Boucan-Carré is a town in the Mirebalais Arrondissement, part of Haiti's Central Department. It is part of the Central Plateau region. The population was 56,028 at the 2015 census.
Location in Haiti
About[]
Boucan-Carré was settled in the early 18th century (1700s). Previously known as Chambeau, Boucan-Carré was founded in 1948, bearing the name of General Rochambeau. It is considerably younger than many of the surrounding towns, as Boucan-Carré's territory was taken from the previously established city of Mirebalais.
In time, the 11th communal section of Mirebalais became one of the twelve communes of the Central department. Raised to the rank of district in 1946 by Dijon Jean Gilles, native of the area and who was Deputy of Mirebalais, Boucan-Carré was then elevated to the rank of commune in April 1985. It is directed by a Municipal Council of 3 members chaired by the Mayor.
Etymolygy[]
The term "Boucan-Carré" is derived from two French words: Boucan initially described a technique for smoking meat (originating from the indigenous Taíno and later embraced by French buccaneers). Carré translates to "square" in French, probably indicating a clearing or a specific area. Thus, "Boucan-Carré" can be interpreted as "a designated clearing for smoking meat," suggesting connections to colonial or pre-colonial subsistence methods.
History[]
Pre-Colonial[]
The area now known as Boucan-Carré was originally inhabited by the native Taíno people prior to European arrival.
Colonial Period (17th–18th century): 1600s-1700s[]
As part of the French colony of Saint-Domingue, which was the richest colony in the Americas thanks to its sugar, coffee, and indigo plantations. Boucan-Carré, with its favorable altitude and climate, was better suited for coffee cultivation rather than sugar. The area was populated by enslaved Africans who were brought over through the transatlantic slave trade.
Revolutionary Period (1791–1804):[]
The region was significantly influenced by the Haitian Revolution. Enslaved individuals in this area likely participated in larger uprisings led by prominent leaders like Toussaint Louverture. Guerrilla warfare and maroon communities, consisting of escaped slaves, were prevalent in the mountainous areas such as Boucan-Carré.
Post-Independence (1804–1900s):[]
After gaining independence in 1804, the area became part of the newly formed Haitian republic. Land redistribution occurred as former plantations were either abandoned or divided into small plots for peasant farming. Subsistence agriculture and coffee production emerged as the main sources of livelihood. Boucan-Carré continued to be a remote rural commune, relatively cut off due to inadequate infrastructure. The town lagged behind in economic development in comparison to Port-au-Prince and other coastal cities.
20th Century Development[]
Duvalier Era (1957–1986):[]
During this time, Boucan-Carré experienced minimal development. Rural neglect was widespread under both François "Papa Doc" Duvalier and Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier. The Tonton Macoutes, a notorious paramilitary group, operated without restraint in the countryside. Occasionally, peasant movements arose, demanding agrarian reform. Infrastructure was severely lacking, with inadequate roads and limited healthcare / education services persisting until the late 20th century (1900s).
1980s–1990s:[]
The region faced challenges from political instability, migration, and pervasive poverty.
21st Century - Modern History[]
2000s[]
The activities of NGOs and missionary groups increased significantly, with key contributions from Partners In Health (Zanmi Lasante) and Haiti Outreach, who were instrumental in building schools, clinics, and clean water systems.
2004–2006[]
This time was marked by violent unrest and instability after President Aristide's departure, with rural areas like Boucan-Carré experiencing the effects of national chaos.
2010 Earthquake[]
While the epicenter was in the West Department, Boucan-Carré served as a haven for those escaping the destruction in Port-au-Prince, resulting in a notable rise in aid and humanitarian efforts throughout the Central Plateau.
Recent Development[]
There have been steady advancements in road infrastructure, along with the growth of mobile connectivity and solar energy projects. Initiatives in sustainable agriculture and reforestation are being carried out to address erosion and improve food security.
Geography[]
Boucan-Carré is located at 18.9245° N, 72.1468° W. According to the IHSI, the commune has a total area of 353.63 square kilometers (136.54 mi2), of which, 349.22 square kilomers (98%) of it is rural and 4.41 square kilometers (2%) of it is urban. It is bordered by the municipalities of Maïssade (Upper Central Plateau) to the north, Hinche to the northeast, Thomonde to the east, Lascahobas (Lower Central Plateau), to the southeast, Saut-d'Eau to the southwest, and the Artibonite Department communes of Petite Rivière and La Chapelle to the west. Boucan-Carré has a district and three communal sections, further divided into at least 93 localities and 12 habitations. It is a landlocked commune.
