Everything is expensive in Ampanihy. This is the reality facing residents of the district capital of Ampanihy Ouest in the Atsimo Andrefana region. "Even though it's not yet the rainy season or the full lean season, the overall cost of living is too high while purchasing power remains too weak," says Voriandro, a civil servant who has lived in the city for thirty years. Zebu meat costs around 24,000 ariary per kilogram, despite the area having significant livestock. Just a few months ago, the price was around 20,000 ariary per kilogram. There are almost no vegetables at the market because transportation costs from Andranovory, Toliara, or Fianarantsoa are prohibitive. The few greens available come from the fokontany of the neighboring rural commune of Ankilizato. But a bundle of 1,000 to 2,000 ariary of greens is insufficient for a family meal. Essential products such as sugar and rice have not seen real price changes. Sugar costs 1,500 to 1,800 ariary per kapoaka and rice costs 850 to 900 ariary. Other daily products such as biscuits, jam, disposable sanitary pads, fruit juice in cartons or bottles are unaffordable for many. "These items shouldn't be so expensive—take sanitary pads for example, which cost 6,000 ariary per package here. Many women resort to reusable pads," says Jennia, a seller of "mokary" fritters and breakfast items. The RN10 road, particularly the section linking Vatolatsaka-Betioky to Ampanihy, is in poor condition, especially the 60 km between Ejeda and Ampanihy. This is one of the arguments merchants use to justify transportation costs for goods to Ampanihy, located about 350 km from Toliara.