Enviro News Asia, Fianarantsoa – Women in rural communities are playing a growing leadership role in climate action and landscape restoration in Fianarantsoa, Madagascar, through initiatives supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
One of the community leaders is Ernestine Razafindravola, head of the Soa Te Hivoatra Women’s Association, who has become an example of how women-led initiatives can transform livelihoods while contributing to environmental conservation.
In 2020, Ernestine faced major challenges as a smallholder farmer, struggling with poor crop yields and food insecurity while raising two young children as her husband worked in another city. Her situation began to change after joining a local association supported by the Green Climate Fund.
Through the programme, she received training in sustainable agricultural practices, mentoring from local trainers, and agricultural resources such as seeds and seedlings. By applying these methods, Ernestine significantly improved her farm’s productivity, achieving year-round food security and producing more than 200 kilograms of beans per season.
The increased income allowed her to build a new house, install solar power, and improve the living conditions of her family.
Across Madagascar, similar initiatives are empowering women to restore degraded ecosystems by planting native trees, conserving water resources, and improving soil health. These efforts contribute to biodiversity protection, carbon emission reduction, job creation, and food security.
Beyond environmental benefits, the initiatives also strengthen women’s economic independence and leadership. Women participating in the programme gain skills in organization, financial management, and community leadership while balancing household responsibilities.
The activities are part of the Sustainable Landscapes in Eastern Madagascar Project, funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented by Conservation International. The project aims to reduce deforestation and enhance climate resilience through sustainable forest management and climate-resilient agriculture.
The achievements of these women were highlighted during the celebration of International Women’s Day, emphasizing the crucial role of women’s leadership in addressing climate change while advancing gender equality. (*)