Boucan-Carré's terrain features a mix of high mountain peaks and steep valleys, along with plateaus. The Boucan-Carré River flows through the center of town while agricultural farmlands dot the area.
Commune map of Boucan Carré
Neighborhoods
| BCA | Boucan-Carré | 56,028 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VBC | Ville de Boucan Carré | Urban | 1,236 | ||
| Quartier de Duffailly | Urban | 2,568 | |||
| PMO | 1ère Section Petite-Montagne | Rural | 9,962 | Belle Epée, Bouli, Ca Dafirme, Caille Jour, Dual, Eau Confrée, Fond d'enfer, Fond-la Borde, Fond-la Porte, Grand-Ravine, Gros-Cabrit, Grosse-Source, Jacot, Léyan, Nan Chambeau, Nan Chipain, Pengol, Pivereau, Saint-Louis, Ti Montagne, Tourmain, Zaboca. | |
| BCC | 2ème Section Boucan Carré | Rural section | 20,968 | Au Pig, Bajaux, Beau Père, Belbède, Bellevue, Benaco, Blanc, Bodian, Boucan Carré, Ca Choutte, Carrefour Gros Zerbe, Chambal, Corail, Cornel-Noël, Corvelle, Covette, Derma, Duchemin, Dupont, Durocher, Féquière, Fond-Sable, Fontaine, Gordey, Gros Charles, Gros-Mapou, Guillaume, Latie-du-Seau, Mainville, Mislet, Montasse, Nicolas, Pages, Pépin, Pierre-Louis, Pont Mme. Louis-Gapi, Pourrier, Sivol. | |
| BAY | 3ème Section des Bayes | Rural section, qtr | 21,294 | Balandrin, Bosiaux, Boucan-Kola, Bourgougnon, Brouillard, Ca Ibe, Campèche Félix, Débaye, Denizard, Deux Lagon, Domond, Domonique, Dos Pilon, Dufally, Eau Gaillée, Edouard, Fond-d'Enfer, Glorié, Grande-Savane, Gros-Morne, Gumérin, Haut-Baille, Jasmin, Lacheteaux, Le Franc, Mahotière, Manoir, Mont-Bayard, Moreau, Nan Mango, Nan Melton, Orange-Sure, Parc-Cabrit, Péligre, Piton, Rodeau, Saint-Martin, Salmaitre, Savane-la-Garde, Soubier, Ti Toussaint, Ti Jeudi, Viette. |
Demographics[]
The people living there call themselves Boucancaréen. In 2015, there was a gender ratio estimated at 109 men for every 100 women. Nearly 94% of the municipality's population lived in rural areas. The distribution of the municipality's population by major age group is as follows:
A young student of the town
42% of its population is under 15 years old
53% of its population is aged 15-64
5% of its population is aged 65 and over.
| Year | Population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 35,917 | |
| 2005 | 45,333 | +79% |
| 2009 | 50,952 | +89% |
| 2015 | 56,028 | +91% |
43% of the population are minors under 18.
Boucan-Carré climograph
Climate[]
Under the Köppen climate classification Boucan-Carré has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw). Summers are typically rainy, with landslides in the 1st and 3rd sections and flooding in the 2nd. The least amount of rainfall, averaging 17 mm (0.66 in), occurs in January. The month of May, with an average of 295 mm (12 in.), shows the highest amount of rainfall. August is the hottest month of the year. The average temperature is 27°C. (80°F). January is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging 23°C (73°F).
Economy[]
In the hills behind Boucan Carré, avocados are transported to the local market by donkey.
The local economy is based on agriculture, trade, and livestock. There is no restaurant nor bank, but there is a marketing cooperative. Apart from a few small shops, about 19 in number, the town has almost no commercial establishments. There are two depots, two pharmacies and a bookstore. The charcoal industry is a chief means of employment for many residents.
Agriculture[]
Boucan-Carré’s economy is predominantly agricultural, with the majority of households involved in small-scale farming. The crops produced include staples like corn (maize), beans (particularly in the Petite-Montagne Section), cassava, yams, plantains, and sweet potatoes. The cash crops consist of coffee (arabica), peanuts, and sorghum. Additionally, the fruits grown include mangoes, bananas, and avocados. Other crops such as millet, sugar cane, pistachio, tobacco, pigeon peas, yams, and malanga are also cultivated.
The farming is characterized by smallholder plots (usually less than 2 hectares), reliance on manual labor with minimal mechanization, and rain-fed agriculture due to limited irrigation infrastructure. The sector faces issues such as soil degradation and deforestation, low productivity stemming from insufficient inputs (like fertilizer and tools), and vulnerability to climate shocks (including droughts and storms).
