Project Oratsimba

Project Oratsimba continues to strengthen financial resilience and marine governance in coastal communities of the Anosy region. Notably, savings groups have expanded significantly—from four groups in 2024 (three in Oratsimba and one in Mahampy) to thirteen this year. This growth reflects increasing community engagement and trust. Moreover, recent analysis reveals that average savings per member rose from 52,500 MGA in 2023 to 95,000 MGA in 2024, highlighting Project Oratsimba’s growing impact.

In April, the lean season ended, and a new year of saving started. With lobster fishing resuming, SEED continues to work with local fishermen to enforce community laws (dina), monitor lobster stocks, and ensure sustainable practices. In areas like Sainte Luce, where over half of households rely on lobster fishing and over 80% live below the poverty line, protecting this vital resource is crucial to ensure that this livelihood remains sustainable for generations to come.

Moreover, this April marked the beginning of Project Oratsimba’s Phase IV. A new three-year plan was submitted for expansion of Oratsimba into Ambanihazo and early feedback has been positive. Strengthening the autonomy of the communities' Marine Management Committees (MMCs) in Elodrato and Sainte Luce is another key aim of the new three-year plan.

This year, ten elected and trained money collectors—four in Elodrato and six in Sainte Luce—are responsible for managing and collecting group contributions. This marks an important step towards greater independence within the savings scheme while ensuring funds continue to be securely stored via SEED’s office. Additionally, 58 participants in Elodrato and Sainte Luce completed financial literacy training, enhancing independent financial planning and resilience. Mahatsiaro Emilson, fisherman and participant in Project Oratsimba, says, “Before, it was difficult to plan for the lean season-but now, I am able to save money and teach my grown-up children what I’ve learned too.”

To support inclusive marine governance, community focus groups in the three target communities of Oratsimba have decided to include three women representatives per community on their MMCs. This decision promotes gender inclusion, equal representation, and strengthens local leadership. In Sainte Luce, preparations for MMC elections have already begun ahead of the start of activities under the new three-year plan.

Thank you once again for your invaluable support of Project Oratsimba—it’s helping drive meaningful and lasting change.