Madagascar Flashcards
What sustainable farming technique is promoted by Association Mitsinjo as an alternative to tavy agriculture?
The System of Rice Intensification (SRI), developed in Madagascar and now used worldwide.
How does the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) benefit the environment?
It allows more food to be grown without the need to clear additional land, thus preventing deforestation.
What social benefits does Association Mitsinjo provide to the local community?
It funds better healthcare, including a health clinic, and supports environmental education, particularly about the rainforest.
How does environmental education contribute to the future of the rainforest?
Children who learn about the importance of the rainforest may grow up to care for it and help protect it.
What is the main challenge faced by the community in the area where Association Mitsinjo operates?
Most of the 14,000 inhabitants live in poverty, and many rely on activities like logging and tavy agriculture to make a living.
What percentage of Association Mitsinjo’s income depends on international aid organizations?
Two-thirds of its income comes from international aid, making it financially unsustainable without this support.
What are some of the activities that people outside of the Association Mitsinjo are engaging in to make a living?
They engage in logging and tavy agriculture, both of which are environmentally damaging.
How much rainforest each year is cleared globally?
Around 7.3 million hectares of rainforest are cleared each year.
What is the deforestation rate in madagascar?
Each year, 1400 hectares of rainforest are deforested in Madagascar.
What is Tavy?
Tavy is a type of “slash-and-burn” agriculture, where trees are cut down, the undergrowth is burned, and crops are planted. However, this method quickly depletes soil nutrients, leading to more land being cleared.
How has population growth contributed to deforestation in Madagascar?
Due to a rapid increase in population, especially after inoculation programs in the 1940s, there is more pressure on land for farming. Farmers often clear more land to feed growing families, accelerating deforestation.
What is the second main cause of deforestation in Madagascar?
The second main cause of deforestation in Madagascar is commercial logging, especially for timber like rosewood.
What is the link between poverty and illegal logging in Madagascar?
Many people in Madagascar are very poor, and illegal logging offers high financial rewards, leading some to engage in it despite the risks.
What was the Madagascan government’s approach to rainforest management 20 years ago?
The Madagascan government set up a scheme for local communities to manage their own resources sustainably.
What is the role of ecotourism in Association Mitsinjo’s operations?
Ecotourism brings in one-third of the association’s income each year. It was started by local wildlife guides who wanted to create a community-based nature tourism association.
