Madagascar

Madagascar is the world’s fifth largest island, situated in the Indian Ocean with a population of 28 million people. Despite considerable natural resources, the country faces high poverty rates, with over 90 percent of its population living on less than US$3.10 a day. Chronic malnutrition affects nearly 40 percent of children. 

Food insecurity results from factors including lack ranging from crop diversification and high reliance on rain-fed agriculture, to low incomes and rising food prices. Climate shocks are increasing in severity and frequency, causing damage to agriculture, infrastructure, biodiversity and coastal resources, and leading to the loss of lives and livelihoods.  

The south of Madagascar is affected by a recurrent drought and the southeast is prone to recurrent cyclones and flooding. In these regions, up to 1.31 million people face high levels of acute food insecurity.  

The World Food Programme (WFP) provides emergency food assistance to vulnerable people affected by crises, with operations concentrated in the south and southeast, and helps to build community resilience through innovative solutions. Strong emphasis is also placed on capacity building of Government and partners, such as in emergency preparedness.