Promoting agroforestry in Tsiatosika, Mananjary district, is key to a sustainable and prosperous future. This approach, blending agriculture with reforestation, preserves soil, regulates water cycles, protects biodiversity, and boosts agricultural productivity and local livelihoods. By adopting agroforestry, farmers can diversify income, reduce reliance on low-yield crops, and build climate resilience. The project also enhances natural resource management, restores ecosystems, and empowers farmers through training and partnerships, improving local living conditions while contributing to global goals like combating deforestation and climate change adaptation.
In Tsiatosika, people heavily depend on the forest for their livelihoods. The forest provides essential resources like firewood, construction materials, and food, including fruits and medicinal plants. However, we have seen many challenges in our area. Deforestation due to unsustainable farming practices and logging is a significant issue. The forest is degraded, which affects biodiversity and leads to soil erosion and reduced agricultural productivity.
Cyclones have had devastating impacts on the community, destroying crops and homes, leaving people more vulnerable to malnutrition. Many families struggle with food insecurity due to the loss of crops and farmland, which worsens poverty. The combination of environmental degradation and natural disasters has made it increasingly difficult for people to sustain their livelihoods, leading to a pressing need for more sustainable solutions like agroforestry.
Two pilot areas of about 3.5 ha have been previously planted on my family's land, and in 2025, we planted a 1 hectare community demonstration plot. In 2026, we conducted a baseline survey with the community that revealed that families have up to 65 hectares available to implement agroforestry and are eager to get started. We have the capacity to plant 15 ha in 2026-2027 and are currently seeking funding to support nursery, labor, transportation, and monitoring costs. Our planting models integrate native forest species, commercial tree crops, and shorter-cycle crops that provide ecological and economic benefits. We estimate that annual food harvests could range from 1-5 tonnes per hectare, and we project an increase in household income of approximately 20-30% through increased crop yield and the sale of surplus produce.
We will monitor the growth and health of trees by measuring height, diameter, and survival rates regularly. Community surveys will be conducted to assess the community’s satisfaction with the project. The project has already impacted over 100 people, and we have the potential to reach at least another 49 families.
Current species list:
Native Trees, with IUCN Red List status:
White rosewood, Dalbergia louvelii : Endangered (EN)
Madagascar rosewood, Dalbergia maritima : Endangered (EN)
Voambona, Dalbergia monticola : Vulnerable (VU)
Clove nutmeg tree, Ravensara aromatica (syn. Cryptocarya agathophylla) : Near Threatened (NT)
Ramy, Canarium madagascariense : Endangered (EN))
Hintsy, Intsia bijuga : Near Threatened (NT)
Non-native trees, shrubs, grasses, and vines:
Siris tree, Albizia lebbeck
Jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus
Papaya, Carica papaya
Camphor tree (Raventsara), Cinnamomum camphora (syn. Camphora officinarum)
Cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum
Cola tree, Cola nitida
Mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana
Lychee, Litchi chinensis
Clove, Syzygium aromaticum
Cacao, Theobroma cacao
Robusta coffee, Coffea canephora
Banana, Musa paradisiaca
Sugarcane, Saccharum officinarum
Vetiver, Chrysopogon zizanioides
Vanilla, Vanilla planifolia
Food crops:
Potato, Solanum tuberosum
Rice, Oryza sativa “X265”
Beans, Phaseolus vulgaris
Bok choy, Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis
Pineapple, Ananas comosus
Cassava, Manihot esculenta
Sweet Potato, Ipomoea batatas