Piper McMartin
Research Mentor(s): Brian Klein
Mentor Department: Afroamerican and African Studies
Authors: Piper McMartin, Brian Klein
Session: Session 1 (9:00am – 9:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 111
Abstract
Madagascar’s status as a “biodiversity hotspot†has led a host of international actors to pursue conservation efforts aimed at preserving forests and endemic species. At the same time, many Malagasy people and communities rely on forest resources for their livelihoods. This situation has led NGOs and other conservation actors to institute “alternative livelihood†programs, or initiatives that encourage rural community members to engage in novel sustainable income-earning activities. Our research focuses on these initiatives by investigating what sort of activities comprise “alternative livelihoods†programs; what sort of changes or transformations are being asked of rural Malagasy people; which have been considered “successes†or “failures,†and why; and what evaluations and scholarly critiques of these activities might suggest in terms of better conservation models moving forward. To respond to these questions, we have reviewed relevant scholarly literature, explored popular and social media coverage of “alternative livelihood†projects, and analyzed conservation actors’ reports of their programs in Madagascar. I also concentrated on projects related to women’s livelihoods or associations. Drawing from more than twenty reports and informed by the critical perspectives offered in the existing literature, I identified a set of factors associated with more “successful†projects. These included efforts focused on overcoming social barriers, providing income to support women’s families, and offering opportunities for social advancement. Moreover, we worked to identify essential components to any successful “alternative livelihood†project, including the provision of all necessary materials, sufficient training, organized savings programs, and permanent support. Therefore, to achieve a better model for alternative livelihood programs, conservation actors should afford women better access to necessary infrastructure and resources to get involved in projects; provide compensation and benefits such as healthcare and education; form cooperatives for women to improve their social standing and agency; and provide materials, trainings, and permanent support.
