Rural Development Support Project

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The Rural Development Support Project for Madagascar aims to increase incomes and reduce poverty in rural areas, while preserving the natural resource base. The project is part of the Rural Development Action Plan, a broad-based program approved by the Government in 1999 to promote sustainable growth in agricultural production, foster food security, and enhance access to basic services in the rural areas. There are five project components. The first makes a partial contribution to demand-driven income-generating sub-projects proposed by farmer organizations and village groups. The project supports three types of productive investments along with support services needed for identifying and implementing sub-projects. The second component provides extension and training services to rural communities and producer organizations. The third component strengthens rural communities and producer organizations by supporting the preparation of community development plans and business plans, developing organizational and managerial capabilities, and workshops. The fourth component establishes adequate statistical systems in the ministries responsible for agriculture and livestock, and strengthens environmental assessment. The fifth component supports project management and administration.