Tag Archive for: Poverty in Madagascar

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From Rally to Reform: Gen Z Fights Poverty in Madagascar

Poverty in MadagascarNationwide unrest has emerged from decades of instability, corruption and poverty in Madagascar, where three-quarters of the population lives below the poverty line. Youth-led protests over the lack of basic public services mirror global movements demanding a more prosperous future for the next generation. Since gaining independence in 1960, the African island nation of 32 million has continued to navigate volatile governments, neglected livelihoods and uncertainty about its future.

Poverty in Madagascar

Madagascar faces deeply rooted economic pressures that have left much of its population struggling to survive. With an average annual income of just $600, the Malagasy are among the world’s most impoverished people. The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) notes that, with “front-row seats to the lifestyles of elites,” the inequalities burdening the Malagasy have become increasingly visible.

Chronic underdevelopment has left basic services unreliable; water shortages, power cuts and limited sanitation affect millions daily. Rapid urbanization has further worsened living conditions, as 60% of urban residents live in informal settlements that lack essential services, including water and sanitation. The expansion of Madagascar’s urban centers has occurred alongside limited investment in education, health care and social infrastructure. 

As a result, weak human capital continues to limit opportunities to escape poverty in Madagascar. High tariffs imposed by the United States throughout 2025 have also affected major Malagasy exports, including vanilla. Coupled with the expiration of beneficial trade agreements between the two regions, these measures have heightened the economic turmoil already affecting tens of millions of people.

Gen Z Protests

Madagascar’s Gen Z community spearheaded nationwide protests over severe water and power shortages in September 2025. Protesters demanded greater job opportunities, humanitarian aid and accountability from elected officials, expressing frustration over what they see as neglected responsibilities and broken promises. CFR reports that the demonstrations quickly expanded to include broader demands for governmental reform.

Inspired by similar youth movements in Kenya and Nepal, the demonstrations were among the largest the Indian Ocean region has experienced in years. Disillusionment among Gen Z with autocratic rule, government inaction and visible inequalities continues to fuel worldwide concern about their futures—and, in turn, large-scale activism. Protesters from similar movements around the world offer one another support, energy and motivation, strengthening the push for a stronger youth generation.

The Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Madagascar 140th out of 180 countries for perceived corruption. Malagasy activist Shely Andriamihaja argues, “The youth are the first victims of corruption, especially in universities where the infrastructure is so bad.” The impact of corrupt, decentralized governance on Gen Z remains a key driver of growing global youth activism.

What the Future Holds

In response to the widespread protests, Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina fled the country and dissolved his government—a result similar to those achieved by other Gen Z–led movements. The president apologized to the protesters, acknowledging that his officials had failed to fulfill their responsibilities to their constituents.

While the protests reached some of their goals, there is still work to be done. CFR expects activists to seek a more concrete plan to alleviate poverty in Madagascar, which continues to burden the country’s youth.

– Jayhan Adhi

Jayhan is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Madagascar

Poverty Eradication in MadagascarMadagascar is a unique and vibrant environment that contains some of the most exotic creatures in the world and the people are just as fascinating as the animals; they embrace nature and live off the land. But in contrast to the rich nature and culture, food security and living conditions in Madagascar are far from ideal for most of the population.

Despite Madagascar’s unparalleled biodiversity, factors such as deforestation, changing weather patterns, natural disasters and poor economic conditions have ravaged the land. Around 71% of Madagascar’s population lives below the poverty line. However, through new projects and initiatives, there have been plenty of innovations in the journey to eradicate poverty in the country. Here are three recent innovations in poverty eradication in Madagascar.

A New Scientific Approach To Increasing Food Availability

Poverty in Madagascar is harming wildlife as much as the people, especially the coral reefs. Overfishing has immensely decreased the fish population, which has left algae unchecked. Without fish to control the algae, it has overgrown the reefs and corals. Without the coral reefs, the fish lose their habitat where they sleep, eat and find protection from predators.

