Seed Fairs Grow Hope in Postcyclone Madagascar
By Sara A. FajardoCyclone Giovanna stripped the fields of Malagasy farmers along Madagascar's east coast in early 2012. More than 300,000 people were affected. Many lost their homes, schools, crops—and livelihoods.
In the aftermath of this disaster, seed fairs sponsored by Catholic Relief Services are providing farmers with seed selections based on adaptability to the region and market demand.
CRS seed fairs work by giving farmers vouchers, which allow them to purchase seeds that will help them replant their fields. To date, CRS and our partners the Diocese of Toamasina and Caritas Madagascar have helped 1,332 families affected by the cyclone. Five farmers who live near the city of Brickaville show us how the seeds will help them restart their lives.
All photos by Sara A. Fajardo/CRS
Sara A. Fajardo is CRS' regional information officer for East Africa and southern Africa. She is based in Nairobi, Kenya.