Certain plantations and fruits, such as guava and latanier, are at risk of extinction. Market gardening plants are not well cultivated although they would develop fairly well in the area, provided there are irrigation facilities and support from agricultural experts. Farmers in Boucan Carré also raise both large and small livestock. Domond, Péligre, and other localities along the Artibonite River are highly suitable for aquaculture and agriculture (irrigation).
Zanmi Lasante operates an agricultural program at Boucan Carré with a team of agricultural technicians. This program cares for families and children.
Livestock[]
Common livestock includes goats, pigs, chickens, and cattle (which are less common due to the terrain). Livestock are utilized as savings, trade assets, and hold ceremonial significance (for instance, in Vodou and funerary practices).
Fish farming[]
Fish farm in Boucan-Carré
In Boucan-Carré, fish farming represents a novel opportunity in Haiti. Despite being a nation rich in water resources, Haiti provides minimal income for its fishermen. Initiatives like the fish farming project in Boucan-Carré are anticipated to significantly enhance the earnings of local fishermen.
Trade[]
Besides agriculture, trade stands as the second main activity supporting the working-class community of Boucan-Carré. The primary commercial endeavors include the sale of food, essential goods, and livestock. Other than Fonkoze's credit initiative, which operates the Ti machann (Small Merchants), shopkeepers must manage on their own.
For those looking to invest in the region, Boucan Carré presents an untouched opportunity from a commercial perspective. The lack of roads in certain areas, along with the lumpy condition of existing ones, significantly hampers trade within the commune, as trade is closely linked to transport. Each year, countless mangoes rot beneath the trees, while farmers could potentially sell them in Port-au-Prince or elsewhere if they had access to transportation. The same issue applies to some of their other crops, particularly sweet potatoes.
Other commercial activity[]
A neighbor of Boucan-Carré
There are no hotels available in Boucan-Carré. Nevertheless, the locals are always eager to host friends and visitors. The people of Boucan-Carré possess a remarkable sense of hospitality. However, if visitors require hotel accommodations, they can easily reserve one or more rooms in Mirebalais. In terms of economic and financial infrastructure, the town relies on five business establishments, three credit unions, and nearly 58 borlette banks.
Informal Commerce[]
Markets, Retail, and Street Vendors[]
Weekly outdoor markets are held (typically on designated market days) where produce, secondhand goods, charcoal, and essential household items are sold. Small “boutik” shops provide food staples, soaps, and phone credits. Street vendors operate at rural intersections and along paths leading to and from churches and schools.
Labor and Migration[]
Seasonal Labor[]
A significant number of individuals migrate temporarily to the Dominican Republic for harvest work, while others pursue informal employment opportunities in Port-au-Prince or Mirebalais. Remittances play a modest yet important role, particularly from the diaspora in the U.S., Dominican Republic, and Canada.
Shopping[]
The primary event in Boucan-Carré is the official market day, attracting vendors from neighboring towns who come to enjoy the day. Every Friday, a large crowd floods the town center for this market day. Initially, the event saw almost no vehicle traffic, but as time passed, it became inundated with motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.
Chambeau, Boucan-Carré's town center
Infrastructure[]
Boucan-Carré's new bridge
Numerous non-governmental organizations have stepped up to enhance the infrastructure of Boucan-Carré. Since the early 2000s, U.S.-based NGOs such as the Haiti Outreach Program, Give Haiti Hope, and Partners in Health have been instrumental in supporting the development and maintenance of infrastructure. One notable project, a full-service medical facility, has transitioned from a local community clinic.
The United Nations has undertaken substantial road repair efforts from Port-au-Prince Airport into Chambeau. The improved roads have halved the travel time between Port-au-Prince and Chambeau, reducing it from four and a half hours to two.
Although Boucan-Carré has seen consistent enhancements to its infrastructure over the last decade, the 2010 earthquake dealt a severe blow. Thousands of earthquake survivors returned to their extended families in Boucan-Carré, resulting in a significant strain on the city's resources and its residents. Clean water is in short supply, and the depreciation of the Haitian gourde has rendered goods and services prohibitively expensive.
Rural road in Boucan-Carré, Haiti
Transportation
Feyobyen Road in Boucan-Carré
The roads of the municipality of Boucan-Carré are in organic condition. The road that links the Bayes Section to the town center (Route Domond-Chambeau) is worthy of major development work and parts of the road are impassable during the rainy seasons. Thanks to the efforts of Digicel, MINUSTAH, Zanmi Lasante and MTPTC, a bridge has been constructed on the Fond d'Enfer River, which has alleviated half of the challenges faced by the local population during the rainy seasons.
