FIFA MANOR

Historical:

In 1966, the members of the NORAD (Norwegian Development Agency) board of directors visited the TOMBONTSOA farm school and decided by mutual agreement with the representatives of the Malagasy ministry in charge of agriculture to create a project agricultural development in the Vakinankaratra region. A joint Malagasy-Norwegian commission has been set up to develop the project with the FAO. In 1971, NORAD agreed to finance the project proposed by the FAO submitted to the Malagasy government and approved by the Norwegian Parliament. And in 1972, a bilateral agreement was signed between Madagascar and the Kingdom of Norway for the promotion of wheat and potato cultivation, for the promotion and development of dairy farming in the Vakinankaratra region. Project baptized: Fiompiana Fambolena Malagasy Norveziana or FIFAMANOR, renewable 5-year project that lasted 20 years. In 1992, FIFAMANOR was granted EPIC status and became a Center for Rural Development and Applied Research. Its mission has not changed much, but other development programs have been added, such as social development integrating women into the activities carried out. The motto is “effort for growth”. The areas of intervention have gradually extended to the four corners of the island thanks to the various sources of funding allocated to it.

The Vakinankaratra region, a privileged area, has greatly benefited from FIFAMANOR's activities. Today, we dare to confirm that 70 to 80% of Malagasy dairy production comes from this region, 60% of potato production originates from Vakinankaratra and that all the existing, distributed and sold on the market have their sources at FIFAMANOR; Some 40 varieties of wheat have been released, some 30 varieties of potato have been identified and released and more than 4000 males of the Norwegian red piebald breed have been born from the ARMOR farm and destined for genetic improvement. .

Countless farmers, technicians, students and trainees have benefited from the supervision and training provided by FIFAMANOR and many research results are adopted by farmers. But much remains to be done.

Objective:

"Contribute to improving the standard of living of producers by promoting crops recognized as priorities in the region, among others, tuber crops, wheat, other food and fodder crops, and dairy production"

Tasks:

• Promotion of wheat and triticale cultivation;
• Promotion of the cultivation of potatoes, sweet potatoes and possibly other tuber plants;
• Promotion of milk production, fodder and genetic improvement of dairy cattle;
• Development of a social program aimed at the integration of women in all the activities carried out;
• Competence center for varietal improvement, in vitro culture, production of basic seeds, genetic improvement of the dairy herd and artificial insemination.
• Technical support from farmer organizations
• Conservation and rational use of scientific and technical heritage;
• Training center for technicians and farmers in agriculture and livestock.