Sustainable support for rural agricultural industries

The Afafi project, also known as the Support for Agricultural Finance and Inclusive Sectors program, is nearing completion. Over the past four years, its success has been remarkable in southern, central, and northern Madagascar.

The primary goal of Afafi is to provide sustainable support for the country’s rural agricultural industries while promoting food security and resilience for local communities. In the Androy, Anosy, and Atsimo Atsinanana regions, the Afafi Sud project has significantly improved access to drinking water and agriculture, benefiting the population. Among the initiatives undertaken, 64 water boreholes were constructed, including 31 in 2023, to improve access to clean water for rural communities in the project’s intervention areas.

Additionally, 10 hydro-agricultural zones were created, enhancing water resource management for agriculture. A dam was also built to increase irrigation capacities for local populations. In terms of agriculture, the project renovated several small agricultural spaces in various regions and constructed eight warehouses to facilitate farmers’ harvest storage and management. Seed production was also strengthened, with approximately 250 tons of seeds produced to foster farmers’ autonomy and resilience. The project improved the incomes of 6,652 households, helping reduce pressure on forest resources.

In terms of infrastructure, Afafi Sud renovated 144 kilometers of rural roads, making it easier for producers to access markets and improving logistical conditions in rural areas. One of the major projects included the renovation of the Mahatalaky sugar factory, a key step in reviving this local industry. The program received 500 million USD in funding from the European Union through the European Development Fund (EDF) and was carried out in collaboration with the Malagasy government.