Disaster and rehabilitation: how spices support resilience in Madagascar

The world never stands still. While we bolster farms’ resilience, climate change doesn’t pause. When we invest in equitable partnerships to improve local economies and livelihoods, poverty persists. Nature’s dynamism was especially apparent in February 2022 when three massive hurricanes devasted the Manakara region of Madagascar, where a Yogi partnership was working to reforest degraded land.

When these hurricanes struck in quick succession, all 510 farmers in our project were affected, losing 90% of their clove crop. Homes were destroyed, vital infrastructure was damaged, and food prices increased by 12%. .

Rebuilding After the Hurricanes: Agroforestry for Sustainable Development and Income

But, as John Muir knew, starting positive change in one area inevitably creates a chain reaction. After the hurricanes, it was imperative to restore farmers’ intrinsically linked livelihoods and land. Working alongside our partners, Jacarandas, we supported the construction of two cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus and acacia tree nurseries, raising seedlings to restore the land. At the same time, these trees are re-establishing income for farmers. Over 13,800 seedlings have already been distributed: 9,000 cinnamon, 2,300 clove, and 2,500 local species. In time, we aim to distribute 35,000 cinnamon trees and 13,000 clove trees.

It takes several years for a cinnamon or clove tree to become productive, so we’re sponsoring agroforestry training and support for maintaining valuable organic certifications too.

Weather, land, human resilience, restoration, local economies – everything connects. When we plant trees to restore the land, we can create benefits for farmers’ livelihoods too. Every effort from us, our partners, and you, contributes to a movement of positive change, where every local improvement cascades into global goodness for all.