This study examines eco-friendly agriculture practices among smallholder farmers in southern Madagascar to evaluate yield gains, resource conservation, and income generation over a five-year period. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving both quantitative data collection through surveys and qualitative insights from farmer interviews to comprehensively evaluate the impacts of eco-friendly agriculture on smallholder farmers' livelihoods. During the study period, there was a notable increase in crop yields by approximately 15% among farmers who adopted eco-friendly practices compared to those adhering to conventional methods. Farmers also reported significant improvements in water conservation and soil fertility management. The adoption of eco-friendly agriculture has led to substantial yield gains, resource efficiency, and income stability for smallholder farmers in southern Madagascar. These findings underscore the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in enhancing rural livelihoods. Policy makers should incentivize the adoption of eco-friendly agriculture through subsidies and training programmes aimed at promoting sustainable farming methods among smallholder farmers in southern Madagascar.
Rafinantely et al. (2002) studied this question.