Maximize the potential of existing soils

Madagascar’s population is 30 million, and it is projected to reach 50 million by 2050. To meet the demands of this growth, the country must significantly increase agricultural production, particularly rice, with current yields averaging 2.7 tons per hectare.

This increase in production must address food security while ensuring sustainability, given Madagascar’s vulnerable and nutrient-poor soils. The focus must also be on preserving essential natural resources such as water and forests.

The primary challenge is to develop sustainable solutions for boosting productivity without compromising soil health and the environment. A workshop conference on sustainable soil fertility management was held on November 28–29 at the Panorama Hotel in Antananarivo, bringing together over 130 participants. These included scientists, farmers, policymakers, and international cooperation partners such as GIZ and Cirad.

Jean-Marc Bouvet, Regional Head of Cirad for Southern Africa and Madagascar, emphasized the link between soil fertility and food security. With a rapidly growing population, maximizing the potential of available soils is critical for enhancing agricultural production while safeguarding long-term soil fertility.