A success story is always welcome. This is an account of a 13-year programme in the Mandrare River Basin, one of the driest and most famine haunted regions of Madagascar. Success takes time!

There are well-documented chapters on the history of Madagascar and the project, development of irrigation and other infrastructure, rice production, community engagement, diversification into horticulture, livestock enterprises, credit and savings, the role of women, restoring forest cover, partnerships, communications and ‘when the project ends’. There are personal stories scattered through the text, which illustrate the impact of the project on the lives of individuals.

Success is built on the adoption of ‘sustainable rice intensification (SRI)’ – a novel combination of agronomic and water management practices, developed in Madagascar. Raising water use efficiency and better, more reliable yields allowed both an increase in the area under rice cultivation and enterprise diversification. A 17-fold increase in rice production from the region is a remarkable achievement: however, inspired local leadership and continuity of support played a key role.

The authors are optimistic that combinations of better technology, robust social and institutional capital and growing markets in nearby towns will result in sustained improvements. However, there could have been more on ecological sustainability given the high and unique endemism of the region, for example, it might have been better if the forestry activities had been built on indigenous rather than exotic species.

For the busy reader the preface and the epilogue capture the essence of the project.