A girls’ football team in the district of Soavina, Mania region of Madagascar. Photo: ANDRIAHNEITSOA Rojoalijaona Paul
Malagasy Lutheran Church offers training in agriculture and farming techniques to combat effects of climate change
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is partnering with the Malagasy Lutheran Church to provide livelihoods and job opportunities for young people in the green economy of the African island nation. Madagascar is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the impact of climate change, facing frequent droughts and cyclones which exacerbate existing challenges of rising poverty, inequality and food insecurity.
Some 200 young women and men from the central Mania region are being offered training in the latest sustainable agriculture and farming techniques, together with the tools to enable them to become economically independent. Alongside developing their livelihoods and employment opportunities, the young beneficiaries also take part in sporting and cultural activities organized by the church to develop their leadership and safeguarding skills, as well as promoting environmental awareness and community cohesion.
The project, implemented by the youth branch of the church’s regional synod in the north of Mania, includes training in maize growing, organic compost production, chicken farming, fish farming and an innovative technique known as ‘rizi-pisciculture’ which integrates fish farming with rice production in the paddy fields. All participants are encouraged to take part in sessions that explore the causes and consequences of climate change, together with best practices for protecting the environment, including reforestation and plant nurseries.
Beneficiaries of the project with chickens and reforestation plants that they have received. Photo: ANDRIAHNEITSOA Rojoalijaona Paul
Young beneficiaries learn about innovative maize farming techniques. Photo: ANDRIAHNEITSOA Rojoalijaona Paul
A young person living with disability learns about chicken farming as one of the beneficiaries of the project. Photo: ANDRIAHNEITSOA Rojoalijaona Paul
Strengthening cooperation between church and government
As well as benefitting the young participants, the project has strengthened cooperation between the church and local government structures concerned with environmental issues and resilience building. Organizers note that the positive results of this work have inspired other young people outside of the Lutheran church and have increased awareness of the church’s contribution to social integration and community development.
The reforestation training has resulted in the planting of almost 6,000 young fruit trees and other saplings, including eucalyptus, acacia, fir, avocado and coffee plants. Schools and congregations in the four districts involved in this part of the project have also benefitted, reporting a strong sense of ownership for this vital awareness raising work.
Young women make up almost half of the beneficiaries of the project, which has played a transformative role in enhancing their economic empowerment, as well as their participation in the social life of their communities. Rural women and girls, who are often excluded from financial decision-making, have been able to showcase their skills and earning potential, contributing to improved living standards for themselves and their families.
