The Ambositra Vondrozo Forest Corridor (COFAV) is one of the protected areas managed by Conservation International in close collaboration with local communities at the local level.
The “Sustainable Landscapes in Eastern Madagascar” project was implemented there by this international organization with funding from the Green Climate Fund, and they have been doing that for six years. This project, led by the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, aims to improve the resilience of smallholder farmers vulnerable to climate change while reducing greenhouse gas emissions due to – afforestation. Stakeholders are currently working to ensure the sustainability of this project which will end soon. ” We have benefited from International Conservation support as part of the “Sustainable Landscapes in Eastern Madagascar” project. An improvement is seen in the living conditions of the local communities. We have been able to increase our agricultural production thanks to the popularization of agro-ecology and agro-forestry methods. Other income generating activities have been developed, to mention only short cycle breeding, processing and collection of agricultural products. », testified to Gilbert Ramampiandra, president of the VTMM cooperative based in Ambalamanenjana, a rural commune of Miarinarivo in the district of Ambalavao, Haute Matsiatra region.
Representation of duplication. Thanks to these methods enjoyed by CI in partnership with technicians from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, ” our rice production has doubled. We have also provided agricultural equipment. Thus, we were able to convince our peers to stop slash-and-burn cultivation and deforestation. “, he continued. Rangers trained and equipped by Conservation International are also responsible for the systematic monitoring of the COFAV protected area. Exploitation of valuable forests, hunting of animals and setting bushfires. Still within the framework of this Sustainable Landscapes project in Eastern Madagascar, CI provided a shell factory to the VTMM collaboration, made up of 47 members representing VOIs, women’s associations and society. of the People affected by the project. We no longer have to travel to Miarinarivo, about 5km from here, to harvest the rice. It will save time for all the villagers. On the other hand, the people of Miarinarivo come to us to do it “, he continued. To ensure the best management of this local processing unit, the cooperative has appointed a manager in the person of Flavien Razafimandimby. ” We planted about 1 ton of paddy per day during harvest for an average income of 100,000 ariary per day. Powered by a generator, this haulage center has been operating since the beginning of the year. At the moment, we are recording a daily income of 50,000 Ar as we will be entering the follow-up period soon. “, he explained.
Presentation website. In addition, rice bran, obtained from shusking, is used in the feed of pigs and chickens. Another simultaneous wheat and cassava milling machine is available to CI at this collaboration. These are basic ingredients for making food. That’s not all! ” A demonstration site has been established in Ambalamanenjana to demonstrate the successful use of agro-ecology and agro-forestry techniques. “. Other farmers, who are not members of the cooperative, become adopters. It presents, among other things, market gardening, especially white ingot, irrigated rice and good agricultural practices without interference The implementation of anti-erosion systems is not left out. Previously, it was a grazing land that is considered barren land. “, said Lalanirina Célestin Razafimantsoa, an agricultural technician with CI, based in Fianarantsoa.
Navalona R.
