Ranaivo is interested in investigating the impacts of environmental programs and environmental changes on different human wellbeing and environmental outcomes. He has looked at the impacts of community forest management and protected areas on deforestation, economic, and subjective human well-being in Madagascar. Ranaivo has also examined the links between forests, child nutrition, and health in developing countries. At Cornell, Ranaivo explored links between fishery and child development in the areas around Lake Victoria, Kenya.