Credit: Google earth. Landsat/ Copernicus, Data SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCO.
Maxar Technologies. CNES / Airbus
Unpredictable and decreased rainfall trends and higher temperatures are negatively affecting livelihoods of Betsileo people in Namoly Valley, who reported several changes in wild fauna and crops species. Changed frequency of cyclones and rainy season duration have dramatically reduced irrigated rice yields. Climate change impacts are aggravated by land use change and social-cultural changes.
THE BETSILEO PEOPLE
The Betsileo people are the third-largest ethnic group in Madagascar, and around 3,800 are living in Namoly Valley since the 19th century. Agro-pastoral communities specializing in zebu herding and irrigated rice cultivation but also relying heavily on gathering of wild edible plants and freshwater fish.
Take care of the rice nurseries and work in home gardens and other crops.
Take care of zebus, prepare the rice fields, but also exchange and trade remove goods, hunting/gathering and fishing activities.
Credit: Vincent Porcher
ACTIVITIES
Irrigated lowland and rainfed rice cultivation. Highland home garden including cassava and corn field.
Zebu livestock.
>200 wild plant species in their daily diet.
TERRITORY AND CLIMATE
Credit: Vincent Porcher
Subtropical highland
CLIMATE
Changes in the climate
Temperatures have been climbing since the 1950’s with a total average increase of 0.8ºC/year.
1,600mm/year, with significant seasonal variations. Monsoon season from mid October to end of March.
Decreased rainfall trend of 17,5 mm/decade since 1970s’. More frequent droughts during the dry season. Monsoon season is shorter and more intense.
ACCESS TO NATURAL RESOURCES
Changes in the territory
Rice paddy fields and home gardens, traditional rice varieties are placed on the bottom of the valley.
The population increase has led to changes in the agricultural system, leading to the proliferation of irrigated rice fields on hilltops and the introduction of new rice crop varieties.
Floodplains areas for traditional rice and pastures for zebus.
Sibiloi National Park: the protected area has restricted access to communal lands and limited grazing and hunting of endangered species, such as cheetahs and leopards.
Wood, water, and wild edible plants.
Introduction of allochthonous fish species in 1980 by government decision.
VOICES OF LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
The Betsileo people have a deep knowledge of bioclimatic processes and their links land change are rooted in their traditional rice-growing system and traditional beliefs. Their insights demonstrate how climate change, land use change, and progressive change in their society and cultural norms are interconnected.
Drivers of change
There is more hunger due to the rice scarcity. This is the consequence of lack of rain giving a bad yield.
There are fewer cyclones but more intense.
The health and quality of the zebus is worse due to the lack of pastures and the intensity of frost.
Before there was more brotherhood and wisdom, today there is a lack of education.
The population has increased and the cost of life too.
There are more problems with the climate such as hail-storms because people do not respect the fady (traditional rules).
The slash and burn agriculture and deforestation lead to reduce the number of rainfalls. Now there is less water because there are less trees.
Many animals disappear because forest is smaller.
Credit: Vincent Porcher
Credit: Vincent Porcher
Credit: Vincent Porcher
Credit: Vincent Porcher
IMPACTS ON LIVELIHOODS AND CULTURE
Credit: Vincent Porcher
Extreme weather shapes local production systems
The intensification of cyclones destroys crops and infrastructures, while increasing drought makes it impossible to irrigate rice throughout the year, forcing local populations to adapt their production systems.
Credit: Vincent Porcher
Adapting land use for local needs
Changing climatic conditions and population growth have led to an increased food demand. Traditional long-cycle rice varieties are progressively abandoned in favour of shorter-cycle varieties in paddy rice terraces, which is rapidly altering the landscape covering most of the hills and reducing the tree cover.
Credit: Vincent Porcher
The decline of traditional customs
As a result of globalization and growing poverty due to reduced crop yield, young generations are moving out of their villages looking for work, and thus gradually abandoning traditional livelihoods.
ENVISIONING A CLIMATE CHANGE-PROOF FUTURE
Adaptations of local communities
In response to the irrigation problem linked to more frequent droughts, the Betsileo have modified their agricultural system both by changing the type of rice field to those requiring less irrigation and by choosing short-cycle rice varieties. In addition, many farmers are abandoning irrigated rice production and converting their plots to rainfed crops such as cassava and sweet potatoes, which are new staple foods.
A culturally grounded view of change
The Betsileo perceive many climate-related changes, most often as part of long chains of complex physical and ecological processes that also involve spiritual entities. The Betsileo people explain changes in the climate system as the result of local bioclimatic processes, but also as the direct consequence of a failure to respect traditions and intertwined spiritual processes.
THE NEED OF HOLISTIC UNDERSTANDING
The Betsileo perceive climate change as the result of different factors, both bioclimatic and spiritual. Consequently, they are adapting both technically by modifying their production systems and in terms of their magico-religious systems by modifying their rituals and adopting new ones. It is therefore essential to take a holistic approach when considering local perceptions.
WORKING TOGETHER
Betsileo knowledge is key to identify, understand and develop strategies to adapt to climate change. Many Betsileo people already work as tourist guides in Andringitra National Park. Biodiversity conservation and adaptation to local climate change will benefit greatly from the co-production of knowledge between local people, researchers, and conservation NGOs.
Credit: Vincent Porcher
FIELDWORK CONDUCTED BY
Vincent Porcher
