This service is managed by a solar committee whose members are present in each hamlet.

The solar committees represent the association of electricity users, whose members come from the local community “Agnala Maitso Tsy Hognan’olo” (The forest belongs to us” in English). The committee is composed of a president, advisors, treasurers, and female technicians in charge of maintaining the solar kits. To meet the lighting needs of each household, three services are offered: a portable lantern that provides light and can charge a mobile phone; a larger domestic solar system with four lighting points that also allows charging of small devices (phones, radios,...); and a third option that combines the two. The services cost between 3,000 and 10,000 Ariary per month.

The committee members assume important responsibilities in financial management. Although they receive no payment, their work brings them many benefits and new skills. According to Tsiliva Justin, president of the Ampatika solar committee: “This responsibility is demanding, but it gives us real advantages. We receive training and acquire new knowledge related to our role, which helps us progress.” Thomas, advisor of the Kivalo solar committee, adds: “Before, we had to go to Morondava to charge our phones. Now we can do it here. In the past, once night fell, we couldn’t work anymore, but today we can continue our activities both day and night. Back when insecurity was an issue, we faced many difficulties, but now our fokontany is well lit.”

The money collected ensures the functioning of the association and pays the salaries of the three solar technicians, who repair defective systems, provide technical support when needed, and take turns every week. The remaining funds are saved to replace damaged equipment, especially batteries, thus ensuring the sustainability of the village’s electricity service. This activity also allows the technicians to strengthen their skills and support themselves while contributing to community resilience and the promotion of clean energy. Mamy Alphégine testifies: “I am a mother, and I work as a technician, seamstress, and fisherwoman. Being a technician in the village helps me take care of my children and provide for their needs. The money we earn from this job helps us, especially to contribute to our children’s school fees.”

These responsibilities also strengthen the motivation of the members. As noted by Ms Perline, treasurer of the Ambato-sur-Mer solar committee: “The lighting system benefits us and the entire village. We love seeing our village develop through light. It’s progress that will not be reversed. We are determined to continue taking on this responsibility.”

WWF Madagascar supports the solar committees through various actions: providing guidance and capacity building in service management, monitoring field activities to help solve problems and collect data, and facilitating coordination with the NGO Barefoot College Madagascar, which is in charge of technical follow-up. For WWF, this initiative contributes to strengthening the resilience of the communities it works with in the sustainable management of natural resources, while improving their well-being through access to electricity services.