But scientists now have a new, creative solution to tackle this issue. Emma Gibbons is the Executive Director of Reef Doctor, a U.K.-based nonprofit stationed in southwest Madagascar. Gibbons and Reef Doctor are leading a team that aims to increase the fish population by building coral reefs in the Bay of Ranobe. Here is how they do it:

First, the team drops large pieces of limestone into the water. Then, they plant stacks of flat stones called ARMS (autonomous reef monitoring structures) in real coral reefs to accumulate coral, sponges, algae and other reef life. Then, they move the ARMS to the constructed reefs, and the life begins to spread. 

As of October 2025, Emma Gibbons’ team has successfully constructed two of these artificial reefs. Evaluations of these reefs detected hundreds of species thriving within them. The reefs have accumulated life, helping sea life repopulate and bringing more food to the people of Madagascar.

Reef Doctor’s work in Madagascar has created hope for those living on the coast, because for these people, fishing is life. Without as many fish to catch, more than 50,000 fishers are left with a shortage of food and income. This is disastrous for the economy, too; fishing on the coastline of Madagascar produces 5-7% of the national GDP. While this issue persists, Reef Doctor’s work is still an extremely positive development in the fight for poverty eradication in Madagascar.

Gfoundation Prepares To Dispatch Surgeons To Aid in Health Crisis

Gfoundation is a nonprofit organization founded in South Korea to partner up with churches and local organizations across the globe to take on global issues like poverty. Since 2019, they have worked in developing countries like Ethiopia, Mongolia, Namibia and Madagascar to distribute goods, offer education, and provide free health care to those who need it the most.

Gfoundation’s most notable work in Madagascar is its Doctors for Doctorless Program (D4D), which targets Madagascar’s health care crisis. Dr. Jae-Hoon Lee is a surgeon with an extensive resume of activism work in Madagascar, and he is the one responsible for the D4D program, a three-year initiative developed for the Madagascar Government.

This program involves sending qualified doctors and surgeons to underprivileged communities to ensure citizens are no longer dying in preventable ways. These doctors will primarily focus on reducing deaths from appendicitis and C-sections. So far, Dr. Jae-Hoon has worked with the National Institute of Public and Community Health (INSPC) to turn this program from an idea to a reality. 

Currently, 20 D4D doctors are trained and ready to help the people of Madagascar, but Gfoundation is still seeking donations so they can purchase ultrasound machines, so these doctors are yet to be dispatched.

New Collaborative Methodology Aims To Improve Infrastructure

In 2024, Madagascar, in collaboration with Bhutan, Chile and Tonga, started development of the Global Methodology for Infrastructure Resilience Review. This methodology is a five-step framework for creating infrastructure that can resist poverty and natural disasters. A detailed game plan to strengthen infrastructure is a game-changer for Madagascar, because natural disasters are a huge cause of the high poverty rate. Madagascar’s infrastructure is hit with roughly $100 million USD worth of damage every year, and right now, the government cannot keep up with damage repair.

The five-step plan is as follows:

  • Stakeholder Mapping: The most influential establishments in society map out a plan for improvement.
  • Review of Policies: Rewrite obsolete regulations and incorporate more informed disaster relief strategies.
  • Identify Vulnerabilities: Study the weakest points of the infrastructure and test potential new infrastructure.
  • Principles for Resilient Infrastructure: Assess the current level of infrastructure resilience and create rules for implementing improvements.
  • Developing a Plan: Use research and data collection to assign tasks and execute a plan.

This process was implemented in 2024 and rural developers in Madagascar have since use it to ensure that all new infrastructure is much more resilient to disasters.

Looking Ahead

Though conditions remain difficult for poverty-stricken communities across the globe, progress is occurring every day. These three examples are proof that poverty eradication in Madagascar is ever-progressing. Madagascar’s fascinating culture and diversity aren’t going anywhere as long as efforts stay diligent.

– Lucas Cain

Lucas is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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A Bright Future For Ecotourism In Madagascar

ecotourism in madagascarEcotourism in Madagascar is a promising strategy to improve the standard of living for citizens of one of the most impoverished countries in the world. If responsibly managed, ecotourism benefits local communities, the economy and the environment. The establishment of national parks creates job opportunities, provides an economic incentive to protect natural areas and its wildlife and benefits local communities both directly and indirectly. Several organizations and local communities support and implement projects creating ecotourism and nature-based tourism programs for these reasons.

