Madagascar has been included among 22 countries facing the highest risk of hunger, according to data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) estimates that approximately 3.7 million people in the country are experiencing acute food insecurity. Of these, around 426,000 people are in a critical situation.
Drought and El Niño Affect Agricultural Production
Climate change and the El Niño phenomenon have contributed to reduced rainfall, worsening food insecurity across Madagascar.
The shortage of precipitation has affected agricultural production, particularly rice, cassava and maize, which are among the country’s staple food crops. Agriculture plays a central role in the Malagasy economy, employing more than 75% of the working population and contributing significantly to gross domestic product.
Lower Harvests Push Up Food Prices
Reduced agricultural output has led to shortages of food supplies in domestic markets, putting pressure on prices and making essential goods less affordable for vulnerable households.
Eddy Rina Ramanantandro, an economist at the Malagasy Circle of Economic Research (CREM), said the government has been forced to increase imports of essential commodities, particularly rice, to compensate for the shortfall in domestic production.
The additional imports are placing pressure on the country’s trade balance and contributing to the depletion of its gold and foreign exchange reserves.
Emergency Aid Puts Pressure on Government Spending
The food crisis has also affected public finances. According to the report, the government has had to redirect funds originally allocated to infrastructure, healthcare and education towards emergency humanitarian assistance because preventive measures were insufficient.
The shift in spending comes as authorities attempt to respond to the immediate needs of communities affected by food shortages.
WFP Expands Assistance in Affected Regions
The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched support operations in some of the areas most affected by the crisis.
The programme’s activities cover southern regions and locations including Bekily, Ambovombé, Beloha, Tsihombe and Southern Antsiranana.
The assistance is intended to support communities facing worsening food insecurity as the country continues to deal with the effects of reduced rainfall and declining agricultural production.
Madagascar Plans Further Support for Farmers
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty has reported the distribution of seeds and equipment to farming groups as part of efforts to support agricultural production.
The ministry’s secretary-general said the measures are expected to be expanded by 2027.
Plans are also underway to build storage warehouses for harvested crops. The facilities are intended to help farmers manage the effects of changing climatic conditions and maintain more stable supplies in domestic markets.
