SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE VANILLA INDUSTRY IN FOKONTANY IMORO

Vanilla occupies a strategic position in the Malagasy economy. The study was carried out in the rural commune of Imorona with the overall aim of assessing the socio-economic impact of vanilla production. The methodology adopted was based on field surveys of producers assessment of their annual income and statistical analysis of the data. The results show that 64% of those surveyed contribute directly to job creation. 99% of producers use traditional methods. This preference for traditional practices is explained by the desire to maintain the reputation of Madagascan vanilla on export markets. One producer identified as number 6 declared an annual net income of 10650000 Ar (Kruskal-Wallis test: H = 3.714; p = 0.015). Some groups of collectors show better economic performance while others could benefit from support measures to improve their productivity and profitability (H = 3.777; p = 0.015; df = 7). The vanilla sector thus plays a central role in the economy of Madagascar's rural areas.