The vast majority (approximately 75%) of the population in Madagascar falls below the world poverty line of $1.90/day. I think the main problem is food.
Here's an interesting article that was just recently published:
A nutrient-rich traditional insect for improving food security and reducing biodiversity loss in Madagascar and sub-Saharan Africa
https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/csp2.480
My summary: Researchers were able to harvest an edible insect that would eat the tops of a specific crop without destroying the yield. In essence, the crop yielded more food without having to cut down more crop space. They were able to combat deforestation
and malnutrition
.
Here's a quote from the article: "In Madagascar, native
Z.
tenebrosa: (a) can be easily, rapidly, and cheaply cultivated in remote communities with limited connection and infrastructure; (b) are a traditionally eaten food perceived as wild, 'natural,' clean, flavorful, rich, cheap, available during seasons of low food security, and tied to local identity; (c) are high in essential micro- and macronutrients; (d) can be raised on agricultural bean host plants without greatly affecting bean production; (e) can be farmed without increasing agricultural lands or forest clearing; and (f) have a wide native range that overlaps with areas of low food security and high biodiversity, making the project potentially replicable across all of Madagascar and much of sub-Saharan Africa."
Another interesting articles:
https://news.mongabay.com/2020/11/bug-bites-edible-insect-production-ramps-up-quickly-in-madagascar/ (watch the video on cricket flour which helps fight deforestation as well as malnutrition)
(Related to the topic):
https://medium.com/@alexllane/crickets-vs-beef-which-is-the-better-protein-source-9f7a5ff5bcde
https://www.dw.com/en/insects-our-future-food/av-52465091
I think many studies are showing that insects are the future of food. Many countries have been doing this for thousands of years. Madagascar's main issues are hunger and malnutrition. Many adults have signs of stunted growth or bone issues due to a lack of food.
@leedragon, the implementation of the first article is relatively recent, but it looks promising. If they are able to get all of Madagascar to adopt this method of harvesting food, the lemurs and fossas should be safe (as well as chameleons). I honestly think that mammals will always be the first to go when it comes to people hunting them to extinction. Once the mammals are gone, then chameleons may be next.
