Tracking Development - Rio Tinto - Qit Madagascar Minerals

The Production Phase
A Vegetable Garden
In 2010, the NGO ASOS began implementing a vegetable
cultivation project in the communities of Ampasy
Nahampoana, Mandromodromotra and Andrakaraka.
Almost 200 participants were involved in the first year’s
harvest. Today, the project has expanded across six sites.
Vegetables, including carrots, cabbage, radishes and eggplant,
are currently being grown on 4ha by 250 participants. Each
participant generates a yearly revenue of approximately
300,000 Ariary (US$150) from the sale of these products in
the communities where they are grown and in Fort Dauphin.
ASOS provides technical training in planting and cultivating
techniques and the proper establishment and maintenance of
a garden, while distributing supplies, including seeds, watering
cans, wheelbarrows and shovels. Participants are currently
undergoing training in insecticide spraying and treatment,
as well as acquiring skills in composting. The continual
reinforcement of participants capacities is key to the success
of the programme and refresher courses are frequent.
Seeds were not previously produced in the Anosy region.
Instead, those originating from Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa
are supplied by local vendors. Acknowledging the demand, the
project has begun to supply locally furnished seeds. Recently
established gardens have been planted with seeds produced
during last year’s harvest. Seed production is envisioned
to continue, with the project supplying and selling seeds in
surrounding communities and Fort Dauphin. Kiosks, in which
participants can sell their products in Fort Dauphin and in
QMM’s housing complexes, are also planned for the future.
Public radio advertisements
publicise this initiative every
Thursday evening.
A fair to showcase products
was held in Ampasy
Nahampoana in 2010. In 2011,
this event expanded to Fort
Dauphin.
Each participant uses their
individual plot of land for the
production of vegetables.
Participants engage in
insecticide treatment training
courses.
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