Quels modèles de gestion des plantations agro-industrielles tropicales ? Réflexions à partir d'une étude de cas au Gabon

Abstract

The agro-industrial expansion in tropical areas raises serious concerns about its social and environmental impacts. Using an industrial rubber plantation in Gabon as a case study, our article first discusses the key social and environmental issues. We follow by presenting the limitations of the business models used: environmental and corporate social responsibility, enclave policies and paternalistic approach. We demonstrate that the private company model cannot meet alone the many sustainable development issues. These issues call for a better clarification of responsibilities among all stakeholders within a framework of planned territorial development, despite the structural difficulties that will probably stand in the way of its implementation.