The segment that connects the town center to Fèyobyen (Haut-Boucan Carré) requires river crossing at the Boucan Carré River at multiple points. The route linking the town center to Bas Boucan Carré (Chambeau-Pouillé) is completely impassable, especially at the Mont-Bayard area.
From the town center to the communal sections, the roads are primarily composed of clay. Rue Grand Chemin serves as the connection between the town center and the second communal section. Route Communale 300-B connects the town center to the third communal section and grants access to Route Nationale 3. The roads that interconnect the communal sections are merely paths.
A notable aspect of Boucan-Carré, which has gained attention in recent years, is its location, situated approximately midway between the cities of Mirebalais (Upper Central Plateau) and Hinche (Lower Central Plateau). Travel has been made easier with the recent reconstruction of Route Nationale 3. Boucan-Carré is regarded as part of the Boucle Centre-Artibonite, which also includes the communes of Hinche and Mirebalais.
Education
Boucan-Carré school children
Boucan-Carré is home to approximately 43 educational institutions. This total includes 37 primary schools, 6 secondary schools, and a literacy center. The educational infrastructure is more prevalent in rural areas compared to the town center, with 33 schools located in rural regions and only 7 in the urban area. The town center, along with Dufailly and Cange, each host two secondary schools. There are 3 national schools: one situated in the town center, another in Dufailly, and the last in Domond-Péligre. The majority of these institutions, totaling 33, are privately operated.
For the entire population of Boucan Carré, there exists only one high school located in the town center, which has the capacity to accommodate approximately 300 students. Funding for this institution is partially provided by Zanmi Lasante. Funding is supported in part by Zanmi Lasante. Some students attend high school in Mirebalais.
Local Primary school
Health
Partners in Health
The Ministry of Public Health and Population does not have a presence in Boucan Carré. The commune features two hospitals, a public dispensary, and a private clinic. There are a total of sixty-four technical staff across these four health facilities, which includes 13 doctors, 17 nurses, 24 auxiliaries, ten matrons, three laboratory technicians, and 24 other technicians.
For over 25 years, Zanmi Lasante has been active in the health sector in Boucan Carré, significantly enhancing the living conditions of the local population. In partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, Zanmi Lasante provides health services to the residents of Boucan Carré through the Saint-Michel Health Center situated in the town center (Hatte L'Etat). This center is equipped with a laboratory, radiology services, and a pharmacy. Cases that need specialist attention are sent to Cange or Port-au-Prince.
The Bon Sauveur Hospital, located in Cange, offers four basic services, along with an ophthalmic clinic and a dental clinic. Cange is a village in the Bayes Section. Friends of Knoxville, who support the parish of Saint-Michel de Boucan Carré, plan to establish a clinic in Pouillé (Bouli), a very important locality in Bas-Boucan Carré, which is centrally located in the 1st section, to improve access to essential health care services.
Utilities
Solar power in Boucan-Carré
Boucan Carré's water supply is supported by four rivers, public fountains, and seven springs, of which two are collected and distributed. Lake Péligre flows through the third communal section of des Bayes. The town center, along with several localities (Cange, Dufally, Domond, Péligre) in the 3rd communal section, are all electrified.
Electricity
Hydroelectric barrage at Lake Péligre
The previously mentioned hydroelectric barrage of Péligre is located within the limits of Boucan Carré in Des Bayes, the 3rd section. The center of the commune had to wait about 60 years to receive electricity under the Bellerive-Préval administration at the beginning of 2011.
Security
The administrative and judicial framework includes a tax office, a police station, a sub-police station, a peace court, and a civil status office.
Administration[]
As of January 2022
Boucan-Carré town hall
  Delinois Guerrier |
  Marthanite Rich |
  Michelet Gracia |
| Party: PHTK |
Culture[]
Religion
Eglise Baptiste Philadelphie
Boucan Carré is a deeply religious community. Approximately 76 churches have been cataloged within the commune. The denominations with the most churches include 30 Baptist, 16 Pentecostal, 11 Church of God, and 10 Catholic. Like other parts of the country, both Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism) and Vodun are practiced here. The municipality of Boucan-Carré is split into two parishes: the Saint-Michel parish of Boucan-Carré, which includes the 1st and 2nd Sections, and the parish of Saint-Francis of Assisi Dufailly, which covers the Bayes Section. These two parishes are further divided into ten chapels.
In reverence, the parish of Boucan-Carré honors its patron saint each year on September 29, celebrating Saint Michael the Archangel, while Dufailly commemorates its own on October 4, honoring aint Francis of Assisi.
