ADRA Madagascar, with the support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Madagascar, is implementing several key initiatives under its FARARANO project to improve food security for rural communities in Alakamisy Fenoarivo, Antananarivo Atsimondrano District, Analamanga Region.
Aiming to address food insecurity while increasing agricultural productivity, the FARARANO project has provided 2,000 vulnerable households with seeds and agricultural tools. This strategic intervention aims to strengthen production capacity while promoting the adoption of more efficient, sustainable, and locally adapted farming practices. These agricultural inputs help improve household food availability, reduce dependence on external purchases, and establish a self-sustaining cycle of long-term production.
“Previously, since we didn’t have enough seeds, we only grew crops for our own consumption. But now, thanks to the seeds we’ve received, our next harvests could become a source of income. With the tools I received, I have the opportunity to apply the technical training I’ve attended. I have faith and confidence that the harvest will be good,” said Mampionona, a beneficiary of the FARARANO project.
To enhance the effectiveness of this distribution, sixty Leader Farmers were selected and trained in climate-smart agriculture, integrated pest management (IPM), and post-harvest handling. Their roles are crucial, as they serve as peer educators, assisting beneficiary households to apply good practices, thereby ensuring proper use of the distributed seeds and tools.
“As a Leader Farmer, my role is to support other farmers, conduct regular follow-ups, and raise awareness. After receiving the agricultural tools, we will continue to train beneficiaries until the harvest period so that everyone in rural areas can benefit,” explained Jean Baptiste, a Leader Farmer.
In addition to strengthening production capacity, FARARANO is also working to facilitate access to agricultural markets. In this regard, three producer groups have already been trained through the Farmer Market School (FMS), and three more groups are currently undergoing training. The objective is to strengthen producers’ skills in market management, negotiation, demand analysis, and product valorization, to help them access sales channels and improve household income.
“Farmers and producers will no longer be at a disadvantage if they know how to find markets for their products. Through the FMS training, we learned how to identify products and market needs, as well as how to connect all participants in the search for market opportunities,” said Angeline, a Leader Farmer and FMS participant.
As a continuation of these achievements, the FARARANO project will soon conduct training and certification for six APPSA (Community-Based Livestock Health Agents), who will support 500 households in the livestock sector. Improved breeds of chickens will be distributed along with starter kits and suitable shelters, in order to diversify income sources and strengthen food security for the 2,500 beneficiary households.
Photos : © 2025 ADRA | Livatina RANARISON