USAID/Madagascar TSIRO Baseline Survey Final Report

This survey aimed to provide baseline estimates that would inform activity implementation and serve as a benchmark for future evaluations. The survey was conducted in two forest areas: the Tsaratanana Forest Corridor (COMATSA) and the Fandriana-Vondrozo Forest Corridor (COFAV). The TSIRO Alliance, a five-year activity, aims to conserve ecosystems and improve the well-being and prosperity of 2,000 small- and medium-hold farmers and their communities in the two forest areas. The activity is implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), along with four private sector partners and two technical partners. The TSIRO Alliance intends to support farmers in up to 30 communes and plant more than 1.5 million trees in agroforestry systems that incorporate food and spice crops such as cacao, vanilla, cinnamon, and wild pepper. The survey focused on four major threats to biodiversity and human wellbeing: (i) deforestation, (ii) unsustainable farming practices, (iii) insufficient access to resources for farmers and farmer groups, and (iv) underdeveloped supply chains. The approach is expected to reduce soil erosion; provide stable, diversified incomes for farmers, which may allow households to invest more in their family's health and education; and enhance the biodiversity of the area. The survey collected data on demographics and background characteristics, livelihoods, agriculture, food security and health, natural resources and energy use, and gender and empowerment. The results of the survey will inform activity implementation and serve as a benchmark for future evaluations. The survey findings will also provide insights into the current situation of the target communities and the challenges they face. The survey was conducted using a combination of Computer Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The survey instrument was designed to collect data on a range of topics, including demographics, livelihoods, agriculture, and natural resources. The survey was implemented in 30 communes in the two forest areas, with a total of 2,000 households surveyed. The results of the survey indicate that the target communities face significant challenges related to deforestation, unsustainable farming practices, and insufficient access to resources. The survey findings also highlight the importance of addressing these challenges in order to improve the well-being and prosperity of the target communities. The survey results will inform activity implementation and serve as a benchmark for future evaluations, providing insights into the effectiveness of the TSIRO Alliance in addressing the challenges faced by the target communities.