Environmental Education and Students’ Behaviors: An Analysis of Knowledge and Attitudes toward the Environment in Madagascar

Abstract

Background: Human activities in Madagascar are causing severe environmental degradation, and despite conservation efforts, environmental education is seen as essential to improve awareness, attitudes, and behaviours for sustainable development. Aims: This study aims to analyse students’ levels of knowledge and attitudes towards the environment to evaluate their engagement and sense of responsibility towards environmental challenges in Madagascar. Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive survey design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Life Sciences, Ecology, and Conservation, University of Andrainjato Fianarantsoa, Madagascar, between January and June 2025. Methodology: The survey was conducted among 80 full-time undergraduate students enrolled in life sciences, ecology, and conservation programmes. Structured questionnaires were administered to assess respondents' environmental literacy and attitudes. Data were analysed to assess the correlation between environmental knowledge and attitudes. Results: The findings reveal a high level of environmental knowledge and an overall positive attitude towards the environment among the 80 surveyed students. However, statistical analysis indicated a weak or nearly non-existent relationship between their theoretical knowledge and their practical environmental attitudes (r = .052, P = .564). Conclusion: Higher education students with sound levels of environmental literacy constitute a valuable asset for the promotion of environmental education in Madagascar. To foster sustainable development, this study recommends strengthening targeted environmental education initiatives at all academic levels, with the active involvement of the State, non-governmental organizations, and international partners.