Local Perceptions of the Livelihood and Conservation Benefits of Small-Scale Livelihood Projects in Rural Madagascar

Abstract

Small-scale livelihood projects are widely used in forest conservation and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD)+ initiatives; however, there is limited information on how effective these projects are at delivering livelihood and conservation benefits. We explored local perceptions of the effectiveness of small-scale livelihood projects in delivering livelihood and conservation benefits in eastern Madagascar. Our results suggest that small-scale livelihood projects vary greatly in their ability to deliver livelihood benefits, and that the type of livelihood project (e.g., agriculture, beekeeping, fish farming, or livestock production) has a significant impact on which livelihood benefits are delivered. Many small-scale livelihood projects, regardless of project type, are perceived to contribute to forest conservation efforts. Our study highlights that small-scale livelihood projects have the potential to contribute to both improved livelihoods and enhanced forest conservation, but also illustrates the need for more information on the factors that lead to project success.

Keywords:

• Agriculture
• alternative livelihoods
• forest conservation
• impact evaluation
• Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+)
• rural livelihoods

Acknowledgments

The authors thank L. Rakotomanonjy and H. Rakoth for data entry; A. Rakotomalala, M.G. Fitahiantsoa, F. Lemalade, T.A. Randrianarijaona, S. Ramahazomanana, N.T. Randriambololona, O. Faramampianina, and S.A. Tsilihimana for support with fieldwork; and the CI Madagascar team (H. Ravololonanahary, H. Rameson, A. Andrianasolo, and J.L Rakotonandrasana) for field support. The authors also thank K. Tabor, J. Hewson, K. Schreckenberg, and J.P.G. Jones for reviewing the manuscript; N. Nambiar and V. Gonzalez for administrative support; and A. Chain and H. Tien for editorial support.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded with support from the Ecosystem Services for Poverty Alleviation (ESPA) programme (p4ges project, grant numbers NE/ K010220/1 and NE/KO10115/1). The ESPA programme is funded by the Department for International Development (DFID), the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).