We have not supported work in Madagascar before but have learnt a lot about the needs on the ground from our new partner Azafady; they have been working there since 1994About 70% of the population in Madagascar are dependent on subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods, but in an area prone to natural disaster incomes are very vulnerable
The project we are supporting is in the Anosy Region where a real need has been identified for information and training to support people in building practical livelihoods as only a small proportion of the potential workforce has regular wages.

The people of Anosy live in the extreme southeast of Madagascar the region’s isolation means that it is one of the least developed in Madagascar and the majority of the population live below the poverty line. Livelihoods are traditionally based on subsistence agriculture and fishing. The region is prone to natural disasters like cyclones creating food insecurity
Azafady have worked with local communities to identify what is needed and to learn more about how the local people feel the needs could be addressed; their data shows chronic malnutrition in the area and very limited income diversity. Unemployment is a huge problem. Most women work in the home rather than in income generating activity.
Through their initial survey and ongoing data collection Azafady hear all the time from local people about their key need for information and training in activities to improve livelihoods.

The work will focus the area between Tsitongambarika and Ambatoantsignana in southeast Madagascar. It will place a strong emphasis on ideas for small businesses and management skills to take the ideas further. Training and small grants will be given to support self-employment opportunities and improved agricultural techniques for people currently dependent on subsistence agriculture.

The project aims to reach around 30,000 directly increasing incomes, diversifying diet and mitigating against future risk. We really like the idea that projects that are successful can be replicated and the model has worked well on other Azafady projects, accessed by the most marginalized people who have gone on to earn increased income from activities like basket weaving, bee keeping, coconut production, village and market gardens.

Project update – August 2011

Project Lanirano is split into two main areas: the urban aspect and the rural side. Both sides of the project have experienced a number of challenges but Azafady has learnt a lot and made many alterations to the staffing structure, methodology, and monitoring systems.

However, there have been some really positive results so far:

• 500% - the average increase in income on the back of small business grant
• 96% of women experienced an increase in income
• Organisation of Fangombas (grouping of farmers) has been working really well
• Time spent preparing the land has reduced by 33% and 82% from the previous year in the two communities Azafady are working with
• Farmers have learnt new growing techniques and getting greater diversification in their families diet