Two Mules currently works in the mountainous L’Acul and Molas Sections of the Artibonite and Nord Departments, Haiti. These regions have received less attention than other parts of the country from humanitarian relief programs.
The L’Acul Section western slopes are drained by tributaries flowing to the Acul River, a shallow, swift, boulder-strewn river that is a major passage for the transportation of food and supplies to and from small-holder farms in the more remote mountainous region. Weekly markets along the river draw people from miles around to buy or trade produce for commodities brought from distant urban centers.
At higher elevations in the Molas Section (150–900 m or 500–3000 ft above sea level), the mountain slopes are well watered. Below this elevation, the west-facing slopes are much dryer. Family garden plots on mountain slopes are routinely cleared and burned, then planted with beans, yams, and other vegetables. Mango, banana and other fruit trees are tended in mixed-species orchards usually close to homes. Although the higher elevations are nearly devoid of trees, narrow valley refuges support sparse forest stands that provide cooking fuel and charcoal, critical not only for personal use, but also as commodities sold for cash.