Madagascar

Jean Berthin - living on the edge in the cyclone-prone south east of Madagascar

Copyright: WFP/Paul Delas

One Man's Experience Of Food For Assets In Madagascar

The south eastern region of Madagascar is prone to cyclones and floods which can have real impact on people's livelihoods and their ability to feed themselves. Thanks to donations from Brazil and Spain, a World Food Programme initiative has been able to help communities become more resilient to such shocks. One beneficiary of the project, Jean Berthin, tells of the difference it has made in his life.

View more

Overview

Madagascar is the fourth biggest island on earth and, because of its relative geographical isolation off the east coast of Africa, much of its flora and fauna exists nowhere else on earth. It is ranked as a low income country, 151st out of 187 countries in the UNDP 2012 Human Development Index.

More than 77 percent of the country's 21 million inhabitants are estimated to live below the national poverty line and more than half (57 percent) live in extreme poverty.

The island is prone to natural disasters including cyclones, flooding and locust invasion.

Read more
Locusts on the Move

Madagascar is currently facing a locust plague - the worst in more than half a century. It could have a severe impact on agricultural production and pasture for livestock. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, more than half the population could be at risk from hunger as a result of the plant-devouring insects which have been swarming in their billions over much of the island.

Copyright: WFP/Robert Guiradoubaye

Latest Videos/Galleries
All Videos/Galleries
WFP Offices
Subscribe & Share

Get involved with Latest News and Stories

Share this page on social networks