Irrigation and watershed management programme

The FAO “Irrigation and watershed management” programme in Madagascar seeks to increase productivity in a conservative approach that enables an improved management of natural resources, which consequently enhance the environment and living conditions. The project should allow for the adoption of sustainable practices in annual crops, i.e. water management, no tillage/residue management, to lay sustainable intensification and diversification of irrigated and rainfed agricultural systems in watersheds, as well as reducing deforestation and developing forested areas.

At full implementation, the project is expected to be beneficial for 30,000 households in four rural ‘growth poles’ (Andapa [Sava Region], Marovoay [Boina Region], Itasy Region and Lac Aloatra Region) in Madagascar. It especially aimed at increasing productivity in high potential production zones benefiting from public irrigation systems.

This case study reflects how a watershed investment programme can achieve the dual objective of increasing productivity whilst reducing soil degradation and erosion, hence establishing the basis for viable irrigated agriculture and natural resources management.

Main outputs

Project to Support Development in the Menabe and Melaky Regions

The IFAD/AD2M project to support development in the Menabe and Malaky regions was designed to make poor rural people’s access to land and water secure through the productive development of arable land and the sustainable management of valley bottoms and micro attachment areas.

That should allow for sustainably improving and securing farmers incomes as well as integrating people who have recently immigrated into the zone .

This case study reflects how project of development can contribute to climate change mitigation. It also proposes different project simulations that could improve or degrade the initial carbon appraisal.