About
The Mitsilo lab is a research group working on applied conservation, landscape restoration, and development research.
The projects implemented by the Mitsilo research group are based at the École Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques, and the Ecole Doctorale Gestion des Ressources Naturelles at the University of Antananarivo, Madagascar.
OUR VISION
Mitsilo is the Malagasy verb for “light the way” and as its name conveys, aims to use the best available scientific and experiential evidence to guide rural development and environmental policies in various African contexts (especially in Madagascar) so they are more effective and more equitable.
Mitsilo underlying philosophy is to create impact-driven research that puts Indigenous People and Local Communities at the heart environmental programs and policies.
OUR MISSION
rigorous, interdisciplinary evidence
We use rigorous impact evaluation and mixed-methods research, together with interdisciplinary tools and data from the social sciences, ecology, climate science, and remote sensing, to study socio-ecological systems and design evidence-based policies that improve long-term outcomes for people and nature.
capacity and capabilities
We also work to build the capacity of Malagasy researchers in interdisciplinary social science research (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods). In addition, we deliver field-based training for practitioners and policymakers on the social dimensions of environmental policies and programmes, from programme design to monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
New ways to approach
We are also continually seeking new ways to approach and solve problems collaborating with other scholars of different disciplines and nationalities, as well as with non-governmental organisations, practitioners, government agencies and businesses.