The decisive role of aggregators
At the heart of the DIANA region, Kobaby Project, funded by AFD, embodies an innovative approach by bringing together key economic players in some sector “aggregators”. These aggregators, acting as intermediaries between production organizations and market operators, play a crucial role in conserving natural resources while stimulating local economic development. Four sector aggregators have been trained, receiving dedicated grants to promote four essential sectors: fragrant rice led by Soa Network, honey, fruits led by Helvetas, and fishing led by Sahanala.
Conservation of natural resources
The initiative goes beyond simply promoting sectors; it is resolutely committed to preserving the local ecosystem. Farmers and dealers, aware of the vital importance of the irrigation network for the surrounding paddy fields, have committed to reinvesting a portion of their profits to ensure the security of wetland areas in the Northern Region. These contributions are essential to finance conservation efforts led by the managers of the nine Protected Areas, thus promoting the conservation of local ecosystems such as Lokobe, Montagne d’Ambre, Ankarana, Montagne des Français, Andrafiamena Andavakoera, Ambodivahibe, Oronjia, Ankivonjy, and Ankarea.
Local economic development
Aggregators also play a catalytic role in the economic development of the region. Benefiting from a total grant of one (1) million euros over twenty-four months, approximately 4 billion ariary, the initiatives cover twenty-six communes, two communities of communes bordering the nine Protected Areas, mangrove landscapes, and two priority sites for forest restoration in the Diana Region. These targeted investments stimulate local economic growth, create employment opportunities, strengthen infrastructure, and promote the emergence of new sustainable economic activities.
Fragrant rice sector as a concrete example
Take the example of the fragrant rice sector, an emblem of the region. Soa Network, in collaboration with Kobaby Project, overcomes barriers related to rice production. By addressing irrigation water management, improving the quality of fragrant rice according to technical production standards, rehabilitating hydro-agricultural infrastructure, and establishing a regional structure to promote the sector, Soa Network contributes to both the conservation of natural resources and local economic development.
In conclusion, the aggregators, through Kobaby Project, not only energize economic sectors but actively engage in conserving natural resources and promote sustainable economic development in the DIANA Region.
