The Research and Development Program (RDP) of AUC aims at helping Haitian families to improve their living conditions through wealth creation in an environmentally sound and socially responsible manner. It promotes applied research and technological innovation as key to economic development in Haiti.
The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences places special emphasis on such crops of major importance as corn, rice, beans, roots and tubers, fruits, vegetables, coffee, and cacao. It considers developing special Research and Development programs focusing on coffee and cacao because of their exportation potential and ecosystem services.
The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences also promotes climate smart crops and animal production practices, such as drip irrigation, fish farming, and beekeeping.
Its primary areas of research focus include plant breeding and seed system, plant protection, soil fertility and plant nutrition, and crop ecology and management. The AUC Research and Development team also carries out marketing research for key value chains and analyzes the general trends in the economy.
Current research portfolio includes several programs such as corn seed system program developed in collaboration with International Center for Improvement of Maize and Wheat (CIMMYT), bio-fortified rice and cassava in collaboration with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), papaya in collaboration with Agronomists and Veterinarians without Borders (AVSF), and cacao and coffee in collaboration with AYITIKA S.A.
The College of Engineering of AUC partners with international and local institutions, such as the Swiss Cooperation and Habitat for Humanity to promote safer construction techniques. The devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010 and Hurricane Matthew on October 4, 2016, show the need for new construction methods to reduce the vulnerability of the Haitian population to natural hazards. The College of Engineering also addresses issues related to water and sanitation as well as urbanization.
The College of Business and Administration prioritizes employment, financial services, fiscal policies, and trade in its research pursuits.
