Farmer strategies and forest conservation: a case study from south‐western Madagascar

This paper seeks to evaluate different approaches to forest conservation in the areas outside the national parks of south‐western Madagascar.

Data from a household survey in the area are employed to analyse farmer strategies towards conservation of local forest resources, and present conservation strategies are evaluated in this light.

It is argued that the prospects for future forest conservation in the area are dim at best, and that any policy proposal intended to remedy this situation must as a first priority establish alternative livelihood opportunities for the local population in order to ensure a minimum of incentives for conservation on their behalf.

The paper is of value to all those interested or involved with sustainability issues.