Supported by the U.S. government, the Menabe Sustainable Agriculture Forum is convening government officials, local leaders, and foreign ambassador from September 23-25.

MORONDAVA – U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Amy J. Hyatt is participating in a three-day agriculture forum in Morondava aimed at finding sustainable solutions to the Menabe region’s environmental problems. The American people, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), provided organizational and financial support to the event through both the USAID Mikajy and USAID Hay Tao projects, and in collaboration with the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock and the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development.

When asked about the significance of the forum, Chargé Hyatt said, "Addressing the sustainable development challenges [in Menabe] will require commitment and collaboration from leaders at the national, regional, and local levels. It will require all of us here at the forum to play our part to identify, develop, and implement transparent and attainable solutions to the security, corruption and economic challenges.”

Through the USAID Mikajy and USAID Hay Tao projects, the U.S. government is working at both the local and national levels to address Menabe’s economic and environmental challenges. Deforestation, persistent corruption, slash-and-burn agricultural practices that degrade soil, and regional insecurity have grown significantly over the last few years. Supporting sustainable solutions that protect Menabe from further corruption and degradation is a priority for the U.S. government.

The forum seeks to promote sustainable agriculture, effectively integrate development activities with ongoing land use planning, mobilize technical and financial resources to scale up sustainable practices, and attract the private sector to bolster the local economy. Yesterday’s participants included Government of Madagascar officials, business and civil society leaders, and foreign ambassadors. The forum will conclude with participants’ agreed-upon immediate and long-term actions to counter the current challenges and advance sustainable agriculture and economic development in Menabe.

Madagascar’s unparalleled biodiversity is significant globally, and its natural resources play a critical role in the nation’s economic and human development. The U.S. government works side-by-side with the Government of Madagascar and the Malagasy people like “mpirahalahy mianala” to secure the nation’s natural resources and biodiversity from illegal and unsustainable practices that threaten its environmental heritage and economic future.

Press release by U.S. Embassy Antananarivo / USAID Madagascar