The Fikambanana Bongolava Maitso Association (FBM), manager of the New Protected Area “Bongolava Forest Corridor” (Western Madagascar, Bongolava Region) has received financial support from FAPBM. Within the framework of the Strengthening Support Fund (FAR), this support concerned the updating of the specifications for the use of the buffer zone, for an amount of MGA 18,769,000.
Since July 2020, the extension of some cultivated land towards the forest has been noted, thus implying new clearings. The causes of the extension are multiple, but the most relevant are the degradation of the soils of the old cultivation fields and the arrival of newcomers and migrants from southern Madagascar. As a result, the extension of land into adjacent forest fragments has increased and the loss of forest cover has become more significant. While in 2021 the total recorded loss of forest cover was 203 ha, 107 ha (53% of the loss) was due to the expansion of cropland.
The specifications applied before 2020 have proved their worth, but in view of the changing socio-economic and migratory context, it has become necessary to integrate the new stakeholders. Upon signature of this new specification by the occupants, it is expected that:
- The loss of forest cover in the PA area due to the expansion of cropland be reduced to 75%;
- The local economy of the occupants who have signed the specifications be improved by up to 50%: (3 to 5 tons of corn production per hectare; 1 to 3 tons of Black eyes peas production per hectare; 4 to 5 tons of rainfed rice production per hectare) ;
- The probability of social conflict due to land use in the buffer zone be low, less than 10% risk;
- The management of the occupants by the specifications be solved the problem of monopolizing up to 90% of the cultivated land;
- Ownership of the PA by community members be increased and this will be reflected in the participation in active firefighting and the number of participatory patrols.
To benefit from a FAR, here.
