In Madagascar’s Diana Region, the OPFA Union Matanjaka is spearheading a vital reforestation programme aimed at restoring forest landscapes and strengthening local livelihoods. Produced by the Réseau SOA and OPFA Union Matanjaka, and broadcast in Malagasy across four key radio stations—Radio Varatraza, Radio Anivorano, Radio RLA Ambilobe, and Radio MAZAVA Ambanja—this radio feature is part of the YenKasa Africa Radio Initiative. It highlights how rural communities are regenerating the environment while enhancing food security and economic opportunity.
Community-Led Reforestation Efforts
Arnaud Richelin, Coordinator of OPFA Union Matanjaka, shares the progress of their 2023–2024 campaign, which successfully produced 6,000 young plants through local nurseries. These nurseries, supported by the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) of FAO and the Forests for Future (F4F) programme of GIZ, serve as both a source of income and a strategy for restoring Madagascar’s fragile forest ecosystems. In collaboration with Graine de Vie, the project has significantly strengthened the technical capacity of producers, particularly in Sadjoavato.
Voices from the Field
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JAOMANORO Sella Michael, a local farmer, explains that “we cannot separate agriculture from forest conservation.” He emphasizes that a healthy forest is essential for improving soil and protecting crops from climate shocks.
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DEBORAH Samueline, a young producer trained in nursery development, shares how the knowledge she gained has helped her produce healthy plants. “It’s not just about planting trees,” she says. “It’s about doing it well, and knowing how to care for them.” She also notes the economic benefits, as nursery work offers new income opportunities for rural youth.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The programme not only contributes to biodiversity restoration but also addresses socio-economic challenges by creating sustainable income sources. It fosters a shared environmental consciousness in the community, empowering producers to lead the way in ecological stewardship. Through these efforts, the OPFA Union Matanjaka is building resilience and long-term sustainability from the ground up.
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