An industrial experiment in pre‐colonial Africa: the case of imperial Madagascar, 1825–1861

Abstract

The last two decades have witnessed a lively debate over the preconditions for industrialisation, and the causes and consequences of the failure to industrialise. This paper attempts to widen the scope of the debate, which has concentrated upon European case studies, to include an industrial experiment in Imerina, a central province of Madagascar, between 1825 and 1861. This occurred in an overwhelmingly rural society, based on irrigated riziculture and possessing a small number of full‐time artisans. The Merina state initiated the drive to industrialise, on the basis initially of textile manufacture but later on the production of armaments, and on the processing of raw materials, notably sugar, tobacco and animal products. By the mid nineteenth century, many of the preconditions for successful industrialisation had been met. Lacking capital, the Merina crown promoted industry through labour intensive means, organising and directing its labour resources through the institutions of fanompoana, for the ‘fre...