Life in southern Madagascar is challenging, with over 90% of the population living in poverty and relying on farming and fishing. Climate change exacerbates these difficulties by causing frequent droughts and water scarcity. When rains do come, they often lead to severe floods, as experienced recently. The region also faces increased occurrences of violent winds known as Tiokatimo, which carry red sand that covers fields and homes. This has led to advancing desertification and expanding sand dunes, making it hard for families to sustain their livelihoods.
In response to these challenges, the Malagasy government, supported by the World Bank, initiated the Support for Resilient Livelihoods in the South of Madagascar project (MIONJO) in 2020. This initiative aims to build resilience across Atsimo-Andrefana, Androy, and Anosy regions by serving around 1.4 million people in 235 rural communes.
A core aspect of MIONJO is environmental restoration through protecting farmland, strengthening ecosystems, halting desertification, and improving daily life. Collaborating with organizations like Tany Meva Foundation and Catholic Relief Services, MIONJO implements solutions such as stabilizing sand dunes with sisal plants, planting windbreaks, promoting agroforestry and reforestation, and establishing nurseries with resilient species.
The efforts have stabilized over 1,500 hectares of dunes, reforested 330 hectares, and established 24 nurseries producing thousands of seedlings. Nasta works at one such nursery tending to seedlings daily. She shares her motivation: “I see the changes caused by deforestation. That’s why I chose to help restore our forests for a better life.”
Ralahy Fidèle contributed his land for a nursery project: “I want my region to be green,” he says. He leads a team teaching planting techniques and land restoration skills.
These nurseries are vital for restoring degraded landscapes in southern Madagascar. Both Nasta and Ralahy encourage others to join long-term efforts: “This isn’t work that takes just a few months,” says Ralahy.
New funding will support local structures ensuring communities can maintain nurseries and manage restored lands effectively. These actions protect livelihoods while reducing greenhouse gas emissions contributing positively towards climate change mitigation.
The MIONJO Project highlights that protecting the environment equates to safeguarding lives by empowering communities through nature restoration efforts in southern Madagascar.