Drought forces plundering of Madagascar's resources

In Faux Cap in the southern tip of Madagascar, sand dunes have covered much of the landscape.

It's down to a climate phenomenon known here as tiomena or red storm.

The sand, blown by fierce winds, has significantly changed the Indian Ocean coastline, destroying crops and stifling development.

The strong winds mean fishermen are unable to take to the sea for long periods, meaning they have to often borrow money to survive.

Many people simply pack up and leave in desperation.

The United Nations has described Madagascar as the first country threatened with famine brought on by climate change.

Only 15% of the population have electricity and many cut down trees and use the wood for fuel.

They also use it to make charcoal, which they sell in the marketplace.

But this only provides a meagre living.

A woman, speaking to British broadcaster Sky News, said that the sweet potatoes she sells would likely only generate enough to feed her baby and buy water.

The rest of her children would have to go hungry.

According to a UN report, severe hunger has affected over 1.1 million people with 14,000 one step away from famine.

Madagascar has rich natural resources but the felling of trees is leading to significant deforestation, with 40% of forests lost since the 1950s.

It's a huge threat to the island's unique wildlife.

A rare radiated tortoise, which could fetch thousands of dollars on the black market, made an appearance out in the open, where it was at risk of poaching, it's shelter reduced by the constant felling of trees.

Tsindray Gauttier, who has worked as a forest guide for two decades, said he has seen conditions become more extreme.

The situation, already alarming, is set to worsen by the end of year with the number of people in famine-like conditions expected to double, according to the World Food Programme.