ARAKE MADAGASCAR
AINGAVAO
A new vision towards transforming coastal rural zones: a holistic approach to community development
In today’s rapidly changing world, fostering sustainable development in rural areas is pivotal for ensuring the well-being and prosperity of communities.
“Fokontany Ladigy, nestled within the Belobaka commune in the Mahajanga II district, is a coastal village within the Boeny region. Positioned amidst the sea, it can only be reached by boat. The villagers’ economy primarily depends on the contributions of fishermen and subsistence farmers to their surroundings. Due to the absence of a local school, children have to cross the sea to attend classes. Additionally, each year, this community contends with the adverse effects of climate change, suffering from flooding during the rainy seasons or cyclones.”
ARAKE has committed its resources adopting a holistic approach to developing and improving the lives of local communities. The well-being of the community relies on the active participation of each individual. In collaboration with local authorities, the elders, and the locals ARAKE aims to address multi-dimensional challenges and concentrate its efforts on a specific locality to promote the prosperity and welfare of the communities. AINGAVAO serves as our pilot project, and we aspire to implement similar initiatives in other localities across Madagascar.
AINGAVAO adopts a comprehensive approach, , addressing various crucial aspects of community development. The activities have been collaboratively defined, designed, and implemented in partnership with the local communities
“The photos below capture the collaborative efforts of Ladigy community members and ARAKE. Uniting hands they have been joining forces to build a vital well, a lifeline during cyclones and rainy seasons. Together, we are creating resilience drop by drop.”
- Community gardening
- Hand hygiene and sanitation
- Waste management
- Diversification of sustainable subsistence and tourism
- Sports, youth Education, and empowerment
- Women’s empowerment, food security, and economic independence
- Renewable energy
Community gardening
Empowering communities through sustainable agriculture is a cornerstone of this initiative. Community gardens not only provide fresh produce but also foster a sense of ownership, collaboration, and nutritional security among residents. These gardens serve as hubs for knowledge sharing and skill development in agriculture and horticulture.
Hand hygiene and sanitation
At the heart of community health lies the practice of proper hand hygiene and the use of latrines. By implementing education programs and providing access to sanitation facilities, AINGAVAO aims to elevate health standards and reduce the spread of diseases, significantly impacting the overall well-being of the community.
Waste management
Effective waste management is imperative for environmental sustainability. Through education and infrastructure development, AINGAVAO encourages responsible waste disposal methods, recycling initiatives, and the creation of a cleaner environment for all residents.
Diversification of sustainable subsistence and tourism
Recognizing the potential of the coastal area, AINGAVAO focuses on diversifying livelihoods by sustainably harnessing the region’s natural resources, including the sea and its products, plants such as the “satrana”, and local produce like cassava and sweet potatoes. In addition, we engage in activities promoting responsible tourism practices that celebrate local culture and the ecosystem, thereby providing alternative sources of income for the community.
Sports, youth Education, and empowerment
Engaging youth in sports activities not only promotes physical well-being but also cultivates teamwork, leadership skills, peace, and discipline. Simultaneously, AINGAVAO emphasizes education tailored to the community’s needs, fostering a generation of informed and empowered individuals poised to lead sustainable change.
Women’s empowerment, food security, and economic independence
Empowering women lies at the core of achieving food security. By providing education, training, and access to resources, AINGAVAO supports women in becoming active participants in the local economy, enhancing food security for their families, and contributing to the community’s economic growth.
Renewable energy
We are convinced that energy is one of the driving forces behind development. Similar to many villages distant from urban centers, electricity remains inaccessible to the villagers. However, given the geographical location of the area, the village holds great potential for solar energy, being among the consistently sunlit regions of the country. Facilitating access to renewable energy stands as a top priority within AINGAVAO. The holistic approach of AINGAVAO will generate a ripple effect across various dimensions of community life in Ladigy. It not only addresses immediate needs but also creates long-term sustainable solutions, fostering resilience and self-reliance within the community. By intertwining health, education, economy, and environment, AINGAVAO cultivates a thriving, interconnected ecosystem that uplifts the entire community. With our collaborative efforts and sustained/ steadfast commitment from stakeholders and the individuals within the local communities, we are paving the way for scalable and replicable models for rural development. Altogether, we are shaping a brighter future where every community thrives, ensuring a more equitable and sustainable world for generations to come.
