Structuring wood-energy exploitation systems and differentiating forest resources in rural Malagasy

In developing countries, wood-energy is the primary source of domestic energy, particularly in Madagascar where it accounts for 80 to 90% of household consumption. However, exploitation practices remain heterogeneous, reflecting a still insufficiently characterized differentiation of systems. The central issue of this study lies in the structuring and differentiation of wood-energy exploitation systems in rural areas, in the face of energy and environmental challenges. The objective is to identify and characterize wood-energy exploitation profiles in rural areas. Two research questions are posed: what are the different types of exploitation activities according to the techniques used, the tree species harvested, and the target market? and, how does exploitation differ according to the types of forest resources harvested? Two hypotheses are proposed: wood-energy exploitation involves different types of activities depending on the techniques used, the tree species harvested, and the target market; and wood-energy exploitation differs according to the types of forest resources harvested. The methodology is based on a survey of 300 operators (farmers, loggers, and charcoal makers) using a mixed-methods approach, combining Multiple Correspondence Analysis and Discriminant Factor Analysis, supplemented by strategic tools such as benchmarking, ranking, and the strategic rectangle. The results highlight the existence of two distinct classes of operators. Comparative analysis allows these classes to be interpreted as two systems: a traditional system representing 52.3% and a modernized system representing 47.7%. These results demonstrate a structuring of the systems around technical, economic, and institutional factors and underscore the role of plantations in the transition to more sustainable systems.