From former enemy to defender of nature: Manolosoa's inspiring journey
In Analasatrana, a village located in Ambaro Bay in the Diana region, Manolosoa, a married father of three, once made his living from illegal logging and charcoal production. At the time, he was considered by some to be just another « charcoal burner, » but in reality, his activities were destroying the mangroves, threatening the forest, the ecosystem, and even his own life. With unemployment and no legal opportunities to earn a living, he cut mangrove wood to sell either raw or transformed into charcoal. This risky activity was his main source of income: « To collect the wood, we had to swim across rivers, some of which were infested with crocodiles. In the forest, we were never at ease, always afraid of being caught by the patrollers. I have lots of scars because I often injured myself with the axe, » he says. He knew he was acting illegally, but he felt trapped by the lack of alternatives.
Now aware of the extent of his impact on the environment, he acknowledged: « Looking back, I realize that coal production and excessive logging have not only damaged nature, but also affected the communities around me. Today, I understand that these practices have contributed to reduced rainfall and, as the fishermen point out, to the gradual disappearance of seafood. »
Everything changed when the NGO FIDEV (Finance and Development) stepped in to introduce Income Generating Activities. With technical and financial support from WWF, it helps communities develop their activities by providing them with seeds and equipment, while also offering technical support and facilitating their access to markets. Selected for exchange visits to Antananarivo in November 2024, representatives from the village discovered livestock farming and agriculture among its Income-Generating Activities. Convinced by their testimonies, Manolosoa made a courageous decision:
« I told myself that if I persisted in charcoal production and illegal logging, while financial and technical partners were coming directly to us to give us a chance to live legally, I would end up spending my life in prison. » That was the turning point: he realized his survival should no longer come at the expense of the mangroves. He chose instead to start raising chickens, combining traditional knowledge from his grandfather with modern techniques.
In December last year, he started by buying 12 hens and a rooster, and built two shelters: one for the adult hens and another for the chicks. The beginning was difficult, because by embarking on this activity, he put an end to all practices related to the destruction of nature: « I had to invest the small amount of money I had left from my last charcoal sale. It was during the rainy season, and I was really struggling financially while waiting for the first results. I had to take on day labor at the SIRAMA company and grow and sell rice to survive.” he explained.
Manolosoa also discussed his family's role in this transition. He explained that at first, his wife, worried about the difficulties they were facing, asked him to return to the forest until he saw the first results. This period was particularly trying, but today, his wife congratulates him on his perseverance.
His determination paid off: the hens rapidly started laying eggs, allowing him to sell them and improve his family’s livelihood. « Thanks to the eggs, we could finally diversify our meals and save a little money. » From the first laying cycle, he sold part of the eggs and kept 12 for hatching. With proper feeding advice, his hens now produce about fifteen eggs daily, with at least five hens laying alternately each month.
As for his income, the change is also significant. But for him, the most important change is not only economic but above all moral. Money from charcoal production was once considered « cursed money » hard to manage and always tied to risks. He used to earn around 200,000 Ariary a month by selling six bags of charcoal every two weeks at 8,000 Ariary per bag, along with mangrove wood at 500 Ariary per piece. Depending on demand, he could sell over 500 pieces of wood per month. Today, the daily sale of 10 eggs at 700 Ariary each provides him with a steady, safe, and transparent income. In June, the sale of 40 chickens earned him 1,000,000 Ariary, and his farm continues to grow, now with 260 active laying chickens.
The impact of his career change has extended beyond his family. Manolosoa has become an inspiration within his community: « I went to see the former charcoal producers to convince them to give up this practice. Today, 20 of them have started chicken farming, and I think by the end of this year, their number of chickens will match mine, » he said.
His exemplary career has earned him the position of vice president of the AVOTRA Analasatrana cooperative, set up by FIDEV to support communities in developing income-generating activities. As part of his career change, he has received training in improved chicken farming techniques and financial management, as well as support in accessing regional markets. He is also president of the executive committee of Dina or KMD (Komity Mpanatanteraka ny Dina), demonstrating that career change can become a driver of collective change. The former enemy of nature is now a respected and passionate leader.
Manolosoa dreams of owning a large farm and working with former charcoal producers to demonstrate the beneficial results of raising chickens. His ultimate goal is clear: to transform sustainable farming into a viable alternative for everyone, so that the forest remains preserved. He is now driven by a sincere passion for conservation and wants to be a role model for protecting nature for future generations.
He sends a message to those still producing charcoal: « As a former charcoal producer, I know the harmful effects of this activity on our health and that of nature. It is essential to follow the recommendations put in place by community-based organizations, WWF, and FIDEV so that we can all live in a healthy environment. »
