Going wild for Madagascar’s wild silk
In a bid to promote forest conservation and boost income in rural areas, British NGO Feedback Madagascar re-introduced the endemic silk moth in the tapia forests of Madagascar. With great success. Listen to the story here. Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 From Our Own Correspondent, 21 February 2019. Photo ©Emilie Filou Continue reading Going wild for Madagascar’s wild silk
Illegal corn farming drives deforestation in Menabe, Madagascar
Deforestation within Menabe Antimena Protected Area, a large swath of unique dry forest ecosystem on Madagascar’s west coast, has increased dramatically in recent years. Slash-and-burn agriculture is the primary driver. Unlike in most places in Madagascar, it isn’t done for subsistence farming but to plant corn, a cash crop traded by a powerful local elite. Conservation groups have teamed up to organize raids that have … Continue reading Illegal corn farming drives deforestation in Menabe, Madagascar
Allô Madagascar?
Thanks to its super-fast internet, excellent French and cheap labour, Madagascar has become a business outsourcing hotspot for Francophone companies. Read the full story here. Published in Quartz Africa, 10 January 2019. Photo ©Vivetic. Continue reading Allô Madagascar?
Climate adaptation proves the bees’ knees for fishermen in Madagascar
In Kivalo, where cyclones, overfishing and rising seas threaten livelihoods, beekeeping offers an unlikely alternative to fishing. Read the full story here. Published in The Observer and Guardian Global Development, December 2018. Photo ©Emilie Filou, mangrove reforestation in Kivalo. Continue reading Climate adaptation proves the bees’ knees for fishermen in Madagascar
Madagascar: many candidates, little real choice
If the health of a democracy were measured only by the number of candidates contesting a presidential election, Madagascar’s would be flourishing: a total of 36 were on the island state’s ballot on November 7th. Yet politics in Madagascar, beset by corruption, is far from healthy. Voters hoping for a change from the old elite may be sorely disappointed by the outcome of a race … Continue reading Madagascar: many candidates, little real choice
Madagascar: 4 (ex)presidents, 36 candidates and a lot of money
Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world yet its elections are amongst the most expensive. Read the full story here. Published in African Arguments, 2 October 2018. Continue reading Madagascar: 4 (ex)presidents, 36 candidates and a lot of money
Madagascar: yet another crisis?
In the last month, impeachment proceedings have begun, an unholy alliance has emerged, and the president has accused opponents of launching a coup. Read the full story here. Published in African Arguments, 24 May 2018. Continue reading Madagascar: yet another crisis?
Madagascar: Tension ahead of elections
President Hery Rajaonarimampianina fails to bar his opponents, Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, from running after three weeks of anti-government protests. Read full story here. Published in The Economist, 10 May 2018. Continue reading Madagascar: Tension ahead of elections
Gabon: Veolia expropriated from water and electricity concession
Weeks after expropriating Veolia from its concession with water and electricity utility SEEG, the governement is already looking for a new private operator. Read the full story here. Published in Global Water Intelligence, March 2018. Continue reading Gabon: Veolia expropriated from water and electricity concession
No time for neglect
If the world doesn’t significantly step up its efforts in 2017, it will miss deadlines for stamping out some of the planet’s nastiest diseases, otherwise known at Neglected Tropical Diseases. Read the full story here. Published in The Economist’s The World in 2017 in November 2016. Save Continue reading No time for neglect