Wild pepper’s habitat shrinking

Wild pepper, an endemic species of Madagascar, grows on vines that climb into the forest canopy. The plant is highly valued by chefs for its unique flavor profile and is sold for up to 200 euros per kilogram in France.

Deforestation threatens the plant

Between 1990 and 2025, Madagascar’s forests have shrunk by 27%, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. This deforestation has made it harder for wild pepper to thrive and has forced collectors to go deeper into forests to find the plant.

Efforts to protect and regulate

Olivier Roellinger, a former Michelin-starred chef, has worked with organizations to create controlled collection areas for wild pepper. However, local communities sometimes bypass these rules, complicating conservation efforts.

Historic farming area now changed

In the village of Ambongamarina, wild pepper collection was once a regular activity. However, deforestation and fires have drastically reduced forest cover, forcing farmers to walk longer distances to find the plant.

Market signs of continued harvesting

In Antananarivo, the presence of wild pepper in market stalls indicates that harvesting is still happening. Mima Chateauneuf of Jacarandas, an export company, emphasizes the need for traceability and a national framework to manage the trade effectively.

Attempts at domestication

Olivier Ramaherison has spent over a decade trying to domesticate wild pepper on land inherited from his father. His efforts have resulted in a small plantation with 500 to 1,000 plants, offering a potential solution for easier harvesting and greater economic opportunity for Madagascar.