Although the canning factories have declined, the market remains. Despite competition from the canned food factory Ihosy in Bara Land, the market in Ambalavao remains active. It serves as a hub for trade between urban and rural communities, located at the southern entrance of the city along the RN 7 every Wednesday.
The zebu, with its horns firmly raised on its head, is highly coveted in Madagascar. It is considered the greatest wealth of the Malagasy people, sometimes representing a lifetime’s worth of earnings. People from all over the island come to the Ambalavao market, the largest in the country, where up to 2,000 zebus are crowded together, offering something for everyone. A beautiful animal can be purchased for around.
400 euros available. A colossal sum in this country where the average salary is about 50 euros.
Antemoro Paper
In 1936, a French planter, seduced by the beauty of Antemoro paper, introduced this art from the East Coast in Ambalavao. The paper shortage that the island suffered during World War II favored the development of their factory, and this handmade paper, decorated with wildflowers, is now famous throughout the island.
The small family business behind the town hall can be visited. Amateurs can buy sheets in various sizes to make office supplies, bags, albums, lampshades, paintings…
The Anjaha (Anja) Reserve
Anja: A nature reserve and a village, this is one of the notorious peculiarities of this reserve, which is directly managed by the villagers. This should not displease us, as in addition to preserving a natural place, it is a sustainable and ethical local economy that has been built in Anja.
In awareness of the richness of their territory, the heritage of their forest and massif, the residents have organized themselves to earn an income by offering visitors the opportunity to visit.