A Quick Background on Madagascar

Madagascar suffers from environmental challenges and a struggling economy. It has the sixth-highest national poverty rate in the world at 63.9%. The country is famous for its rich biodiversity, with 90% of its plants and 85% of its animals being endemic to the island. Some well-known species endemic to Madagascar are the lemurs, and approximately 80% of the world’s chameleon species are found in Madagascar.

Madagascar is among the countries with the highest deforestation rates in the world, with some regions and protected areas experiencing annual forest loss rates of around 2–3% in recent years due to agricultural expansion and illegal logging. Deforestation affects the environment and causes massive habitat loss, which threatens biodiversity due to potential species extinction. Almost all of Madagascar’s lemur species are either endangered or critically endangered, according to the Duke Lemur Center. Agriculture makes up 70% of total employment, but low agricultural productivity and insufficient resources cause eight out of 10 people residing in rural communities to live in poverty.

What Is Ecotourism?

The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.” Principles of ecotourism include minimizing impact on the area in use, promoting environmental and cultural awareness and respect, financially benefitting conservation efforts and local communities and partnering with the indigenous people.

The Need For Ecotourism In Madagascar

Ecotourism alleviates poverty by increasing wages, creating jobs and improving the economy. Tourism provides jobs for tour guides, tour company administrators, hotel staff and restaurant staff. Tour and resort administrative and general positions are not the only job opportunities created by tourism. Communities local to these parks and reserves benefit economically from shops, crafts and other goods supporting the tourism industry, encouraging the creation of small businesses by community members. It also alleviates the burden of poverty in villages surrounding parks and reserves by providing services including electricity, water and educational opportunities.

This kind of tourism offers an economic incentive to conserve the environment by generating revenue and employment without causing significant environmental damage. Supplying a tangible value to ecosystems leads to increased protected natural areas and safeguards areas without formal protection from deforestation and exploitation of natural resources.

Ecotourism in Madagascar safeguards biodiversity by protecting the habitats of its wildlife and preventing the extinction of endangered species. Establishing parks and reserves ensures protection for any wildlife in the area and their habitat. Tourists pay to see the rich biodiversity of Madagascar, adding tangible value to the wildlife and their homes.

Wildlife Madagascar

The Wildlife Madagascar organization partners with Malagasy communities to protect biodiversity while improving the livelihoods of community members. The community-based approach integrates local knowledge and experience with scientific and educational knowledge to create sustainable conservation solutions. Wildlife Madagascar educates farmers on optimal agricultural and forestry practices to improve food security and sustain natural resources. The organization also establishes sustainable and responsibly-managed ecotourism programs in communities to improve livelihoods and protect biodiversity.

Lemur Conservation Network

The Lemur Conservation Network works in Madagascar to save lemurs from extinction. Lemurs are the most endangered mammals in the world, with 98% of lemur species at risk of extinction and 31% critically endangered. The Network believes ecotourism to be a “win-win-win” for tourists, Malagasy citizens and lemurs, and provides grants and donations to ecotourism projects in Madagascar.

Community-Run Reserves

Communities across Madagascar establish their own community-run reserves to protect their natural areas and economically benefit from ecotourism. A member of the Betsileo tribe in southern Madagascar founded the Anja Reserve, which is popular for their ring-tailed lemurs. The Antanatiembo Reserve in the north is a locally-owned reserve comprising a dense bamboo forest housing bamboo lemurs, chameleons, insects and birds and a reforestation tree nursery.

Conservation Debates: Is Ecotourism Worth It?

Those against environmental conservation in Madagascar argue the legitimacy of protected areas without consent from locals and highlight the potential eviction of locals from newly established protected areas. They question whether locals can sustain their livelihood without the land they previously had unlimited access to.

