Part 2/8:
The deforestation problem in Madagascar is tightly interwoven with the issue of poverty. According to filmmaker S Tii, the local communities often resort to burning wood to clear lands for agriculture, believing that trees compete with crops. This leads them to clear forests to cultivate food, prioritizing short-term survival over long-term environmental impacts. The need for survival is stark, as many lack stable jobs or alternative sources of income. Consequently, much of the deforestation occurs for the production of charcoal, a critical resource for cooking and heating.