Madagascar is among the poorest countries that are not involved in ongoing conflict or affected by political violence in the world. An astronomical 75% of its 29 million people are living in poverty, which is a figure often aggravated by its vulnerability to changing weather patterns and frequent weather disasters. Over the past 35 years, Madagascar has been victim to more than 50 natural disasters varying from droughts, floods and cyclones, all of which exacerbate conditions for those living in poverty in Madagascar. 

The UK’s Development Strategy

The U.K. government found that, if current trajectories continue, by 2045, Madagascar will likely be third in the list of African countries hosting the greatest number of poor people. It cites “governance failings and high population growth (2.4% a year) as key factors.”

The strategy to reverse long-term decline and improve biodiversity, while also avoiding further humanitarian crises, consists of four main elements: humanitarian and disaster preparedness, freedom and democracy, climate and nature, and women and girls. By tackling each of these, the U.K. hopes to kick-start sustainable change that will have a positive long-term impact on those living in poverty in Madagascar. 

Humanitarian and Disaster Preparedness

To help minimize the impacts of natural disasters on those living in poverty, the U.K. is aiming to strengthen the region’s ability to cope when droughts and cyclones strike. The U.K. has funded the START Network, which is designed to act in response to forecasted extreme weather events and ensure that communities that are likely to be affected are adequately prepared. Alongside this, U.K. scientists are working to assess the effect of changing weather patterns on cyclone strength in Madagascar and will use this data to create more accurate warning systems.

The U.K. supports the Africa Risk Capacity financing mechanism and provides insurance pay-outs to the government to provide immediate support in the wake of natural disasters.

Freedom and Democracy

The U.K. government has been working with the Madagascar government and interacting with opposition parties and the national electoral commission to ensure that the presidential electoral process of 2023 is peaceful and fair, minimizing the chances of a political crisis that would exacerbate the stability of the country and the lives of those in poverty.

Climate and Nature

The U.K. was appointed to lead and host the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021. As part of this, the U.K. encouraged Madagascar to implement planning to achieve its climate commitments as the Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plan dictated.

The U.K. government is also working to create more progress on the carbon market by engaging with the World Bank and USAID.

Women and Girls

In 2020, there were 3,500 maternal deaths in Madagascar. The U.K. government will support the government to facilitate better dialogue on reducing preventable maternal deaths through changes to legislation. 

By providing crucial aid, technical expertise and resources, the U.K. government is playing a vital role in addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in Madagascar. This support not only helps to alleviate immediate crises, such as food insecurity and health care challenges but also contributes to long-term resilience-building efforts.

– Maia Winter
Photo: Flickr