Anosibe Ambohiby

Anosibe Ambohiby
Village
Aerial image of the village in 2023
Coordinates: 18°50′26.3″S 46°12′15.2″E
Country	Madagascar
Region	Bongolava
District	Tsiroanomandidy
Population
• Estimate  (2023)	300
Time zone	UTC+3 (EAT)

Anosibe Ambohiby is a village in the Central Highlands of Madagascar, located in the crater of the extinct volcano Ambohiby Massif.

The village is situated in the district of Tsiroanomandidy, which is in the Bongolava Region.

History

Anosibe Ambohiby was founded in 2008 by Betsileo farmers from the Manandriana District, about 380 kilometres (240 mi) to the south. As overcrowding worsened in their hometown, the farmers migrated in search of a large plot of arable land. The village grows cash crops, primarily citrus fruit, which they sell in the markets of neighboring cities, though transportation in and out of the village is a challenge due to the poor distribution and conditions of local roads. As of 2023, the village is made up of around 50 houses with a population of around 300 people.

Etymology

Anosibe translates to "Big Island", named for the four streams that surround the village on all sides. Ambohiby, on the other hand, is the name of the alkaline ring complex Anosibe Ambohiby is located on, known as Ambohiby Massif.

Geography

The village of Anosibe Ambohiby is situated in the center of the Ambohiby Massif, a massive alkaline ring complex over 13 kilometers in diameter, dating back to the Late Cretaceous. This volcanic geological formation, associated with the separation of Madagascar and India, contributes to the region's unique landscape. The Massif, characterized by its fertile soil due to alkaline chemicals, hosts the village in its crater. It is flanked by four streams running in the north, south, east, and west, all part of the alkaline ring structure. The village, surrounded by vegetation, is a part of the district of Tsiroanomandidy, which is situated in the Bongolava Region. It lies 8 kilometers from the nearest labeled town, Antaniditra, and 18 kilometers from the closest major city, Tsiroanomandidy.

Demographics

The approximately 300 residents of Anosibe Ambohiby are of the Betsileo ethnic group, and migrated from the Manadriana District of Central Madagascar to settle in the crater. The people are mostly employed in agriculture, with a large portion of land dedicated to farming oranges and lemons which the villagers sell at market themselves.

Further reading

• Ndivhuwo Cecilia Mukosi (2012). Petrogenesis of the Ambohiby Complex, Madagascar and the role of the Marion Hotspot plume (Thesis). doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.27096.80644.