The Protestant Church holds a significant presence, particularly the First Baptist Church, guided by the Baptist Church of Mirebalais, alongside numerous other Protestant sects. The Adventist Church and the Episcopal Church also contribute to the spiritual tapestry of the community.
Vodun, the cultural religion of Haiti, is widely practiced as well. Even among those who identify with Catholic and Protestant faiths, there are believers who seek the counsel of a hougan for matters entwined with superstition and health.
Communication
A rural home in the commune
Boucan Carré is linked to the global community through the antennas of Digicel, Voilà, and NATCOM that are installed in the region. The area is in urgent need of a radio station, as the ones available are in Hinche and Mirebalais. In the meantime, radio could serve a crucial function in education, information dissemination, and public awareness, as well as in fostering the cultural development of the youth. At the time of the inventory, the municipality lacked both a telephone and a postal office. Furthermore, there are no newspapers or magazines available.
Leisure
Boucan-Carré, with its rivers, scenic landscapes, and mountains, has long been a magnet for visitors, tourists, and various notable figures. For instance, Boucan-Carré was the home of General Rochambeau; remnants of the Fort of Rochambeau can be found alongside its waterfalls in the 1st Section, Petite-Montagne. The center of the commune still carries his name (Chambeau), and there is also a locality referred to as "Nan Chambeau."
Boucan-Carré is also a favorable location for jogging and mountain climbing, given its elevated peaks. Swimming enthusiasts will discover beautiful rivers, particularly the longest river in the country, which originates from Cibao in the Dominican Republic: The Artibonite. A locality of significant importance and tourism potential in the area is Péligre. It is noteworthy that the Péligre hydroelectric dam is situated within the territory of Boucan Town Square in the third section of Bayes.
Péligre Lake is an artificial lake that was created between 1956 and 1957 as a result of the construction of the hydroelectric dam on the Artibonite River. This dam was constructed by the Corps of US Army Engineers and financed by the US Eximbank import-export bank. Lake Péligre remains an untapped tourist destination. The view of the lake is beautiful and inviting. It is a location where one can engage in canoeing or waterskiing. In the town center, behind the Presbytery, there exists a recreational area known as Mapou Beach.
The youth of Boucan Carré commune possess remarkable talent. They contribute to the town's often overlooked cultural scene as poets, storytellers, musicians, and singers.
The local soccer team
Regarding entertainment and leisure, the town features six nightclubs, three football (soccer) fields, a public square, and 19 gaguères. In terms of cultural heritage, the commune is home to approximately 25 peristyles, a well-known temple, and two tourist attractions, one of which is a fort. Additionally, many Hougans and Mambos can be found within the commune.
Organizations
In the realm of politics and various organizations, the municipality has six political parties, 24 socio-political organizations, three grassroots organizations, four NGOs, six peasant groups, and two women's groups.
- Zanmi Lasante (Partners in Health) focuses on health care, medical infrastructure, and community health.
- Hope for Haiti focuses on education, health, and economic development.
- Haitian Health Foundation (HHF) focuses on health care, economic empowerment, and development.
- Handicap International / Humanity & Inclusion (HI) focuses on disability services, rehabilitation, and inclusive development.
- Lambi Fund of Haiti focuses on rural development and environmental sustainability.
- The Smallholder Farmers Alliance (SFA) focuses on aricultural development and food security.
- Fondasyon Limye Lavi focuses on education, vocational training, and child development.
- Tètkay focuses on education and rural development.
- Caritas Haiti focuses on humanitarian aid, poverty alleviation, and disaster response.
- The Haitian Red Cross (Croix-Rouge Haïtienne) focues on emergency aid, health, and disaster relief.
- World Vision supports genuine transformation for children, families, and their communities.
Many smaller, community-based organizations (CBOs) are also active in the region, often focusing on local development projects, education, and agricultural support. These organizations can be more difficult to track but often work directly with local populations in rural areas like Boucan Carré.
Further reading[]
Building bridges in Haiti — before and after the earthquake, By Susan Trulove: https://www.research.vt.edu/resmag/2010summer/haiti.html
References[]
Climat Boucan-Carré - [1]
Presentation Boucan-Carré - [2]
"Boucan-Carré, Haiti" - World Vision [3]
"Boucan-Carré" - Guide d'Haiti [4]
"Brightening Boucan-Carre: Solar Energy" - Clinton Foundation [5]
"Barrage hydroélectrique Boucan-Carré" - Yvenel De Boucan-carré NellyLepositif [6]
Michael Vedrine