WHAT IS VEZO?

The term “Vezo” means “to paddle” or “those who struggle with the sea”. 

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The Vezo are semi-nomadic people of the South West of Madagascar who inhabit a coastal belt extending from Morondava in the North to Intampolo in the Southwest of Madagascar. Skilled sailors and fishermen, they are reponsible for micro-migrations which take place inside fishing networks, which over the years, has lead to the founding of new coastal villages founded by the dominant clans.

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Fishing is practiced by all Vezo early on, starting from childhood, using traditional techniques and equipment. The men, fishing from pirogues, use lines, nets, or spears, and captures are made by seine near the beaches, while the women and children fish by hand or with a pike on the reef.

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