IFAD IMPACT ASSESSMENT - Impact evaluation of the programme supporting development of Menabe and Melaky regions in Madagascar

Farmers in western Madagascar live in an arid region that makes it difficult to survive on their own production. As in many other regions in less developed countries, there is a big initiative to improve agricultural production. Agricultural development is particularly important for a country like Madagascar, with 77.8% of the population living in rural settings (Rasambainarivo & Ranaivoarivelo, 2003). In such a dry region, it is important to understand whether large-scale investments in irrigation infrastructure can improve outcomes for smallholder farmers. To do so, we focused on crop yields, cropping in multiple seasons and improved agricultural practices. We identified these outcomes as key indicators of improved agricultural livelihoods. Appui au Développement du Menabe et du Melaky (AD2M) farmers had the opportunity to change the way they grow crops. The programme created new irrigation infrastructure in areas that had not been irrigated, and rehabilitated existing irrigation infrastructure when possible. The irrigation allowed farmers to use better agricultural techniques. For example, they potentially could manage water flow to crops better during the primary growing season, and could support a second growing season with the more efficient water supply. We would expect crop yields to increase if farmers followed these techniques.