In 2022, researchers conducted a study surrounding Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar’s largest national park, to investigate the relationship between conservation and locals’ livelihoods. Their results concluded that livelihood improved for people in the surrounding villages due to the provision of jobs, electricity, water, increased income and improved education. Published in the SN Social Sciences, the study found a positive correlation between ecotourism and poverty reduction in surrounding villages.

The researchers determined that pre-existing socioeconomic inequalities within the surrounding villages caused villagers with low education and income levels to benefit less from ecotourism. Locals who speak multiple languages benefit from more employment options at the park and hotel, but to attain this education, they must attend schools outside their commune. Some villagers also reported the enforcement of stricter regulations for the collection of firewood within the forest on those without connections to the village chief or members of their community committee.

Conclusion

Ecotourism yields great benefits for the citizens, wildlife and natural areas of Madagascar. The revenue and job opportunities generated from ecotourism could alleviate poverty, improve livelihood in surrounding communities and economically incentivize the protection of wildlife and natural land areas. Malagasy people establish community-led reserves with support from conservation organizations to reap the economic benefits of ecotourism and protect their land from overexploitation of resources. In a country with a high burden of poverty and environmental challenges, ecotourism poses a multifaceted solution and a promising future.

– Sarah Merrill

Sarah is based in Matthews, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Grassroot Innovations Changing Poverty Politics in Madagascar

Poverty Politics in MadagascarPoverty politics in Madagascar is often told as a story of failure, corruption, and unrest. But beneath the surface, citizens are crafting their own solutions. From solar cooperatives powering rural clinics and schools to tech platforms promoting transparency, grassroot innovations in Madagascar are quietly reshaping the country’s poverty dynamic.

Madagascar At Glance

Madagascar is famous for its large biodiversity as well as diverse cultural influence. The nation is rich in natural resources such as coal, chromite, salt quartz, hydropower, semiprecious stones, shellfish etc.

Madagascar’s economy is heavily dependent on its agricultural exports. For instance, sugar, coffee and vanilla to name a few. These exports have contributed to more than 25% of the nation’s gross domestic product.

However, approximately 75% of the population is currently living below international poverty lines. Natural disasters have contributed to Magadascar’s state of poverty due to uncertainty in agricultural productions. Given that agricultural infrastructures make up 80% of the nation’s employment, many rural workers feel the impacts of fluctuations in production.

Politics and Instability

Civil conflict has also played a significant role in poverty politics in Madagascar. A 2009 coup takeover placed former president Rajoelina in power; however, there are little reported developments with only about a 22% increase in GDP during his reign.

Fed up with electricity and water outages, Gen-Z protests in the capital Antananarivo, in late September 2025, provoked yet another government takeover. Frustrated with the nation’s immense corruption, weak institutions and  lack of accountability from the government, many Malagasy’s lack job opportunities and are left to fend for themselves.

On the other hand, grassroots innovations such as Solar United Madagascar (SUM), Jirogasy and SAYNA have given hope to many Malagasy citizens.

Solar United Madagascar

Solar United Madagascar utilizes an environmentally friendly approach in providing electricity to rural areas in Madagascar by mobilizing their light libraries throughout communities. The company installs solar panels on school buildings and ultimately allows families to lend power banks. This provides light to schools and homes after dark by non-toxic light instead of kerosene and candles, which can be hazardous. It has also been beneficial to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Recent developments include a total of 243 solar panels, 80 school buildings benefiting and servicing more than 7,000 customers in Madagascar.

Jirogasy

Founded by Yann Kasy, Jirogasy is a Malagasy startup that provides solar kits and solar computers to consumers. A team of engineers designed it for e-health and e-education in areas where electricity is scarce. The solar computers have provided an affordable alternative for hundreds of students in Madagascar, providing access to digital education and have been a vital resource for hospitals.

Sayna

Founded by Franco-Malagasy entrepreneur Martina Razafimachefa, SAYNA provides a digital gamified platform where users can improve their computer literacy with micro tasks that also allow them to earn income. Tasks focus on missions that involve quizzes, videos and games. Orange Venture, Malagasy Investment Club and Launch Africa Ventures provided $600,000 in equity funding to support this initiative, which addresses both the education and employment crisis in Madagascar.

