We still live in Madagascar as a huge construction site of utopias where every new progress idea is always ended under a mountain of unfulfilled promises. The experts preach,the donors preach,the ruling classes fill thier pockets more and more… and the people watch the train go by. And don’t even look at a TGV passing by… this one, it has been pulling the rhythm of this Michelin for 15 years which was the joy of the Antananarivo-Ambilo Lemaitso trips of my youth or the Fianarantsoa-Manakara , where a sluggish pull locomotive the wagons of a model inherited from a time when we still believed in Santa Claus.
when the country seems exhausted following a mirage of “performance” on an economic model that is tough to perceive and that no one has clearly defined, a legitimate question arises: can we stop this charade? What if, instead of running out of steam chasing dreams of unrestrained growth and flashy modernity with Miami on Pangalane and its imported giraffes and other coliseums, bareas or cable cars, we finally thought about it build a strong system? It will certainly be much less spectacular… But it will hopefully be resilient. Can we try to build something that works healthily?
Firm: a clever word for “thinking long term”
strong. Does this word scare those who rule us? It is indeed true that thinking long-term requires a vision, a plan, and, above all, a little courage. Unlike the performance we want to present at international meetings and assemblies, strength is built in the shadows, preferably. It is based on systems that can withstand disturbances,including the worst disasters.
Madagascar has no shortage of disasters: when it’s not a cyclone, it’s a flood… when it’s not a flood, it’s a drought…When it’s not a drought, it’s an epidemic… When it’s not an epidemic, it’s the locusts … And when all this is over, we are left with corruption, security, economic crisis, political instability… And at the end of the day: growing poverty.
why do we continue to build castles on sand (also made of sand) on imported models that were never designed for us? Will we finally be able to build a house on an anti-telluric model that can withstand these disasters instead of building little pig shacks that the big bad wolves are coming to blow down?
Management of the Deputies: moving away from the logic of looting
The adage says: “urgency is not notable”. This adage is not doubly applicable to our country. For ordinary Malagasy people who are facing emergencies in terms of water, electricity, health or employment shortages, the emergency is crucial. When certain power holders seem to make urgent what is not important!!!
To adopt robustness means to return to this idea of Communion, not as a backward step, but as an innovation adapted to our realities. Manage together, share equally, and, above all, preserve for tomorrow. This applies to our forests, lands, rivers and rice fields but also to our infrastructure and energy.
Infrastructure: robustness means making it simple and durable
the big ads are obviously more attractive: the motorways will connect the regions in two hours; power stations will light the whole country; the cable cars will clear the traffic caves… (if they turn)… Some of these pharaonic projects will obviously end due to lack of financial viability, due to lack of forecasts on the basics of production management. And during this time, the rural roads are still impassable, the bridges are collapsing… and the villages are still lit with candles… Despite the loud campaigns to provide 1 million solar devices made by Madagascar as a leader….
Strength is the art of doing what you have,and doing it well. A dirt road, maintained regularly, is better than a road that is never finished. A network of solar micro-grids, managed by communities, is more efficient than a thermal power plant built to please landlords.
About the economy? Transform here, not elsewhere!
The doxa keeps repeating the same refrain: Madagascar is “rich”… but its wealth is idle. Sleep? No, they’re not sleeping… They’re leaving! In raw form, in containers, never transformed. we know the absurd result: we export raw coffee and import soluble coffee that we could produce locally. The country’s export profile has developed significantly. Previously, Madagascar was a net exporter of clothing. Today our exports are mainly agriculture and mining… And where is the value chain that is profitable for the country in all of this? Could we stop for a moment to think and consider how we can, voluntarily, develop value chains that are likely to create local wealth?
Creating strong value chains does not mean creating ultra-modern pharmaceutical factories in the center based on prophetic visions. It means creating workshops that will change rice, coffee, chocolate or vanilla to get more value out of it. It is an economy where the benefits go to the communities, and not just to the holders of the acquired rights but to those who know how.
Performance or robustness: choosing between illusion and durability
Olivier hamant, biologist and research director, distinguishes performance from robustness by taking inspiration from the strategies of living things. By studying the formation of flowers he discovered that their regularity did not arise from strict control and optimization, but from the management of the chaos associated with life. Plant cells, by generating local heterogeneity, paradoxically result in reproducible and regular shapes. This approach emphasizes the robustness of life, based on diversity, redundancy and flexibility, rather than optimized and rigid performance.
The sheer pursuit of optimization and performance can counter-intuitively weaken systems by making them less resilient to unexpected events.In contrast, robustness is characterized by the ability to maintain stability despite fluctuations, by integrating certain redundancies, diversity and flexibility. Even though this approach is apparently less efficient in the short term,it provides greater adaptability to interference.
