UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

09/25/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2024 10:29

How a UNESCO project is enhancing agriculture and conservation in Madagascar

The challenge of water insufficiency

"I have 5 hectares of arable land, but due to the water shortage, I could only farm 3 hectares. With a production of less than 500 kg, the yields were insufficient. We were forced to resort to other activities to meet our needs. We relied heavily on the forest's resources, to the detriment of preserving its resources: slash-and-burn farming, logging," says Jaona, 56, a farmer living in the fokontany of Erara, Isaka-Ivondro Rural Commune, Fort-Dauphin City, Anôsy Region, Madagascar. "During the dry season, I was unable to provide for my family's needs. Currently, not only am I able to provide for our needs, but the resale of part of my harvest has allowed me to renovate the roof of my house. And we still have enough to live on until the next harvest."

UNESCO

A sustainable solution: The dam and reforestation

UNESCO's intervention through the BIOCOM project, with financial support from the Korean International Cooperation Agency KOICA, marked a turning point for Jaona and his community. The construction of an irrigation dam in the village solved the irrigation problems, increasing the area of ​​irrigated land from 16 hectares to 41 hectares. This change directly benefited 58 households, increasing their yield potential by up to 6 tons.

UNESCO

In parallel, the project implemented a reforestation program upstream of the dam to protect the water source from deforestation and preserve the surrounding ecosystem. In addition, a dam management association was created, of which Jaona is currently the vice president. Members receive training on irrigation canal and dam maintenance, as well as support for improved rice cultivation.

The impact of the dam goes far beyond improving agricultural yields. Jaona has become a fervent defender of nature by encouraging reforestation efforts. His wife is equally active, maintaining the nursery set up in their village, underlining the family's commitment to conservation.

UNESCO

The BIOCOM project

The BIOCOM project (Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources for Integrated Community Development in Madagascar's National Parks), with the support of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has as its main objective the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable management of natural resources for integrated community development in Madagascar's National Parks. These parks, in particular the Marojejy National Park and the Andohahela National Park, are located in the Atsinanana rainforests, which have been on the List of World Heritage in Danger since 2010 due to the various anthropogenic pressures they face. The project also aims to preserve the protected landscape of the Montagne des Français, thus ensuring the sustainability of these exceptionally important natural areas.

UNESCO