How Chinese entrepreneurs have taken control of Madagascar's booming vanilla trade and what it means for local farmers.
Al-Jazeera - 08 Apr 2015
Madagascar is the leading exporter of vanilla, one of the world's
most valuable and sought-after spices. Yet despite accounting for almost
half of global production, the island state's traditional farmers are
struggling to earn a living.
A recent influx of Chinese investors has led to increased
productivity to meet rising international demand. But many local growers
say they have not been reaping the benefits as most of the profits have
been flowing into foreign hands. Instead prices for their crops are
being forced down and there are negative consequences for quality and
sustainability. With most Malagasies already living at or below the
poverty line, the long-term prospects for their livelihoods are
worrying.
Most of the vanilla is grown in and around Sava, in Madagascar's
northeast corner. The region turned to farming this lucrative crop in
the 19th century, when French colonialists brought vanilla pod-producing
orchids over to Madagascar from Mexico.
The French also created the first wave of Asian immigration by
inviting Chinese labourers to come and work on these new plantations.
Those who decided to settle mixed with the local population and their
children are now fully integrated into Malagasy society.
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