The dairy cow and the charcoal sack

摘要

Relations between farm silvicultre ana dairy cow herding are examined taking as an example the situation in Vakinankaratra in the upper regions of Madagascar. The relations between herding and woodland practices date from ancient times and were renewed in the course of the 20th century. In Vinaninony, the farmers have established a novel form of organization that allows them to sell pine charcoal under optimal conditions in the markets around Antananarivo. However, the primary aim of this charcoalproduction is to progressively build up savings with the long-term objective of purchasing a dairy cow for milk supplies to the Roma dairy. In these regions, rice-producing capacity is restricted and subsistence is impossible. The farmers are therefore obliged to find multiple activities. They therefore take full advantage of all the commercial opportunities offered by urban markets. In fact, it is these external activities that shape the long-term changes in the structure of the landscape. Faming practices combine the continual search for immediate revenue with long-term savings strategies. To do this, the farmers explore the possibilities offered by rural forestry and various forms of animal breeding.