Difference between revisions of "Tavy"
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Revision as of 06:15, 14 March 2013
The word tavy stands for the slash and burn agriculture practised in Madagascar. Tavy literally means "the fields so cultivated".
Tavy is a traditional Malagasy farming method to clear forest for farming land. Unfortunately, the additionally gained land can be cultivated only for a limited time and the farmers are forced to clear more land. However, where no trees are left, rain cannot sink into the earth. The consequence is erosion, washing the red earth into the rivers and making them "bleed". Although it is raining, the land will slowly dry out.
Madagascar has a very rich fauna and flora and many species are endemic, meaning they live and grow only on this island. Due to slash and burn, more and more forests disappear and therefore many species face extinction.
Razia Said, a Malagasy singer and songwriter, brings the subject of "tavy" and its consequences into her music and to the ears of the world. Income from the selling of her album Zebu Nation is partly used for reforesting programs in Madagascar, especially in the Masoala region.
Slash and Burn, by Razia SaidOne day in May One day in May Slash and burn On the mountain side This is our day Slash and burn Down on my knees Don't we have a choice Slash and burn Who could have said Don't we have a choice Think of the universe |
