The scarcity of water caused by droughts, which are partly attributed to climate change, has pushed many communities to the brink of survival. These communities are unable to cultivate crops for sustenance and rely on humanitarian aid for survival.
However, the availability of electricity and water is bringing hope to villages like Fenoaivo in the Anosy region, as reported by Avimaro Mikendremana of the WFP.
Fenoaivo has faced immense suffering, especially in 2020 when consecutive failed rains led to famine-like conditions and a heavy reliance on humanitarian aid. When asked about their most pressing needs, the villagers consistently mentioned water and electricity as the key to preventing future famines and dependence on aid.
Recognizing the crucial role of water and electricity in development, the WFP initiated a pilot program to assess the impact of this combination on some of the poorest villages in southern Madagascar.
In Fenoaivo, a village with 300 households, the government collaborated with the WFP to dig a 35-meter deep water hole and build a 20 cubic meter storage tank. To bring the water to the surface, a pump was installed, powered by 72 solar panels mounted on a structure in the center of the village.
The abundant sunshine in the area generates around 25 kilowatts of clean and renewable electricity, providing opportunities for new activities and development in the village. The clean water is used for irrigation, including in a greenhouse where melons are currently being grown. The village now also has a digital learning center with internet access, providing opportunities for remote education. The installation of lights has also increased safety, especially for women, and has allowed for the establishment of small businesses such as a restaurant and a barber shop.
The businesses pay rent and electricity fees, which are collected by a community association elected to manage the project. Some of this money will be used to build three school classrooms, as this traditional farming community is now recognizing and embracing new opportunities for income generation through the “Rapid Rural Transformation” intervention.
The project began in January 2023 and is already showing positive results, with improved access to water leading to increased food security, better nutrition, and reduced sickness. It is also helping to build the resilience of the community to future climate shocks.
The speaker is passionate about this work and believes that it can help the community transition from aid dependence to self-sufficiency and independence in decision-making for their village’s development and future. While the WFP is still providing nutritional support for moderate malnutrition, this initiative has the potential to be scaled up to other vulnerable villages in the south.
Unfortunately, international funding for clean energy in developing countries has decreased significantly, from $26.4 billion in 2017 to just $10.8 billion in 2021.