The craft industry in Madagascar
The craft market on Route Digue

The craft industry of Madagascar takes on an exceptional characteristic and originality if we refer, for example, to the “Zafimaniry” design which is rated among the UNESCO World Heritage. This sector represents an important source of income for 5% of the Malagasy working population. However it is experiencing a lack of information. The legislation concerning the craft industry principally aims at procuring to the craftsmen the advantages of an official firm.

The craft industry is put under the supervision of the “Ministère de l’Industrialisation, du Commerce et du développement du Secteur Privé” (MICDSP). But it involves other concerned ministries. The lack of consultation between those ministries makes the institutional framework less operational. Nevertheless the strategy set up by the State such as the “Document Stratégique pour la Réduction de la Pauvreté” (DSRP) and the “Madagascar Action Plan” (MAP) reveals the will of the nation to promote the craft industry; seeing that the sector in considered as an engine of development.

The development of the tourism constitutes a promising future for the craft industry sector. As the number of the tourists goes up, the selling of craft products has evoluted proportionnaly to the increasing tendency.

Perspectives

A 1.20 metre diameter ammonite at the crafts market on Route Digue Some upstream and downstream measures have to be undertaken in order to ensure the professionalization of the sector.

Upstream, the original aspect of the product should be brought out. Financial and technical problems need to be solved. Then new useful raw materials should be envisaged in order to perpetuate the resources.

Downstream, Malagasy craftsmen should open up domestic and international market. The organization of exhibitions and trade fairs such as SEHO 2004 and HARENA 2006 constitutes on way to reach this aim. Institutional framework should be clarified. The tourism industry needs to maintain the driving effect on the craft industry.

Finally, the relation between craft development and reduction of the poverty deserves to be strengthened.