Area:
total: 587,041 sq km
land: 581,540 sq km
water: 5,501 sq km
Climate:
tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south
Terrain:
narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center
agricultural land: 71.1%
arable land 6%; permanent crops 1%; permanent pasture 64.1%
Total renewable water resources:
337 cu km (2011)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 16.5 cu km/yr
per capita: 1,010 cu m/yr (2005)
Natural hazards:
periodic cyclones; drought; and locust infestation
volcanism: volcanoes have not erupted in history
Environment - current issues:
soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes; several endangered species of flora and fauna unique to the island
12.57 million (2015 est.) = labor force
Amount of people in agricultural side of labor force = n/a
total: 587,041 sq km
land: 581,540 sq km
water: 5,501 sq km
Climate:
tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south
Terrain:
narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center
agricultural land: 71.1%
arable land 6%; permanent crops 1%; permanent pasture 64.1%
Total renewable water resources:
337 cu km (2011)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 16.5 cu km/yr
per capita: 1,010 cu m/yr (2005)
Natural hazards:
periodic cyclones; drought; and locust infestation
volcanism: volcanoes have not erupted in history
Environment - current issues:
soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes; several endangered species of flora and fauna unique to the island
12.57 million (2015 est.) = labor force
Amount of people in agricultural side of labor force = n/a
Rice is the largest sharecrop and is often found in the central plateau in a variety of forms. Where there is water in Madagascar, people grow rice. It is important culturally and vitally as it is the "most important food" eaten. Link: www.britannica.com Link: http://www.zahana.org/Picture_galery/Rice.html Slash and Burn farming is commonly found in forests in Madagascar for the temporary clearance of land for agriculture. It is also known as Swidden agriculture and is a traditional form of sustainable agriculture. Link: madagascargeo.wordpress.com |
In the northwest, around Mahajanga, sugar cane is grown. It is also grown on the east coast by Toamasina. This particular image shows a Madagascar farmer separating the edible plants grown from the plants that are unsuitable for consumption. Image link: brazilmadagascar.weebly.com Bananas are produced commercially on the east coast of Madagascar. Other fruits in the agricultural system of Madagascar include apples, grapefruits, avocados, plums, grapes, oranges, litchis, pineapples, guavas, papayas, and passion fruits. Image link: qz.com Illegal fishing is problematic in Madagascar because it doesn't have the resources to combat it and the waters are rich in marine life that includes a variety of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. Fishing is a good way to make profit for locals in Madagascar as it is cheap and doesn't take much time as crops do to grow. Image link: news.mongabay.com |