A rigorous four-phase approach, grounded in the field and statistically validated across 10 sites.
How We Work
The MIP does not merely observe: it experiments, co-constructs, and measures. A rigorous four-phase approach ensures that every result is reliable, reproducible, directly transferable, and understandable to farmers..
Analysis of crop water requirements, physiological responses to water stress, and efficiency thresholds for each cultivated species.
Design of low-cost localized irrigation systems and development of simple decision-support tools.
Comparative evaluation across various environments using a rigorous factorial design (randomized complete blocks, 3 to 4 or more replicates).
Joint development of protocols with farmers, social validation through local research technicians, and knowledge transfer via extension sessions.
| Data type | Key indicators & measurements |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Agronomic | Commercial yields (kg/ha), yield components, aerial and root biomass, phenology and plant growth |
| 💧 Hydric | Soil moisture (capacitive sensors), AET, irrigation volumes, water use efficiency (Water Productivity) |
| 🏔 Pedological | Physico-chemical properties, infiltration rates, water retention capacity, soil fertility and organic matter |
| 📊 Socio-economic | Production costs, gross and net margins, labour time, social acceptability and technology adoption rates |
Digital database, demonstration videos in Malagasy, detailed technical specifications, illustrated technical sheets and guides in comic-strip format, and training modules for farmer field schools. Statistical analyses are based on mixed models that account for the site > block > plot hierarchy.