Description

This book (Malagasy silkworms. Ecological and sociological issues) reflects the achievements and scientific activities of the university cooperation project for the 'Management and sustainable enhancement of the endemic silkworm Borocera cajani in a forested area of the Antananarivo region" 'financed by the CIUF-CUD (University Development Cooperation in Belgium). The first section of the work deals with the biological and ecological aspects of silkworms in Madagascar-with emphasis on landibe (Borocera cajanus Vinson, 1863). The second section studies the ecological and botanical dimensions of the habitat of the species, namely, tapia formations (Uapaca bojeri Baill.), by focussing on the silvicultural and botanical aspects, the causes and indicators of its decline, etc. The third section provides information about the valorization of the silk industry and covers a variety of approaches including the compilation of an inventory of edible wild plant resources and their chemical characteristics. This section also looks at the role played by silk in the rural economy, and the knowledge and skills of local communities. The third section ends by taking a look at the socio-institutional context as well as interactions between the players involved in the industry. This work comprises 21 scientific contributions written by 33 authors ; some of them are in english and all the abstracts are written in french and in english. Several chapters have already been published elsewhere. This book is aimed at all those who are passionately interested in Malagasy society and biodiversity, and the potential value of this large island in the context of sustainable development.