Water, biodiversity and adaptation to climate change in northern Madagascar

Objectives

• To establish a sustainable partnership aimed at improving the living conditions of the population in terms of access to basic services, combating climate change, and protecting resources in the rural commune of Andranovondronina.

Main activities

• Conduction of socio-behavioral and technical studies (hydrogeological, hydraulic, etc.) for the implementation of drinking water supply infrastructure in the municipal seat and two other localities within the municipality.
• Supporting and raising awareness among local communities to change their practices regarding water use and hygiene.
• Implementation of a program to improve menstrual hygiene and health, distribution of reusable hygiene kits, and establishment of three retail outlets, including training for shop owners.
• Drilling of two wells for the extraction of groundwater.
• Construction of two drinking water supply systems for the municipal seat and the villages of Bemoko and Mahavanona, each consisting of a solar-powered pumping system, an elevated tank, a chlorination kit, a distribution network, standpipes, and connections to public utilities.
• Renovation of latrines and handwashing stations at two schools in the county seat (public elementary school, general education middle school).
• Construction of an experimental standalone wastewater treatment plant with a constructed wetland to treat human waste from 15 households in the county seat.
• Implementation of a community-based management model through the establishment of a water users' association and an WASH technical service.
• Training, monitoring, and strengthening of the management bodies of the municipal water service (AUE, CRU, STEAH)
• Developing a strategy to improve access to sanitation for households and establishing a “zero OAD” protection zone.
• Implementation of measures to promote watershed protection and groundwater infiltration in drilling areas.