FTA Research  ·  Minimal Irrigation Project  ·  Madagascar
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Research for Sustainable Development with and for Farmers
Sustainable Research

Research for Sustainable Development with and for Farmers

Localized research to help solve the problems faced by farmers and contribute to rural development in Madagascar.

Research on effective and efficient water management
💧 Minimal Irrigation

Research on effective and efficient water management

Optimized irrigation — a solution in the face of climate change.

Promoting the use of technology in agriculture
🔬 Innovation & Outreach

Promoting the use of technology in agriculture

Use innovation for vulgarisation and contribute to agriculture development.

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Farmers involved
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Researches done
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Interns from University
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Master's Thesis achieved
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Young reseach technicians trained
FTA Research team
Research started since 20232023

Transforming Agriculture through Science and Local Knowledge

The FTA Research Department (Farming & Technology for Africa) is based in Madagascar and committed to transforming rural livelihoods through practical, localized and genuinely inclusive research.

Our approach combines scientific rigour with local knowledge creating solutions adapted to the realities of Malagasy farmers.

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Minimal Irrigation
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Research Topics
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Field Initiatives
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Outreach & Vulgarisation

What We Work On

Three interconnected research domains tackling the agricultural challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Madagascar.

Minimal Irrigation
Research Topic 1

Minimal Irrigation

Innovative techniques to optimise water use under semi-arid conditions, reducing consumption while improving yield.

Soil & Fertility
Research Topic 2

Soil & Fertility

Restoring tired soils, evaluating organic amendments, and building decision tools for fertilization adapted to smallholder budgets.

Climate & Cropping Systems
Research Topic 3

Climate & Cropping Systems

Adapting crop calendars and rotations to a shifting climate, with field stations in 4 agroecological zones of Madagascar.

Our Latest Research

A snapshot of our three most recent research projects. Explore the full programme for more.

Ongoing

Varietal Comparison of Potato: Evaluation of Resistance to Bacterial Wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) and the Effect of a Banana Pseudostem-Based Biopesticide

Potato cultivation is a major agricultural activity in Madagascar. However, the crop faces numerous threats, most of which thrive in cold and humid conditions. Addressing these issues has led to a heavy reliance on chemical inputs, despite the adverse effects such chemicals have on both human health and the environment. Recognizing these risks, farmers are seeking a variety more resistant to bacterial wilt as well as a biological solution for crop protection; this study was undertaken to address

FTA Research Team · 2026
Completed

Comparing drip irrigation vs convention irrigation of green bean during dry season.

This research compares drip irrigation and conventional irrigation for green bean cultivation during Madagascar's dry season in highland regions (Analamanga, Amoron'i Mania). It aims to assess differences in water efficiency, crop yield, and economic viability for smallholder farmers operating under water-scarce conditions.

FTA Research Team · 2026
Ongoing

Influence of Different Irrigation Frequencies, at a Fixed Water Volume, on the Growth and Yield of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Grown Exclusively with Compost as Fertilizer

The aim of this study is to determine an irrigation frequency that is both optimal for carrot growth and efficient (reducing labor time while ensuring good production). The experiment is being conducted at four of our research sites—Mangamila, Tsarasaotra, Ambohidray, and Ankazondrano—to verify the results across the different study areas.

FTA Research Team · 2026

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