Tropentag, September 11 - 13, 2024, Vienna "Explore opportunities... for managing natural resources and a better life for all"

Analysis of adoption factors of forest landscape restoration in DIANA region, Madagascar

¹Leibniz Centre for Agric. Landscape Res. (ZALF), Sustainable Land Use in Developing Countries (SusLAND), Germany
²Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE), Socioeconomics and communication, Germany

Abstract

Facing the increasing degradation of natural resources, Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) has emerged as a pivotal in the global effort to counter environmental degradation and promote biodiversity, and human well-being. In this context, Madagascar has set a goal to restore 4 million hectares by 2030. However, although the success of FLR depends on its adoption by local communities, this aspect is still inadequately explored. Moreover, the factors underlying the successful adoption of FLR are under-documented. This study aims to I) Classify the different FLR practices that the communities have implemented, and II) Identify drivers that impact the adoption of FLR practices in Madagascar (DIANA region). Literature reviews, individual interviews, focus groups, and surveys of 492 households were used to accomplish this goal. Binary regression and description statistics were applied to the data processing. The result shows that 86,99% of the local population in the study area are farmers, with an average household size of 4 people and a monthly income of 785,561.4 ariary (equivalent to 166.17 euros). The types of FLR practices in the localities were categorised into forestry, transversal, and agricultural options, with most practices being indigenous to the region but promoted by the project in the localities except Ambolobozobe and Antsoha, which have not yet implemented a project. An additional practice such as composting was found to be a newly implemented practice in the locality of Sadjovato. Factors influencing adoption mostly include household income, with household characteristics crucial in determining FLR adoption. Access to training in agricultural ecology also emerged as a determining factor, and lack of water. these findings highlight the necessity for a specific approach to promote FLR adoption in these local communities, considering socioeconomic aspects and providing targeted training and support. Addressing these factors is essential for achieving FLR initiatives.

Keywords: Adoption, forest landscape restoration, indigenous practices

Contact Address: Madeleine Maomou, Leibniz Centre for Agric. Landscape Res. (ZALF), Sustainable Land Use in Developing Countries (SusLAND), dieffenchstrassse 32, 10967 Berlin, Germany, e-mail: maomoumadeleine142gmail.com