International environmental organizations in Madagascar have been criticized for
using their power and influence to prioritize biodiversity protection over the needs of the
Malagasy population. In this thesis, I examine these claims and evaluate the nongovernmental
organization (NGO) of Azafady in southeastern Madagascar through
interviews, textual analysis, and participant observation. The administrative structure
reflects a cross-cultural element, and funding from an international "volun-tourism"
program significantly contributes to the implementation of Azafady's projects. Despite
this international influence, interviews with Azafady staff and Malagasy project participants reveal that this NGO determines their goals according to priorities expressed
by Malagasy residents. My data also show the importance of evaluation methods that
include participant feedback and can illuminate disparity in perceptions of project results.
Azafady exemplifies an exception to the rule of "coercive conservation" in Africa and
signals effective ways to approach conservation and development in Madagascar.
