February 2025 field update
Work has begun on the second farmer-led tree nursery in our new agroforestry initiative. In the village of Ambodivoahangy, five farmers are teaming up to convert renewable native bamboo into 10,000 biodegradable seedling pots. The pots will be used to germinate native host plants for wild silk moths along with other trees, native bamboos, and crops valued by the community.
Photo credit: Mamy Ratsimbazafy, SEPALI Madagascar
First steps
As with our first farmer-led tree nursery in the village of Mahalevona, constructing bamboo pots has been hard work. Hand saws dull and need regular sharpening. Our local sister team tested out a battery-operated electric saw, which works well for as many pots as can be constructed in 2 hours. When the battery drains and needs recharging, it must travel by riverboat for a day to the nearest town that has electricity. The majority of pots in our nurseries are thus vita tanana (made by hand).
Unlike standard plastic pots produced in factories from fossil fuels, these pots create no waste and can be cracked and planted in the ground along with young trees. They also support local income.
What comes next?
Seed collection and germination will be the next step for the Ambodivoahangy tree nursery. A few seedlings are already growing, which is a source of pride. These include hintsina (Intsia bijuga), a host plant for Borocera spp. silk moths. Beyond hintsina’s value as a food source for wild silk worms and other wildlife, the mature trees are used by local communities as a hardwood for building homes. By delivering multiple values to farmers, we strive for sustainability.
For more information, visit our project document.
Photo credit: Mamy Ratsimbazafy, SEPALI Madagascar
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