Anticipating climate shocks, protecting members: Sahanala strengthens its resilience
In Madagascar, the effects of climate change are intensifying. For rural communities, this means longer droughts, unpredictable rains, extreme temperatures, and more powerful cyclones. These hazards have direct consequences: reduced agricultural yields, lost access to markets, coastal erosion, and the degradation of marine and forest ecosystems.
In response to these challenges, Sahanala is rolling out a grassroots strategy tailored to the scale of its five federations. In Maintirano, developing maize and rice cultivation in areas less exposed to cyclones helps distribute risks more evenly. In coastal zones, mangrove reforestation efforts and the protection of critical infrastructure are being implemented to boost the resilience of fishing activities. Other initiatives include planting climate-adapted forest species, improving irrigation systems, and introducing heat-resistant vanilla varieties.
At the same time, Sahanala places strong emphasis on information and preparedness: developing localized weather forecasts, sharing updates via community radio, integrating climate modules into technical training, and offering small loans for resilience-related investments.
All of these measures are part of a clear roadmap: Sahanala’s Climate Resilience Plan. Developed with the federations, it identifies the main risks facing members and proposes concrete, sustainable responses.
To learn more about Sahanala’s plan and commitments to climate change, the document is available to read by following this link: Climate Resilience Plan.
