Diaspora Partnership Accelerator (DPA): An Innovative Partnership Model for Leveraging New Humanitarian Voices and Solutions
Summary — This report summarizes the Diaspora Partnership Accelerator (DPA) project, which aimed to leverage diaspora organizations for humanitarian assistance in Haiti. The project supported three diaspora-led micro-projects focusing on coffee farming, disaster-resistant housing, and healthcare access. The report details the implementation, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for future projects.
Key Findings
- All three diaspora-led micro-projects (Caribbrew, Friends of Matènwa, H.O.P.E. Haiti) were successfully implemented.
- Caribbrew increased credibility and profitability of Haitian coffee farmers through training and certification processes.
- Friends of Matènwa constructed 7 disaster-resistant model homes on La Gonave.
- H.O.P.E. Haiti increased access to life-saving healthcare and disaster risk reduction education through mobile clinics and training sessions.
- Capacity building sessions were effective and responded to the needs of the Diaspora organizations.
Full Description
The Diaspora Partnership Accelerator (DPA) project, funded by USAID, sought to engage diaspora organizations in humanitarian assistance and disaster risk reduction efforts in Haiti. The project supported three micro-projects: Caribbrew, focusing on increasing the credibility and profitability of Haitian coffee farmers; Friends of Matènwa, aiming to improve access to safe and dignified shelter on La Gonave island; and H.O.P.E. Haiti, working to increase access to life-saving healthcare and disaster risk reduction education. The report details the activities, challenges, and successes of each project, along with capacity building efforts provided to the diaspora organizations. It concludes with lessons learned and recommendations for future iterations of the DPA model, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, DRR focus, and robust project design.