Climate Crisis and Aid Cuts Worsen Madagascar’s Poverty Crisis

The climate crisis and cuts to foreign aid are exacerbating poverty levels in southern Madagascar. The head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Madagascar, Rija Rakotoson, has raised concerns over the escalating humanitarian situation. This crisis has been intensified by malnutrition, malaria, and various climate shocks that have collectively impacted the region. Aid cuts in recent years have made addressing these challenges even more difficult.

Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar

The humanitarian situation in Madagascar’s southern region, known as Le Grand Sud, has drastically worsened. Rija Rakotoson has highlighted the severe health and nutrition issues that require urgent funding. Unfortunately, funding has been substantially reduced, complicating humanitarian efforts.

Challenges Faced by the Population

Le Grand Sud is particularly vulnerable due to its harsh climate, contrasting starkly with the tropical northern regions. The crisis began in 2021, when the area faced its worst drought in 40 years, which left many residents in a state of food catastrophe. Similar crises have unfolded with subsequent floods and cyclones, including tropical cyclone Honde and storm Jude.

• 2021: Worst drought in 40 years hits southern Madagascar.
• 2024: Conditions improve temporarily with rainfall.
• 2025: Series of cyclones and locust infestations contribute to renewed food insecurity.

Significant Decline in Humanitarian Aid

Over the past year, humanitarian assistance to Madagascar has decreased by nearly 70%. This drop is largely attributed to significant cuts in funding from the United States, which reduced contributions from $78 million to less than $6 million. The impact is being felt deeply, with 15 local NGOs forced to close operations in Le Grand Sud.

Worsening Food Insecurity and Malnutrition

The UN has reported alarming statistics regarding food insecurity in the region. Seven out of eleven districts in Le Grand Sud are experiencing crisis levels of food insecurity. Additionally, around 558,000 children under five are predicted to be acutely malnourished this year. This marks a 56% increase from the previous year. A significant malaria outbreak has also emerged, further straining health resources.

• 7 out of 11 districts report crisis levels of food insecurity.
• 558,000 children under five projected to be acutely malnourished.
• 45,200 confirmed malaria cases reported in one district.

Water Crisis Compounding the Problems

Approximately 14.3 million people in Madagascar lack access to clean water. This figure represents about half the country’s population. The lack of water is exacerbated by extreme weather events, which compromise an already weak infrastructure.

Personal Stories Highlighting the Crisis

Residents like grandmother Tsalova from the village of Ankilimiary illustrate the dire circumstances. She often resorts to collecting dirty water from the Taranty River due to the high costs of obtaining clean water. Tsalova’s struggle represents a broader issue faced by many in the region, where predictable rainfall has become unreliable.

NGOs like WaterAid have attempted to install clean water infrastructure, but funding cuts have severely limited their ability to operate. “We had plans to improve water access, but funding was cut, leaving thousands without help,” stated WaterAid country director Josette Vignon.

Conclusion: Urgent Need for Support

The situation in southern Madagascar is dire. The intertwined effects of the climate crisis, humanitarian aid cuts, and chronic poverty demand immediate attention. Increasing funding and support for humanitarian efforts is crucial to alleviating the suffering of those in Le Grand Sud.