From dialogue to trust

In the rural landscapes of western Madagascar, land is more than a productive asset; it is identity, livelihood, and social stability. Yet for many communities, unclear boundaries, competing claims, and limited knowledge of formal land procedures have long fuelled tensions and uncertainty.

Over the past months, a collaboration between Solidarité des Intervenants sur le Foncier (SIF) and the rural development project AD2M-II set out to address these challenges in the regions of Menabe and Melaky. Their goal was simple but ambitious: strengthen land governance by putting dialogue, participation, and local ownership at the centre of decision-making.

Where land meets livelihoods

The intervention focused particularly on the irrigated perimeter of Beboka, where agricultural development has brought both opportunity and tension. As new land becomes available or is reorganised for production, questions quickly emerge: Who gets access? How are decisions made fairly? And how can conflicts be prevented before they escalate?

Instead of relying solely on technical solutions, the project recognised that lasting answers must come from communities themselves. This understanding shaped a process that combined mediation, awareness-raising, and multi-stakeholder dialogue; not as separate activities, but as parts of one governance ecosystem.

Building trust through local mediation

One of the most tangible results was the establishment of four local land mediation committees across communities surrounding Beboka. These committees bring together local authorities, community representatives, women, youth, and land users to address disputes and guide decisions through dialogue.

For many residents, this was the first time land-related discussions took place in a structured and inclusive way. Instead of resolving conflict informally or through tension, communities now have recognised spaces to raise concerns, clarify rights, and collectively seek solutions.

In addition, participatory mapping and land assessments clarified existing land use, distinguishing certified plots, customary occupation areas, and available lands. Having shared information reduced uncertainty and made decision-making more transparent.

Making land rights understandable

Another major challenge identified early on was the lack of information. Many communities had a limited understanding of land procedures, and confusion between land titles and certificates was common.

To bridge this gap, the collaboration developed simple, accessible communication tools tailored to rural realities. Educational posters, local-language messaging, and radio sketches translated complex land concepts into everyday language. Radios were distributed to help spread these messages further within communities.

These efforts may appear modest, but their impact is significant: better-informed communities are better positioned to participate in governance and protect their rights.

From local action to regional dialogue

While local mediation was essential, the initiative also recognised that sustainable land governance requires coordination at higher levels.

In December 2025, a regional multi-actor dialogue was convened in Morondava, bringing together government actors, civil society organisations, technical services, and community representatives. Over two days, participants mapped existing governance platforms, analysed land-related challenges, and co-developed a roadmap to sustain land governance efforts beyond the project's life.

The workshop reinforced an important lesson: when institutions and communities sit at the same table, governance becomes more coherent, transparent, and resilient.

Innovations that can go further

The collaboration generated several approaches with potential beyond the project area:

• Community mediation committees that prevent disputes and build local accountability.
• Participatory land-sharing methods that balance fairness with social realities.
• Regional dialogue platforms that connect local experiences to policy discussions.

Lessons for inclusive land governance

The experience in Menabe and Melaky highlights three key lessons for practitioners and policymakers:

Despite logistical challenges, including limited access to some rural areas, the partnership laid the foundations for longer-term governance improvements and social cohesion.

Looking ahead

The next phase is about sustainability. Continued support for mediation committees, ongoing awareness activities, and stronger connections with regional and national land platforms will be essential to maintaining momentum.

What began as a project collaboration is gradually becoming something more enduring: a locally owned approach to land governance rooted in dialogue, fairness, and shared responsibility.

In contexts where land can easily divide communities, the experience in Menabe and Melaky offers a different story, one in which conversation becomes the starting point for trust and trust is the foundation for development.