Deforestation in Western Madagascar is increasing due to slash-and-burn agriculture for cash crops like maize and peanuts, as well as uncontrolled fires for pasture. The money earned from these crops is often used to buy zebu herds. Lack of enforcement of environmental laws and conflicts of interest among intermediaries contribute to the problem. Without intervention, a significant portion of the forest will be gone by 2050, impacting both biodiversity and local communities. To stop deforestation, better governance and pressure on trading companies to buy sustainable products are needed.