Thierry Andrianambinina

In my home country of Madagascar, hemp has the same association and negative connotation as that of recreational marijuana, in which the local Malagasy word “rongony” is used interchangeably. While attending a hempcrete workshop in 2022, I knew I wanted to centralize my thesis on hemp as this material is considered highly taboo (in Madagascar) due to the colonial exploitation of what was once an ancestral plant. The aim of my research is to try to dismantle the stigma on hemp in the material palette of Madagascar and give rise to the question how to promote indigenous science while also innovating Malagasy communities through hemp’s regenerative uses (materiality, economic impact). The information gathered (both scientific and personal), inspired the goal of this thesis to explore the versatility of the material through 3 different forms that can be applied and/or adapted to the Malagasy culture and landscape. The results indicate that the material can be incorporated into Malagasy lifeways through vernacular and traditional architectural practices (primarily brick making, biomimicry, and weaving).  After experimentation, I concluded that there are several strengths and sustainable properties of hemp as a building material and that it can empower indigenous knowledge systems and local communities in Madagascar, especially local farmers and builders.