New study by IIED highlights how agrobiodiversity is taking centre stage for food security and sustainable development in Madagascar.

In the Malagasy highlands, cultivated hills are interspersed with rice-growing valleys and lowlands. Rice is a staple crop in Madagascar and an important part of local food security; however, agricultural-driven biodiversity loss poses significant threats with soil degradation and loss of fertility due to erosion and intense cropping impacting the nutritional quality of the food produced.

To combat this, the Analamanga Regional Branch of the National Platform for Women, Sustainable Development and Food Security (ARFDDSA Analamanga) seeks to raise awareness of and implement sustainable development and food security strategies. A key part of this strategy is the promotion of environmental sustainability and climate change resilience, both of which are served by maintaining agrobiodiversity within the association and its members' land.

Improving agrobiodiversity in the Malagasy Highlands

ARFDDSA Analamanga promotes the integration of agroforestry into farming operations, resulting in an increase in the number of trees planted in the region and the widespread adoption of organic fertilisation using leaf compost techniques. This has been accompanied by a significant reduction in the use of chemical inputs and the progressive adoption of biological pest control methods.

By promoting agroecology, agroforestry, climate-resilient agriculture, and organic agriculture among its members, the platform has implemented a clear and determined direction to encourage profit-seeking agricultural entrepreneurship. It has relied on local structures and mechanisms for the transfer of farmer-to-farmer knowledge – recognising the important role that parents play in passing knowledge to their children.

As part of the effort to promote biodiverse practices and reduce reliance on monoculture, ARFDDSA Analamanga organises small groups of around ten farmers, identifying a different specialisation to the others in the area. This allows for a minimum threshold of production and sales organisation while providing a substantial margin for diversification at the landscape level.

ARFDDSA has also provided regular local support during the innovation phases, such as adopting new crops or planting techniques. The platform has developed exchange and consultation networks, such as fairs and various meetings of sustainable development actors and value chains. Through these networks, ARFDDSA has mobilised development partners and work with the relevant authorities.

Access to remunerative and regular markets is key to maintaining agrobiodiversity in rural agricultural landscapes. While ARFDDSA does not directly market products for its members, it plays a key role in market research to improve the market prospects for tree-based products, the development of which further expands the uptake of agroforestry and other agroecological techniques among its members. This can be further enhanced by strong advocacy for access to land.

A cycle of sustainable development

The success of ARFDDSA in promoting agrobiodiversity can be attributed to a combination of factors that create a virtuous cycle of knowledge sharing, innovation, and market demand, and a fertile ground for agroecological farming. And with the help of farmer leaders who are driving innovation on the farms, the community is moving towards sustainable agriculture practices such as organic fertilisation, reduced use of chemical inputs, integration of fruit and cash crop trees, and adoption of biological pest control techniques. The ARFDDSA team has helped to preserve agrobiodiversity and empowered local communities to take charge of their agricultural practices, resulting in a more sustainable and resilient food system for Madagascar.

Find out more about the work of ARFDDSA Analamanga in the new publication by IIED, available here.