Madagascar's Southern Region: A socio-economic, historic, cultural, political, anthropological and environmental analysis

"The Deep South" is a holistic study which proceeds through a historical perspective of the constraints and opportunities for the populations of southern Madagascar in nine districts within Atsimo Andrefana, Androy and Anosy regions. The objective of this work is to assist the development of the south towards a sustainable policy of effective responses to recurring droughts and emergencies. The key aspects of the study include socio-economic, historic, cultural, political, anthropological and environmental analysis.

The south is classified as semi-arid and influenced by climate change, while recent El Niño events potentially provide a lens for the future. Currently average rain is relatively low at 350mm due to the rain-shadow effect in the south-east of the country attached to the Anosyenne Mountains. In addition, an upwelling located offshore and to the south of Madagascar also induces cold currents limiting the development of clouds along the southern coast. Due to the dry nature of the area, food crops include mainly manioc, maize and beans, although there is limited and localised irrigated rice production in the northern and eastern sectors of the south. While maize remains popular with local people it is not the most suitable crop for this agro-climatic zone. Crops are mainly used for subsistence, while small-scale livestock are important for cash including seafood products sold mainly to collectors for export, and hotels or restaurants. Finally, cattle are numerous and hold a major cultural role for the peoples of the south.

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Timothy Healy has over 25 years of experience in social studies, environmental economics and natural resource management in Europe, Africa and Asia and holds a Master of Science in Environmental Management. Most of his work is in Madagascar, where he developed an in-depth knowledge of the historical, social and environmental intricacies of the southern region. In addition, he often addresses environmental issues as a regular broadcaster with the BBC World Service.