WASHINGTON, June 30, 2021—The World Bank Board approved a $40 million International Development Association (IDA)* grant supporting the Sustainable Landscape Management Project (PADAP) that will fill a financing gap caused by the activation of the International Development Association (IDA) Immediate Response Mechanism (IRM) which provided emergency financing to Madagascar’s COVID-19 response. The financial support from PADAP was determinant for the preparedness of and response to the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Madagascar in March 2021, as it provided $15 million for testing; $7 million for the procurement of drugs and key consumables to manage mild or severe cases; $9 million for personal protective equipment for health workers; $3 million for ambulances; and $6 million for key health equipment.
This new additional financing will thus support the replenishment of PADAP to ensure that adequate resources are allocated to activities that ensure the continuity of Madagascar’s landscape management approach which includes: stabilization of gully erosion, landscape restoration, water management, hillside stabilization, agroforestry, and forest fire management. It also includes investments in improved agriculture outputs through an integrated landscape approach. This additional funding will continue to finance analytical work, such as the analysis of ecosystem modelling that can inform landscape level decision making and payments for ecosystem services; climate-smart agriculture and climate vulnerability in landscapes; effective gender-based approaches in agriculture and natural resource management. The landscape approach is also supportive of the country’s COVID-19 response as it provides short term job creation opportunities and contributes to food security and rural income generation.
“PADAP aims at tackling complex environmental challenges through a more integrated approach. This project is already making a difference in the beneficiary regions and we can already see changes,” said Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, World Bank Country Manager for Madagascar. “In a context strongly marked by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to create livelihood opportunities not only in urban centers but also in rural areas where the majority of the population of Madagascar lives. This project helps reduce pressure on forests that serve as recourse to meet basic livelihood needs.”
Three years into implementation, the project is on track to achieve its objectives of improving agriculture practices and output and increasing sustainable management of selected landscapes. Project achievements include the rehabilitation of over 6,900 hectares of irrigation schemes, over 174,931 hectares of land currently under sustainable management practices, and over 23,600 beneficiaries who are receiving support. Five landscape management plans have also been prepared through a highly consultative process.
*The World Bank’s International Development Association, established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low- to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 76 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Resources from IDA bring positive change to the 1.6 billion people who live in IDA countries. Since 1960, IDA has supported development work in 113 countries. Annual commitments have increased steadily and averaged about $21 billion over the last three years, with about 61% going to Africa.
