About Rodrigues > Economy

The main economic activities of the island are fishing , stockbreeding and cultivation , especially of onions, garlic and chilli. The maize plantations have lost their importance of the once golden days, as rice has nearly become its main substitute as basic food.

In its whole, the economy of Rodrigues is quite poor. The inhabitants often engage themselves in numerous activities ( fishermen , farmers and stockbreeders when they do not work in the administration) that are not sufficient in filling up the chronic deficit of the island. 

Lately, the economy of the island has nevertheless undergone certain fundamental changes: tourism has become the focused sector. The people of Rodrigues have become aware of the value of their island but also, of their handicrafts ( basketwork , embroidery , condiments , honey, etc.) that they have intelligently developed.

Fortunately, they do not seem to want an excessive establishment of tourist infrastructure so as to preserve the calm, charm and authenticity of their island. We sincerely wish that they will be able to resist the economic pressures as unemployment, quite high, and the precariousness of the living conditions have already encouraged numerous Rodriguans to settle in Mauritius.