Agriculture

In Madagascar, agriculture is much more than an economic sector: it is a fundamental pillar of livelihoods, food security and rural development. It accounts for around 60% of employment, approximately 25% of GDP, and a significant share of export earnings.

Yet agricultural productivity remains low. Farms are often small, access to technology, finance, markets and infrastructure is limited, and rural poverty remains extremely high. The World Bank estimates that around 8 in 10 rural people live in poverty.

At the same time, agriculture represents one of Madagascar’s greatest opportunities for inclusive economic transformation.

FTA seeks to contribute to this transformation through agroecology, agricultural innovation, applied research, research-to-extension approaches, appropriate mechanization, digital technologies, sustainable resource management, value-chain development, entrepreneurship and training for the next generation.

The challenge is substantial: Madagascar needs to produce more and better while protecting its natural resources and increasing farmers’ incomes. FTA does not underestimate this complexity. It promotes systemic, locally adapted and field-based approaches, working with farmers and other actors rather than seeking isolated technological solutions.