Madagascar / Sustainable rural living as a collaboration between locals and visitors

In Madagascar, the majority of the population lives in villages. For many Malagasy people, dealing with urban oriented occupations such as industry and services is not a relevant option. Raha, a young entrepreneur with an academic background in sociology, communication and tourism, offers a model for sustainable rural living based on a collaboration between locals and visitors. His model can create a fertile ground for enhancing rural life, close to earth and rich with culture and experiences.

His project is conducted in Imerikanjaka. A small community in the highlands, not far from Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital. Not far, but feels far, like many places in unique Madagascar. The center of the project, called “The Domain”, consists of a central house, built in traditional building methods, and surrounded by agricultural land and many spots for contemplation. The house is built from mud using traditional building methods. It needs constant upgrade and care, and visitors can take part in that. Foreign visitors can assist in teaching and support local produce. In return they may gain a practical knowledge in permaculture, while enjoying a serene, pollution free environment.

This video summarizes my experience volunteering in the project’s early stages. I assisted Raha and his local workers Mand and Leka building with mud, and had initial interactions with people in the village, learning about their life and their needs. I also had time to roam around and immerse myself in the rural atmosphere. The hills above the villages and the domain provide a magnificent view to the enchanting agricultural areas and the reddish houses built from bricks made from the local red soil. The area is also reach with history, and remains of fortifications can be seen around. The natural elements also serve as places for worship.

For me this was an inspiring experience, especially since for quite a while I’ve been thinking about cities versus villages. I have a feeling that the world is obsessed with cities, but many people do not find the opportunities they chase in the urban realm. Raha’s project and the time I spent in the highlands convinced me that turning village life into a model for desired living is achievable. Such a project has a potential to draw new types of foreign visitors, not just wealthy tourists, thus reducing the tension between Caucasian visitors and locals, which is typical to tourism in Africa.

Guy Shachar - Multidisciplinary view of the world
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