CLIMATE & HUNGER CRISIS IN Madagascar
Frequent climate extremes like cyclones and drought are driving hunger in southern Madagascar.
When it comes to natural disasters, the impoverished Indian Ocean island is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world. Year upon year of drought has left families in southern Madagascar helpless and without any means to feed themselves.
People in the south are living in a hunger crisis
Of Madagascar’s original rainforests have been lost
People receive WFP's monthly food and nutrition aid
WATCH: ABC NEWS' DAVID MUIR REPORTS ON SOUTHERN MADAGASCAR
“WFP’s food is really lifesaving assistance as there is not much to eat in the region. We have cactus fruit for lunch and save the precious rice and split peas for dinner,” says Lignerene, a farmer and mother of 6 in the Ampanihy district.
Recurring drought and a weakened economy, worsened by the fallout of the COVID-19, are driving a severe food crisis in Madagascar. Families like Lignerene’s urgently need our help.
How We Are Saving Lives in Madagascar
WFP is on the ground across Madagascar, delivering food and creating programs to help people withstand an otherwise devastating cycle of floods, droughts, cyclones and instability.
Food & Nutrition Aid
For the last year, WFP has been reaching 700,000 people per month through general food distributions as well as supplementary nutrition products for women and children under the age of 5.
Emergencies
WFP helps disaster-affected and food-insecure communities, working with them to increase their resilience to shocks, and strengthening national disaster preparedness.
School Meals
In the southern regions of Atsimo-Andrefana, Androy and Anosy, WFP is the largest provider of school meals, covering 760 schools across 11 school districts and reaching 228,000 children.
Farmer Support
WFP helps farmers by providing technical assistance and high-quality seeds, as well as increasing their access to markets. They’re even able to sell their surplus crops to WFP.
In the Grip of Drought & Famine
Extreme Weather
The island nation suffers more and more devastating climate events every year. By April 2021, 70 percent of the Grand Sud (south) region of Madagascar was impacted by drought which led to another failed harvest last year.
Photo: WFP/Tsiory Andriantsoarana
Disaster Prone
Madagascar is among the ten countries most vulnerable to disasters and is considered to be the most cyclone-exposed country in Africa. A quarter of the population lives in areas highly prone to cyclones, floods or drought.
Photo: WFP/Tsiory Andriantsoarana
Poverty
Despite vast natural resources, Malagasy incomes have stagnated - and poverty has risen - over the past few decades. COVID-19 has also exacerbated poverty levels by pushing the prices of staple foods up and cutting job opportunities.
Photo: WFP/Tsiory Ny Aina Andriantsoarana
Agriculture
The world’s fourth largest island, Madagascar boasts a unique ecosystem, with thousands of species of plants and animals found nowhere else. Farming, fishing and forestry form the backbone of the Malgasy economy. But most farmers rely on small, rain-fed parcels of land, and struggle to produce in the face of climate shocks, instability, and lack of access to equipment and land.
Photo: WFP/Giulio d'Adamo
Year upon year of drought has left families in Southern Madagascar helpless. You can help save lives by donating to send food to countries like Madagascar facing severe hunger crises.