Assisting in Agricultural Development
Various initiatives have been launched to support agricultural production in Project areas. Farmers receive
advice and technical support on how to improve their fruit and vegetable, and livestock products. In
addition, farmers are linked to bulk purchasing centers that provide produce for Ambatovy’s catering
service and assure quality control. Rural farmers now benefit from increased sales and revenues.
Some highlights include:
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Supporting local farmers:
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The Agricultural Training Center has been operational since June 2010 to help interested demobilized workers
and rural populations impacted by Ambatovy activities to improve their skills and knowledge regarding small-
scale agribusiness. Located in Toamasina, the CFA offers courses in agriculture, livestock, accounting, and
business administration. The CFA trained more than 900 people (40% women) by the end of 2010 and plans
to train an additional 6,000 farmers over the next three years.
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Ambatovy has contributed to the creation of three bulk purchasing centers, two in Toamasina and one in
Moramanga. An estimated 5,000 farmers from the regions of Atsinanana and Alaotra Mangoro, the majority of
whom are women, and 3,000 from other parts of the country gain steady income by supplying these centers
with 125 tonnes of fruit and vegetables per month.
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Numerous local producers supply Ambatovy with eggs and poultry. At the height of Construction, Ambatovy
was purchasing 80,000 eggs and 6,000 chickens per week.
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Reducing isolation, improving market access:
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Access roads along the Pipeline have improved rural farmers’ access to markets.
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Ambatovy has built village markets for people living in Project areas, including the Resettlement Villages.
A new covered market has also been built in Toamasina providing neighboring residents with a safe area to
buy and sell local products.
Future Plans
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A second CFA will open in the Moramanga area in 2011 to cater to
the high number of locals already registered to receive training.
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Once fully operational, Ambatovy will produce 210,000 tonnes
of ammonium sulphate fertilizer per year. Research and testing
of fertilizer blends in Madagascar are currently underway.
Local farmers will be educated on the proper use of fertilizers to
increase crop yields and forest rehabilitation.
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Assessments are underway to determine the viability of
establishing greenhouse vegetable production facilities.
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AMBATOVY – SUPPORTING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
