WFP and the International Labour Organization join forces to support vulnerable communities in Madagascar
In a country where nearly three out of four people live in poverty and food insecurity is widespread, WFP and ILO will help develop community infrastructure to improve livelihoods of vulnerable families across the regions of Analamanga (Centre), Androy, Atsimo Andrefana (South), Fitovinany, Vakinankaratra, and Vatovavy (South-East).
“Today we are not just signing a statement of intent, but a commitment that no one will be left behind,” said Frederick Muia, ILO Country Director and Resident Representative in Madagascar. “ILO is partnering with WFP around three core priorities. Firstly, to create fair and safe jobs that matter and that build useful skills; secondly, to implement international labor standards with each project, with particular attention to the inclusion of women and youth; and thirdly to reach measurable results, while monitoring and adapting our actions.”
The partnership includes supporting households and farmers’ organizations with small-scale food processing and preservation facilities – such as mills, drying units, and warehouses – to store harvests and reduce post-harvest losses. The two organizations will also work together to help rehabilitate and expand farmlands, giving farmers more reliable access to water for rice, maize, and vegetable production.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building sustainable ways to improve households’ livelihoods,” said Tania Goossens, WFP Representative and Country Director in Madagascar. Together we are helping the most vulnerable communities boost productivity and strengthen their resilience to shocks.”
By combining their expertise, WFP and ILO will contribute to enhancing food security, fostering economic opportunities and creating jobs for vulnerable communities in Madagascar. All community assets will be built by workers recruited locally, ensuring that income stays within the villages and strengthens local economies. This initiative is part of a broader collaboration to build resilience and work opportunities across the six regions.
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
The International Labour Organisation, a specialized agency of the United Nations – The ILO is dedicated to promoting internationally recognized social justice and human and labor rights, pursuing its founding mission that social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace. As the only tripartite agency of the UN, the ILO brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers from 187 Member States to set international standards, develop policies and design programmes to promote decent work for all men and women worldwide.