The performance is clearly attractive. It shines… It sells dreams. But it is also fragile, ephemeral… And often inaccessible. strength is less glamorous and more humble. But isn’t that what Madagascar really needs? Doesn’t this model, based on participatory governance, shared resource management, and a local economy that prioritizes the basics: education, health, and access to energy, give us another political option?
This is not utopia. firmness is a political choice. It is definitely a difficult choice. But this option is necessary.It’s time to sober up. It requires time, patience, and sacrifice. But if we continue on the path of a much more utopian performance at all costs, we know that it leads us straight towards the precise…. We have already said it.
Patrick Rakotomalala (Lalatiana Pitchboule) – november 2024
NB: Reflection, inspired by Olivier Hamant’s work on robustness and Elinor Ostrom [[[[2] on the Commons
How can Madagascar integrate community-driven approaches into its governance for enduring development?
Interview: The Future of MadagascarS Development with Expert Analyst Dr. Hélène Rajao
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Rajao, to Time.news! It’s great to have you here to discuss such a pressing topic: the ongoing struggles and potential solutions for Madagascar’s development. Your insights into the current state of infrastructure and long-term planning are pivotal. to kick things off, can you summarize the essence of the challenges Madagascar faces today?
Dr. Rajao: Thank you for having me! Madagascar is indeed in a precarious situation. We find ourselves in a cycle of unfulfilled promises and ineffective governance. Our infrastructure projects often prioritize flashiness over true utility, leaving critical areas like water, electricity, and health services in dire straits. This approach is unsustainable, especially when compounded by natural disasters that frequently affect our region.
Editor: You mentioned the idea of constructing a “strong system” instead of chasing after modernity and grandeur. Could you elaborate on what a robust system would look like for Madagascar?
Dr. Rajao: Absolutely! A robust system in Madagascar would focus on resilience and sustainability. It wouldn’t necessarily involve grandiose projects, but rather building reliable and adaptable infrastructure. Think of a network of well-maintained rural roads, effective local energy solutions like solar micro-grids, and a management approach that prioritizes long-term social equity and ecological conservation.By concentrating on what truly matters for our communities, we shift the narrative from temporary fixes to lasting solutions.
Editor: That’s a refreshing outlook. In your opinion, what are the primary reasons behind the current focus on ‘performance’ as opposed to a long-term vision?
Dr.Rajao: Part of the problem lies in our governance system, where immediate gains are often prioritized. This performance-driven mindset not only fails to address the underlying issues but also creates a façade of progress that rarely reaches the people. Moreover, there’s a prevalent culture of corruption and mismanagement that diverts resources from urgent needs toward flashy but impractical projects.Breaking this cycle requires a fundamental shift in how we view development.
Editor: You advocate for collaboration and communal management. How can this concept be effectively integrated into Madagascar’s governance structures?
Dr. Rajao: Building a collective future involves reshaping our political landscape to empower communities. It requires training leaders to emphasize inclusivity and transparency, as well as encouraging shared decision-making where the community’s voices are genuinely heard. Programs could be implemented to promote local entrepreneurship, leveraging local knowledge while using resources wisely. With time, this model can foster a sense of ownership and accountability among the people.
Editor: You’ve highlighted the connection between infrastructure and immediate needs like health and employment shortages. In your view,what specific steps should be taken to address these urgent issues?
Dr. Rajao: The first step is recognizing that infrastructure doesn’t live in a vacuum.We should prioritize projects that address basic needs, such as building and maintaining access roads to rural areas to connect farmers with markets. Investment in decentralized energy systems can also provide immediate relief to those who currently lack electricity. In tandem, aligning these projects with healthcare initiatives would mean not only enhancing physical access but also improving overall well-being in these communities.
Editor: Given that Madagascar frequently faces natural disasters, how do you propose we build infrastructure that can withstand such challenges?
Dr. Rajao: We need to begin incorporating disaster resilience into our infrastructure planning.This involves using locally sourced and sustainable materials and design strategies that account for our environmental realities, like flood and cyclone-proof structures. It’s essential to engage in community-based disaster preparedness programs, allowing local residents to participate in planning processes, so that solutions reflect the unique challenges their communities face.
Editor: lastly, Dr. Rajao, what message would you like to convey to the leaders in Madagascar as they navigate these complex challenges?
Dr.Rajao: I urge our leaders to adopt a vision of strength that transcends beyond mere appearances. Building a robust and cohesive society isn’t about grandeur; it’s about laying down solid foundations for future generations. Prioritize long-term goals over short-lived spectacles, engage with the community, and listen to their needs. Madagascar deserves a future where resilience,equity,and sustainability prevail.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rajao, for sharing such insightful perspectives. The conversation around Madagascar’s future is critical, and it’s clear that a long-term, community-focused approach could pave the way for real progress.
Dr. Rajao: Thank you for the prospect! I hope our discussion inspires action toward creating a better future for Madagascar.