By Mialy Karen Rasolomanana,
Madagascar’s natural forests are being cleared for farming, and this increases forest loss and famer vulnerability to the negative impacts of climate change. The continued reliance on low-input farming practices, such as swidden agriculture, also traps small-scale farmers in poverty and food insecurity. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) involves a set of farming methods that simultaneously boost productivity, enhance resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions can help address these challenges. Sustainable intensification of agricultural production, a key component of climate-smart agriculture, can potentially conserve forests through higher yields (also known as the land sparing approach).
Our five field technicians have recently benefitted from an intensive six-day training on CSA techniques. The training was provided by Côté Sud in Farafangana, an organization that promotes the adoption of agroecology and other techniques under the umbrella of CSA.
Photo: The technicians addressing their prerequisites on CSA
The five field technicians will, in turn, provide continued training and coaching to our study population, members of village savings and loans associations.
Photo: Room brainstorming on cassava intercropping
From July 1st to 3rd, 2024: Indoor training on climate-resilient best practices
The first day, the technicians were equipped with basic knowledge of climate change, such as climatic risks, as well as various adaptation and mitigation measures applied to farming. For instance, they learned about soil management techniques that can be useful to counteract soil degradation.
On the second day, the technicians reviewed in greater depth the various climate-smart techniques that have been trialed in the region and proven effective, such as composting methods, anti-erosion measures, crop associations, ground cover, and cover crops. These topics were explored through brainstorming sessions using Post-it notes and a whiteboard.
On the third day, the training covered tools to integrate trees or livestock into crops, also known as agroforestry practices. These include coffee agroforestry systems, as well as poultry and beekeeping. The five technicians also engaged in some role-playing sessions to enhance their facilitation skills.
Feedback on Recent CSA Training
Karen from ARISE-HOPE
“I am in charge of overseeing the implementation of the interventions being tested in the randomized controlled trial of the ARISE-HOPE project. Attending the training was a real privilege. The training, delivered by NGO Côté Sud, focused on teamwork, listening, and hands-on learning. It boosted technicians’ confidence and gave them skills to tackle climate challenges and promote sustainable farming.”
From July 4th to 6, 2024: A hands-on approach in the field focusing on resilient agricultural methods
The last three days of the training were very practical and implemented in a climate field school called Besakay. The technicians and the trainers from Côté Sud enthusiastically explored first hand the use of cover crops like Brachiaria as well as coffee-growing methods that lead to higher yields and restore soil fertility These methods focused on enhancing soil health and improving water management. The technicians also experimented with the Windy app to measure average local wind speed and air temperature,.
During the final two days, the focus was on coaching the technicians in transferring these improved techniques to members of village savings groups. The five technicians demonstrated a strong commitment to embracing sustainable intensification technqiues, from nursery planting to coffee harvesting. They took on leadership roles, determined to make a positive impact in their community.
Visiting VSLA member and practicing CSA techniques with technicians and Côté Sud
Feedback on Recent CSA Training
Pascal from Côté Sud
« I was amazed by the determination, dynamism, and the technicians’ feedback. In my 20-year career in training, it’s rare to see participants so committed to community development. »
Yvon from ARISE-HOPE
“I was initially trained to be a social organizer and knew nothing about coffee plantations. Now, I can fully support our VSLA members and better address their issues in the coffee fields.”
Stephan from ARISE-HOPE
» I thought I knew these topics well, but these six days of discussions taught me a lot about what I believed I knew about improved agricultural techniques. »