Madagascar: women’s empowerment through agroecology and green entrepreneurship

In the Diana region of northern Madagascar, the village of Antanambao Dzamandzar faces a major challenge: economic dependence on agriculture and fishing, combined with significant food losses due to limited preservation techniques. To address these issues, the Voa-Jary project introduces an innovative approach that blends agroecology, fruit processing, and green entrepreneurship, with a strong focus on empowering women and youth.

Implemented by Village Monde in collaboration with Madagascar Tourisme Rural (MATOR), this project is supported by a $32,411 grant from the Roncalli Foundation, to provide training programs, the purchase of equipment, and the development of essential infrastructure.

Concrete actions for lasting impact

The project is structured around several key initiatives:

• Technical and entrepreneurial training: 2-to-5-day sessions will equip participants with skills in cooperative management, agroecology, fruit preservation, and marketing. Support for the development of business plans is also included.
• Awareness campaigns on green entrepreneurship and sustainability: three campaigns targeting 255 people will emphasize human rights, sustainable tourism, and eco-friendly practices.
• Acquisition of fruit processing equipment: essential tools (multi-function processors, refrigerators, kitchen scales) will optimize the preservation and transformation of produce into jams, dried fruits, juices, and syrups.
• Infrastructure development and improvement:
  • Construction of a retail space.
  • Renovation of a workshop and storage space for the processing of the fruits, with a sustainable management model based on future rental income from the cooperative.

Through these initiatives, 300 people, including 180 women, will participate directly in the project, while nearly 1,000 others will gain from the project’s economic ripple effects.