Recovery & Resilience

Communities in southeast Madagascar are facing increasing challenges from climate change and shifting aid landscapes, placing livelihoods at risk. Through the Recovery & Resilience Fund, SEED is helping communities build long-term resilience by strengthening food security, promoting environmental sustainability, and developing practical skills for the future.

One of the projects the Recovery & Resilience Fund supports is Project Mahampy, which has continued to make significant progress in supporting the women of Sainte Luce to build a stronger, more independent weaving cooperative. As the project enters its third phase, the focus has shifted toward strengthening governance, financial management, and business skills, helping the cooperative develop the tools needed for long-term sustainability.

A recent major achievement has been the creation and ratification of a new cooperative constitution. Developed through a series of consultation and co-design sessions attended by nearly all members, the constitution reflects the cooperative's collective priorities. It establishes clear structures for leadership, membership, accountability, and financial management. Following its adoption, elections were held for all leadership positions, resulting in a fully elected management team ready to guide the cooperative into its next stage of development.

Alongside these governance improvements, cooperative members participated in refresher training sessions focused on departmental roles and responsibilities. These sessions helped identify knowledge gaps and strengthen understanding of key operational processes, supporting the smooth running of the cooperative as it becomes increasingly self-managed.

Financial resilience has also remained a priority. The cooperative's Education Savings Scheme continues to support members in setting aside funds for their children's school fees, while progress has been made toward establishing a dedicated bank account that will improve transparency, security, and long-term financial management.

An exciting milestone was the first visit from project partner TananaLab, whose assessment of the cooperative will help shape future business training and strengthen access to wider markets. This partnership will play a key role in reducing reliance on local tourism sales and creating new opportunities for income generation.

With business training, market diversification activities, and a gradual transition toward full independence still ahead, Project Mahampy continues to empower women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to strengthen their livelihoods and create lasting change for their families and community.