Madagascar's exceptional biodiversity and high proportion of unique plant and animal species (80%) make it a top priority for nature conservation. However, despite significant conservation efforts, Madagascar has the 4th highest rate of deforestation in the world, driven by failure to resolve widespread, abject rural poverty. 81% of rural households live in poverty. Those living around forest margins depend on clearing forests to meet their basic needs (agricultural land, timber & firewood).

Building on pilot success, this project reconciles the seemingly conflicting needs of human survival and nature conservation. Providing appropriate training & support to farmers around the Tsinjoarivo & Andasibe rainforest reserves will help them develop & adopt restorative approaches to food production. This will allow natural forest to be protected, whilst degraded land is converted to highly productive edible forests, providing a sustainable source of food and income for local families.