As part of the 2nd General Assembly of the ALBATROSS Project, today, we had the opportunity to visit the Tamatave Hub in Ivoloina and observe first-hand how farmers and communities are collaborating with nature to enhance resilience and restore the land.

Located on the east coast of Madagascar, the city of Tamatave is rapidly growing, the second most populous city of the country, and an important economic and industrial centre. The Hub is located in a rural area of Tamatave called Ivoloina.

In response, local farmers, together with our team and partners, are co-creating nature-based solutions that not only restore the environment but also secure livelihoods. At the heart of this effort are agroforestry systems: diverse, multi-layered farms that mimic natural forests while producing food and income.

Walking through the nursery, the project partners are struck by the variety of seedlings, including cacao, coffee, mango and jackfruit. These will soon be planted in farmers’ fields, where they will provide shade, restore soil health, reduce erosion and generate long-term income.

“Instead of monocultures, farmers are planting systems that combine fruit trees, cash crops, and native species,” explains a project team member. ‘It’s about regenerating the land while also providing families with new sources of food and revenue.’

So far, 60,000 trees have been planted with 50 pioneering farmers, and 200,000 seedlings are in production. Training sessions have equipped 150 farmers with the skills to manage these complex yet highly rewarding systems.

However, the project goes beyond the trees; farmers are also becoming climate data producers. Low-cost weather stations and water sensors are being installed directly in their fields to provide real-time information about rainfall, soil moisture and weather conditions.

By planting trees and increasing their knowledge, communities here are adapting to climate change and shaping a future in which both people and nature can thrive.