Agrarian diagnosis for the “Fertile District” project, in Majicavo (Commune of Koungou) Mayotte

Context of the service

The Commune of Koungou is the second most populous Commune in Mayotte and also the most "agricultural" Commune in Mayotte: 28% of households depend on agriculture. These elements contribute to a strong demographic and land pressure on the Commune.

A 17.5 ha plot of land was purchased in 2022 in the village of Majicavo Koropa by the Public Land and Development Establishment of Mayotte (EPFAM), with the aim of setting up a project for the development of peri-urban agriculture, under the initiative and financing of the "Fertile District" project of the National Agency for Urban Renewal (ANRU).

This "Fertile District" project aims to integrate and support farmers (already established or in the process of being established) in agricultural activities whose income will allow them to buy back the land after five years.

Ultimately, this project should encourage agroecological production, strengthen local marketing circuits, promote the socio-professional integration of people who are far from employment and increase the socio-economic attractiveness of the territory.

Services provided

An agrarian diagnosis was carried out on behalf of the Koungou City Hall as part of the "Fertile District" project:

- Identification of the overall characteristics of the plot and its environment using bibliographic analyses and field surveys;

- Characterization of soils and their fertility, through field observations, spade tests to assess soil structure and laboratory fertility analyses (pH, pH KCl, N, C, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, CEC);

- Zoning of potential and adapted cropping systems through surveys with beneficiaries (existing farmers present on the plot and potential additional farmers) and stakeholders, and direct observations on site;

- Preparation of a final report with all the data compiled, priority recommendations and infrastructure development proposals;

- Restitution of the results to the team of the Urban Development Department of the Commune of Koungou and EPFAM.

Summary of the service

Agrarian diagnosis for the "Fertile District" project carried out by the Koungou City Hall: Study of the overall characteristics of the plot and its environment; Characterization of soils and their fertility, through field observations, in situ spade tests (structure) and laboratory analyses (fertility); Zoning and mapping of adapted cropping systems (mainly mixed cropping systems with or without tree cover, and market gardening); Proposals for infrastructure development and management procedures.