The Political Economy of Natural Resource Extraction in Post-Earthquake Madagascar: A Mixed Methods Inquiry

Madagascar's post-earthquake recovery presents an opportunity to examine how natural resource extraction intersects with political economy dynamics. A mixed methods study combining quantitative analysis of government data and qualitative interviews with stakeholders to understand local perceptions and experiences. Interviews revealed significant disparities in resource distribution affecting rural communities; a quarter of respondents reported direct economic benefits from mining operations, highlighting uneven impacts. Political influence significantly shapes resource management decisions, with varying degrees of transparency and accountability across sectors. Enhanced public participation mechanisms are recommended to ensure equitable resource utilization and mitigate adverse local effects.