Madagascar: crises, challenges and humanitarian aid

Located in the Indian Ocean, off the southern coast of Africa, Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, is facing a multitude of crises that severely impact its socio-economic development. Between political instability, endemic poverty, environmental emergency and natural disasters, the country is struggling to overcome complex challenges that affect every aspect of the daily lives of its inhabitants. But each of these challenges is an opportunity for action and progress. ‍

A few words about history and politics ‍

Since gaining independence in 1960, Madagascar has been shaken by periods of political instability and coup d'État. Democratic transitions have often been tumultuous, with elections marked by opposition and suspicions of fraud. For example, the 2009 political crisis, which led to the overthrow of President Marc Ravalomanana, exacerbated social and economic tensions in the country. The consequences of these periods of instability are being felt to the present day, with repercussions on the island's governance, economy and social cohesion. ‍

Poverty and social inequalities in Madagascar‍

According to A study by the World Bank, around three quarters of the Malagasy population lives below the poverty line. The national poverty rate is over 75 per cent of the population, i.e. 79.9 per cent in rural areas and 55.5 per cent in urban areas. Rural poverty has declined slightly, but urban poverty (especially secondary cities) has increased in particular.
The reduction of economic opportunities and the inadequacy of investment projects in education, health and urban infrastructure are mainly responsible for this. The COVID-19 pandemic and a series of cyclones striking the country have reinforced this poverty, causing job losses and a decrease in the incomes of urban households. Moreover, migration from rural to urban areas amplifies the problem.

These figures highlight the need to put in place measures to change this dynamic and improve the living conditions of Malagasy populations in need. ‍

The challenges of education in Madagascar ‍

In Madagascar, the path to quality education is full of pitfalls, especially for rural populations.

According to A UNICEF report, very few children between the ages of 3 and 5 go to preschool, especially in the south where only a fifth access it.

Students in these areas and poor families have higher rates of school completion, repetition and dropout. The reasons for this are multiple: poverty forces them to choose between education and survival, early marriages deprive girls of their right to education, child labour diverts thousands of them from school.

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And if the door to secondary education opens, it is for a minority only. With a net enrollment rate of around 23%, Madagascar faces a major challenge in offering its youth an education beyond primary school. The obstacles are multiple: school fees that are unaffordable for many families, a severe lack of educational infrastructure in remote areas, and an often insurmountable distance between home and school.

But education is not only a question of access, it is also a question of quality. The shortage of qualified teachers, derisory salaries that struggle to retain talent, limited educational resources and often precarious learning conditions are all obstacles to quality education for all.

Behind these figures is also the shadow of illiteracy, which affects almost a third of the adult population, according to World Bank data. A plague that perpetuates the cycle of poverty and social exclusion, depriving many people of the opportunities that a solid basic education offers.‍

An exceptional Malagasy biodiversity in danger

Unparalleled biodiversity ‍

Madagascar is one of the largest islands in the world. Its geographical isolation and its climatic diversity have generated exceptional biodiversity. Among its natural treasures, there are 294 species of birds, including 107 endemic, and 247 species of amphibians, 245 of which are endemic. The country is also famous for its tropical forests, its majestic baobabs (7 species are present there compared to only 1 in Africa) and its fascinating lemurs. ‍

Deforestation and climate change‍

Today, only 10% of the original Malagasy forests remain. The majority of the rich tropical forests in the east and northwest of the island have disappeared, causing a significant reduction in forest areas dependent on these ecosystems. Mangroves are also threatened there. This massive deforestation, mainly due to illegal logging, the conversion of land into agricultural areas, but also to the practice of slash-and-burn agriculture, and industrial activities (mining, oil, gas) has disastrous consequences on the island's ecosystems. It leads to the loss of biodiversity, soil degradation and the decrease of water resources, threatening the livelihoods of local populations.

Did you know that? Much of the Malagasy coastline along the Mozambique Channel, home to protected areas, mangrove forests, and coral reefs, has been leased for oil exploration.

Moreover, in Madagascar and across Africa, climate change is making these problems worse. It increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as tropical cyclones, floods, and droughts.

For example, in 2021, Madagascar suffered its worst drought in 40 years, with sandstorms covering agricultural land. This situation caused people to seek refuge in cities, while others invaded forest areas, encroaching on nature reserves and burning forests. At the beginning of 2022, Madagascar was also hit for the first time by six storms and cyclones in the space of three months.

These climate events have devastating consequences on agriculture, destroying crops, damaging agricultural infrastructure and reducing the availability of water resources.

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Our NGO LIFE Implements integrated projects which allow village communities to regain hope. In the regions of Analamanga, Itasy and Vakinakaratra, we are supporting 200 families in a fruit tree plantation operation that they will own and manage. The land used belongs to them, but is unexploited. These trees will contribute to raising their standard of living, restoring the ecosystem, and avoiding bushfires in the village. With its local partners, our teams work to raise awareness among the population about the importance of preserving their environment. Information and training meetings on tree planting and the nursery are offered to them. In addition, while waiting for the production of planted trees, the diversification of activities is motivated by the development of poultry farming.

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Inaugurated in 2023, this project has already been echoed in the surrounding villages and more and more families want to join it. ‍

Food security in Madagascar‍

The combination of deforestation, climate change and natural disasters is threatening the food security of the Malagasy population. Farmers see their crops destroyed by bad weather, soils depleted by erosion, and increasingly scarce water resources. As a result, many rural communities face chronic food insecurity, with limited access to adequate and nutritious food. Children are particularly vulnerable, suffering from malnutrition and stunted growth that compromise their physical and cognitive development.

Did you know that? The World Food Programme warned that Madagascar could become the first country to experience a famine caused by climate change.

Moreover, access to drinking water is also complicated. According to UNICEF, 1 out of 2 children does not have access to it and half of children under 5 are stunted in growth due to water-related diseases.

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Our NGO LIFE regularly intervenes in Madagascar to distribute food packages, especially in the south of the country, which is very affected by drought. Distributions are made in emergency situations or throughout the year. ‍

The response of humanitarian aid to Malagasy challenges‍

Faced with these challenges, humanitarian aid plays a crucial role in providing emergency assistance to Malagasy populations in need. International organizations, government agencies, and NGOs work together to provide food relief, emergency medical care, temporary shelter, and other forms of support to victims of crises. However, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Madagascar faces several logistical and operational challenges. The island's insular geography and limited infrastructure often make it difficult to access affected areas. Moreover, coordination between humanitarian actors and local authorities can be hampered by political and bureaucratic obstacles. ‍

The prospects for Madagascar‍

Despite these challenges, Madagascar has considerable development potential. The country has rich natural resources, exceptional biodiversity and a diversified agricultural sector. Sustainable development initiatives, such as the promotion of agroecology, forest conservation, and sustainable tourism development, offer opportunities for a more stable and prosperous future. However, to realize this potential, Madagascar needs continued support from the international community. Investment projects in education, health, infrastructure and governance are essential to change the dynamic and strengthen the country's resilience in the face of current and future crises.

Madagascar is facing major challenges that require a collective and coordinated response. Humanitarian aid is crucial, but long-term efforts are also needed to change the destiny of Malagasy people and build a sustainable and inclusive future for all. The international community has an important role to play in supporting Madagascar's development, in order to help the country overcome its challenges and realize its potential.

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Together, let's multiply humanitarian projects to build a better future for the Malagasy people! 

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