Plant-alarm and mini-logger tools
The mini-logger and plant alarm are two complementary devices that allow for precise soil moisture management and monitoring of crop water requirements. During field placement, the plant alarm is configured according to the desired moisture threshold at which the alarm is triggered. Three values are available: 45%, 55%, and 65% of the actual soil moisture level. The mini-logger, on the other hand, collects soil moisture and temperature data throughout the growing season using integrated storage,
15 Jun 2026
MIP's priority research from its creation until 2025
Research was conducted from 2024 to March 2025 by MIP (also known as MAD24) on minimal irrigation in Madagascar, with the goal of improving agricultural resilience to cope face with climate change and water scarcity. This work resulted from a collaboration between FTA, Aqua Alimenta Switzerland, and ESSA-ABC, with strong involvement from local farmers and student researchers. Four crops were studied: bok choy, carrot, green bean, and watermelon. The trials compared three irrigation regimes: tra
12 Jun 2026
Report on the meeting on agricultural research with and for farmers
Two interactive days allowed key development stakeholders: researchers, farmers, technicians, and policymakers to discuss solutions tailored to local realities. This meeting highlighted the importance of including farmers in research and, especially, in dissemination efforts to observe their tangible impact on the ground.
11 Jun 2026
When the protocol encounters the limitations of the field: Capitalizing on experiences from the MIP (2024-2025)
Five concrete cases where research protocols were disrupted by unforeseen field conditions, across the regions of Analamanga, Alaotra Mangoro, and Amoron'i Mania. Root causes identified include untested prior hypotheses (4 out of 5 cases), underestimated external risks — technical or climatic (3 out of 5) — and assumed input quality without prior verification (2 out of 5). In response, the team adjusted its methodologies, documented failures as scientific results, and introduced a mandatory pre
8 Jun 2026
Purpose and objectives of the Minimal Irrigation Project
The Minimal Irrigation Project (MIP), led by FTA (Farming and Technology for Africa), is an agroecological initiative in Madagascar addressing the growing water crisis and food insecurity. By combining minimal irrigation techniques (rainwater harvesting, micro-irrigation), participatory research, and the valorisation of local knowledge, the project co-builds locally adapted solutions with farming communities. Its multi-stakeholder approach brings together farmers, researchers, technicians, and
8 Jun 2026
Seasonal climate report over 7 months (October 2025 to April 2026) from the Talatavolonondry weather station
Monitoring climate parameters is crucial in agriculture. Climate parameters greatly influence agronomic parameters. Regular monitoring of these parameters aids in decision-making; for example, the timing of a pesticide treatment is influenced by wind speed, as strong winds are not conducive to pesticide application. Weather data provides insight into the local climate and allows for crop adaptation to these conditions. This is why we place particular emphasis on monitoring local climate data at
5 Jun 2026
Comparison of the effect of fertilizers on potato tuber yield followed by an economic study to determine the most efficient treatment
We tested four types of fertilizers on potatoes… and here are the yield results: T3: Manure + horn meal → 8.3 T/Ha T2: NPK fertilizer → 8.2 T/Ha T1: Bone meal → 6.29 T/Ha T4: Manure alone → 6 T/Ha The manure + horn meal combination is the most effective. It improves both growth and vegetative development, as well as tuber yield. Economically: ✔️ Up to 130,000 Ar in earnings with T3 ✔️ More profitable than chemical fertilizers
5 Jun 2026
Soil analysis from Alatsinainy Bakaro research station
Main characteristics pH: 3.75 → highly acidic soil Nitrogen (N): extremely low Phosphorus (P): high but largely unavailable because of soil acidity Potassium (K): moderate level This soil can become productive, but correcting acidity is the first and most urgent priority before planting.
5 Jun 2026
Soil analysis from Ambohitrony research station
Main characteristics pH: 3.98 → highly acidic soil Mineral nitrogen: high Phosphorus: high Potassium: moderate The soil has already good nutrient potential, but high acidity reduces plant access to nutrients.
5 Jun 2026