Sustainable Agro-Forestry in Madagascar: Balancing Biodiversity Conservation and Economic Benefits

Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot with significant agro-forestry practices that face challenges in balancing conservation and economic benefits. A review of existing literature on agro-forestry, stakeholder consultations, and expert interviews were conducted to identify best practices and challenges. Agro-forestry systems have shown a potential for increasing forest cover by up to 20% in some regions, contributing to biodiversity conservation while providing economic returns through diversified income streams. Sustainable agro-forestry can serve as an effective mechanism for integrating environmental protection with socio-economic development in Madagascar’s agriculture sector. Implement pilot projects to test and refine sustainable agro-forestry models, engage local communities in decision-making processes, and integrate these practices into national agricultural policies.