Location: MADAGASCAR
Agroforestry can transform how communities grow food, protect ecosystems, and respond to climate pressure when it is rooted in local knowledge and collective action. Agroforestry in the Community of Tsiatosika was created to do exactly that—restore degraded land, strengthen food security, and diversify livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices. Led by agricultural engineer Cédric Andriamananarivo Doriens, the project brings together training, reforestation, and crop production to support families in building resilient, productive farming systems that work with the land rather than against it.
The Impact of the Seed Grant
The Pollination Project’s grant played a decisive role in turning that vision into measurable impact. With TPP support, the project restored one hectare of degraded land by planting 1,200 seedlings—native, endemic, fruit, and crop species—with a survival rate of over 99%. Ninety community members received hands-on training in agroforestry, nursery management, and sustainable agriculture, combining theory with immediate field application.
The grant also enabled the distribution of coffee, clove, Dalbergia seedlings, and cabbage seeds, resulting in a first harvest that generated approximately $900 in income. In total, the project directly reached 90 people and mobilized 10 volunteer hours, reinforcing food sovereignty while reducing pressure on natural forests.
As Cédric shared, “This support allowed the community to see concrete results quickly—healthier soils, productive crops, and confidence in agroforestry as a path forward.”
Rooted in community philanthropy and climate-smart agriculture, the project demonstrates how small grants can catalyze lasting environmental and social change.
The Future
The work in Tsiatosika continues to grow. A community nursery is now established to sustain future planting, alongside ongoing monitoring and refresher trainings to expand agroforestry practices across surrounding farms. Partnerships sparked through the project are opening new possibilities for scaling restoration efforts and sharing lessons learned.
“This was my first funded project,” Cédric reflected, “and it showed how trust, local knowledge, and timely support can restore land and strengthen communities at the same time.”
With continued commitment to sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and grassroots philanthropy, the seeds planted through this TPP grant are set to shape a more resilient future for both people and the land.
The experience with TPP not only strengthened my technical and project management skills but also highlighted the importance of community engagement, knowledge sharing, and international collaboration in achieving sustainable environmental outcomes.
Cédric Andriamananarivo Doriens
Cédric Andriamananarivo Doriens is an agricultural engineer specialized in forestry and the environment, with a background rooted in farming communities. He has worked in reforestation, agroforestry, and biodiversity conservation across Madagascar, collaborating with organizations including GIZ, Health In Harmony, and Durrell Conservation. Trained in direct seeding, ecological monitoring, and community-based land restoration, he focuses on linking sustainable agriculture with ecosystem recovery. His work centers on community-led solutions that strengthen food security, climate resilience, and long-term stewardship of natural resources.
Join The Pollination Project in seeding a global movement of grassroots change. When we invest in passionate local leaders, small acts of generosity blossom into lasting impact. Every dollar you give takes root in communities, growing into sustainable solutions that touch countless lives.
