Appreciations and skills of local elected officials integrating small local farmers into the productive environmental policy

ABSTRACT : This study aims to determine the appreciation of fruit trees, shrubs and plants transformed intoorganic matter among small Malagasy producers to enhance agricultural activity. Then, their findings on theproductivity and effectiveness of popularized natural products are also necessary to understand theirperceptions. Then, the study also shows their perceptions towards the behaviors (their sensitivity) and the skillsof local elected officials, particularly in terms of skills in mobilization, control, and in seeking funding tosupport local populations in changing their behavior through the destruction of nature and biodiversity. Finally,their conviction and their attitude of independence are also studied to understand their feelings. This researchwas conducted in Andilantomoendry district, rural commune of Antanandava, district of Mandritsara since 2015and the other is in Miadana district, rural commune of Ambodimadiro, district of Antsohihy, more preciselysince 2018-2019, from the Sofia region, with a population of small farmers who were selected to ask theiropinions on the values of fruit trees, shrubs and plants transformed into natural products to boost theiragricultural activity. In addition, the respondents in this study were rural mayors, neighborhood chiefs,municipal councilors and small farmers, i.e. 30 and 100 participants. The data analysis technique in this studyuses Excel analysis. The results of this research indicate that the trial experience has a clear evolution on theappreciation and behavior of small farmers and local elected officials to value natural products from localmaterials (fruit trees, shrubs and plants) for their agricultural activity despite a slight absence still of theconviction and dependence of local elected officials on chemical products.

Keywords : membership, appreciation, competence, integration, population.