

1ere Conférence des parties prenantes et acteurs de la filière Gwo Medsiyen en Haïti

1st Jatropha Stakeholders Conference in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, June 23-24

Sweet Sorghum

The goal of our research is the development of an efficient multipurpose crop to provide an alternative source of energy, food and feed in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

This system would rely on Sweet Sorghum varieties with high stalk sucrose concentration and biomass, stable and significant grain yield and high value of the leaves and other residues as fodder (triple purpose crop).

intercrop-Sorghum

Traditional intercropping: Sorghum and Congo bean (Pigeon pea) in Haiti

Our program aims at the (1) evaluation, breeding, release and dissemination of such improved Sweet Sorghum varieties in Haiti and the Dominican Republic (2) establishment of appropriate agronomic and crop management practices for use in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Read more about our program

Jatropha

Jatropha is a drought-resistant shrub with a set of unique properties. It helps alleviate soil degradation and prevents wind and water soil erosion, allowing reforestation and restoration of degraded land. Additionally, Jatropha sheds its leaves during the dry season, allowing for soil enrichment and long-term improved soil fertility. It is often used as a living hedge or fence by farmers in the developing world. Jatropha is a bush that can grow in most regions around the equator. It has few requirements with respect to its environment. Because of this, Jatropha can grow in areas that are unsuitable for other plants, because they are too dry or too arid, or because they have been left by humans because of soil depletion.

However, current information on Jatropha is anecdotal at best; it is not enough for our policy makers to make informed decisions about land use and the promotion of a biodiesel agro-industry. Our project will be providing such science based public information.

Our program aims at the release of improved Jatropha varieties and corresponding seed and propagation technologies along with the best agronomic management practices that will allow for the development and establishment of successful Jatropha agro-systems.