Managing natural resources through traditional systems in Manambolo Valley, Madagascar
Case Study C0024
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| Date | 2002 |
| Agency | Association of Manambolo Natives (FITEMA) |
| Donor/support agency | WWF Madagascar |
| Project type | Self implemented |
| Context(s) | Community conserved area |
| Geographic coverage | Madagascar |
| Locality | Not known |
| Biodiversity focus | Habitat |
| Development focus | Indigenous community of Manambolo valley |
| Conservation goals | To establish a harmonius balance between human needs and the protection of natural resources |
| Poverty reduction goals | None |
Summary
Madagascar is a global hotspot of biodiversity that is home to thousands of flora and fauna species, approximately 80% of which are endemic to this country. Manambolo valley of Madagascar is located between two national parks and, with an area of 7500 ha, it forms a continuous, long stretch of intact rainforest. Prior to colonisation by the French, natural resource use in this valley was governed through the traditional Dina system, where elders of the community took the decisions in consultation with ancestors. But the colonial administration did not recognise the traditional system and established the Department of Water and Forests (DWF) to control natural resources. This led to a breakdown of traditional rules of resource use, which in turns resulted in over exploitation of the forests for commercial and agricultural purposes by outsiders as well as local people. Degradation of the forests and its impact on land productivity prompted government to revive the traditional management system. In the mid 1990s, with the assistance of World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), the Association of Manambolo Natives (FITEMA) was created. Dina was recognised under Malagasay law. It provided the community member legal power to control their resources. Soon, FITEMA took control of the natural resources of the valley and revived Dina system. DWF built the capacity of FITEMA members by imparting technical skills through trainings. Now, through volunteers of community association, all entrants to parks are monitored and entry fee is collected from the tourists. 50% of all park entry fees is returned to local residents for community development projects. With the community control, deforestation and erosion have been virtually eliminated. Samplings of native species are raised in local nurseries and plantation has been undertaken. Villagers have channelled mountain streams using a specially constructed irrigation system based on clay dams. Due to availability of water, off season crops like potatoes, beans, and cabbage have been introduced. Increased yield with increase in crop diversity has improved the food security. Alternative income generation schemes like bee keeping and honey production have been introduced, which have generated extra incomes. Instead of being simply viewed as source of raw material to 'use before others', community now has a common vision for the use of forest.
Conservation impact
With the community control, deforestation and erosion have been virtually eliminated. Samplings of native species are raised in local nurseries and plantation has been undertaken. Instead of being simply viewed as a source of raw material to 'use before others', community now has a common vision for the use of the forest.
Poverty reduction impact
50% of all park entry fees is returned to local residents for community development projects. Villagers have channelled mountain streams using a specially constructed irrigation system based on clay dams. Due to the availability of water, off season crops like potatoes, beans, and cabbage have been introduced. Increased yield with increase in crop diversity has improved the food security. Alternative income generation schemes like bee keeping and honey production have been introduced, which have generated extra incomes.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Devolution or reinstatement of local rights over/access to resources
Revenue sharing
Ecoagriculture
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Reference 1
http://www.undp.org/equatorinitiative/secondary/equator_prize2002.htm#madagascar
Reference 2
http://www.tve.org/ho/doc.cfm?aid=1323
More information
National Working Group, WWF-Madagascar, BP 738, Antananarivo 101, Tel: (020) 22 348 85 - (020) 22 402 84, E-mail: arakotovololona@simicro.mg
Related records above this one:
- WWF Madagascar (Organisation O0110)