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Discover the untold story of Haiti's economic downfall

Creole Pig: Haiti's Greatest Loss

Discover the untold story of Haiti's economic downfall, sparked by the 1978 eradication of the Creole pig, a vital resource for peasant farmers, and explore its lasting impact on the nation's politics, society, and economy.

7pm CREOLE PIG: HAITI’S GREATEST LOSS – Documentary
The Creole Pig: Haiti's Greatest Loss, a WLRN original production, reveals the devastating impact of the pig's eradication in 1978, sparked by an African swine flu outbreak, and how it ravaged Haiti's economy, politics, and society.

 

The Creole Pig: Haiti's Great Loss-A WLRN Original Production

 

The Creole Pig: Haiti’s Great Loss recounts the story of a vital, resilient animal central to Haitian life for generations. Indigenous to Haiti, the Creole pig was a critical resource for peasant farmers. However, in the 1980s, an outbreak of swine flu, prompted USAID and the Haitian government to exterminate the entire population of Creole pigs. This drastic measure delivered a devastating economic blow to an already struggling nation.

Creole Pig: Haiti's Greatest Loss
Sara Shenk

The documentary explores how this mass culling accelerated Haiti’s economic decline while examining the political and social fallout. Featuring interviews with farmers, economists, educators, and political analysts, the film delves into Haiti’s history and politics to unpack the profound impact of this tragic event.

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