Growing in the most remote areas of the country, Malagasy vanilla is now a key player in the global market, exported to many countries for its exceptional qualities. However, behind the fame of this product lies a complex reality: often forgotten producers who struggle daily to preserve their business in the face of numerous challenges.
The rush towards uncertain development
Madagascar is the global leader in vanilla production, accounting for more than 80% of the world's supply of vanilla beans. In 2019, production was estimated at 1,454 tons, reaching 1,724 tons in 2020, and now exceeding 4,300 tons exported each year. Vanilla cultivation in Madagascar requires precise expertise and constant attention: from planting to harvesting, every step is done by hand, making this crop particularly labor-intensive. The transformation of the bean, from its green and bitter state to a black, fragrant vanilla, takes several months of care and effort. For the growers, each pod represents both a professional challenge and a personal stake, a lifelong endeavor.
The farmers, craftsmen of daily life
The efforts made for vanilla production result from the hard work of many Malagasy farmers. These men and women, often from rural communities, make vanilla cultivation their primary means of livelihood. The sale of vanilla allows them to fund their daily needs, such as access to healthcare, education, and decent housing. For many, vanilla represents much more than just a crop; it is a gateway to a better future for their families, a family story.
Multiple challenges
Despite its dominant position in the global market, Madagascar faces several challenges that threaten the future of its vanilla cultivation. In terms of competition, Malagasy producers remain the largest, while countries like Comoros, India, Indonesia, or Uganda produce less than 500 tons annually in total. However, this international competition is not the main issue for Malagasy farmers. What affects them most is the instability of prices and the impact of climate change, which directly threaten their financial situation.
The instability of vanilla prices and the impacts of climate change are factors that weigh heavily on the financial situation of producers. These two elements are responsible for the deterioration of their living conditions, making the vanilla market even more uncertain for Malagasy farmers.
Towards fairer trade
To support vanilla producers, several initiatives are beginning to emerge. Fair trade, for example, allows some farmers to obtain more stable and fairer prices for their products, by eliminating intermediaries who often take a large portion of the profits. Additionally, some Malagasy organizations and businesses are mobilizing to offer training on sustainable farming practices and price management, in order to help producers better navigate a volatile market.
Everyone's responsibility
Consumers also have a role to play: by choosing fair trade products or supporting brands that respect workers, they are actively contributing to a fairer future for Malagasy farmers. Each vanilla pod represents not only a quality product but also the work and story of a Malagasy farmer. It is up to us to ensure that this story continues.
- by Fitia Mirindra RAHARIMAMPIONONA