In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, post-disaster relief is creating a new kind of problem for businesses there. The massive influx of food aid has altered the price of rice, throwing the delicate balance in Haiti's food supply chain out of whack and threatening to collapse the country's rice market. It's the kind of problem that can turn a one-time disaster into a crisis that lasts years. But international aid organizations like the U.N.'s World Food Programme are trying out a new method of delivering relief that they hope will avoid that problem.

"It's a simple idea," says reporter Davidson. "If people are hungry, don't give them rice. Give them money to buy rice, or vouchers that amount to the same thing. That way, instead of destroying local business, you strengthen it."

Video Segment Themes:

• The massive influx of food aid in Haiti after the earthquake altered the price of rice, making it difficult for wholesale rice distributors like Melissa to stock her store shelves affordably.
• Since the quake, it is difficult for Haitians to earn money, which decreases demand for rice.
• Such supply-and-demand disruptions in the local economy can turn a one-time disaster like the earthquake into a crisis that lasts for years.
• To avoid destabilizing the local economy, international aid organizations are testing the idea of giving people money or vouchers to buy rice, rather than providing the commodity itself.

Print Background Essay