From the Bottom Up

These initiatives reveal a different story about Madagascar than the narratives that are perceived. They define a population that is actively engineering its own future. Whether it is through solar-powered classrooms, off-grid computers or digital platforms that transform skills to work, grassroots innovations are reshaping poverty politics in Madagascar. In a country defined by instability, these innovations show that sustainable development is not only possible but currently taking place.

– Gloria Bwenge

Gloria is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Education in Madagascar: Charities Paving the Way Out of Poverty

education in madagascarFor the fifth-largest island in the world, Madagascar is home to approximately 30.3 million people. Here, charities are improving and support education in Madagascar for vulnerable communities. Despite limited resources and persistent inequality, local organizations are spearheading innovative projects that expand access to quality education and empower the most marginalized groups.

Poverty and Hunger in Madagascar

In 2017, low productivity, reliance on agriculture and limited jobs drove Madagascar’s national poverty rate to 70.7%. By 2022, the rate climbed to 75.2%, with rural poverty reaching 79.9% and urban poverty increasing by 13.3% between 2012 and 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic is mostly responsible for this jump. Statistics from May 2025 show that more than 90% of Madagascan’s live on less than $3.10 a day.

Food insecurity compounds these challenges. Madagascar depends heavily on rain-fed agriculture, making it vulnerable to droughts in the south and cyclones in the southeast. Today, 1.31 million people face acute food insecurity. For children, 67.6% experience material deprivation in two or more dimensions of well-being, with 23.7% suffering from 4 or more in 2020. Nearly 40% of children suffer from chronic malnutrition.

Challenges in Madagascan Education

Education faces equally tough hurdles. Around 94% of children experienced learning poverty at the age of 10 (unable to read and understand), with the completion rate for primary school being 62% for girls and 57% for boys in 2022. As for secondary school, there was a big drop of around 25% for both genders. Still, there is momentum to improve education in Madagascar, and several charities are improving lives through education in Madagascar.

Learn Achieve Become (L.A.B): Nosy Be

L.A.B, a U.K.-registered charity, started out as an idea in 2017 by three education and development professionals who intended to support individuals through free education and support projects globally. Their slogan, “education without boundaries,” reflects a firm commitment to serving everyone regardless of their age, race, gender, religion, ability or social status. L.A.B targets areas where people are more vulnerable and left behind by providing activities like:

  • Offering free educational facilities and programs (formal/informal).
  • Providing free educational equipment and resources.
  • Running sports events and creating new clubs.
  • Partnering with other non-profit organizations as well as universities.

L.A.B in Madagascar

The Sunrise Centre in Nosy Be, Madagascar, is one of many projects L.A.B runs. L.A.B officially opened the center in 2023, and it now supports individuals (adults and children) with physical and intellectual disabilities by educating, upskilling and empowering them.

When people graduate from the Sunrise Centre, L.A.B.’s “TSAREE” focuses on creating jobs, especially for people with disabilities. Even with improved skills and experience, society continued to hold prejudices against them. Therefore, TSAREE has proven to be essential.

L.A.B also launched Ny Fianarantsika (Our Education) in Nosy Be. Bringing 100% free education to children’s doorsteps, this project aims to improve children’s literacy and numeracy skills.

Together, L.A.B is paving the way out of poverty for one individual at a time through education in Madagascar, as well as experience.

Madagascar Development Fund (MFD)

Between July 2008, when MDF officially started, and May 2025, MDF created or renovated nearly 200 state primary schools. From April to June 2025, MDF completed four school projects, along with Ifalimanjaka Basic Health Centre and Ambohitrakely Water System. Thanks to MDF, more than 36,000 children now have access to education in Madagascar. Improving education, water and health in Madagascar, MDF improves education in Madagascar with every successful project.

Education For Madagascar (EDU4MADA)

Founded in 2015, EDU4MADA is a U.K.-registered charity and Malagasy non-governmental organization (NGO). The organization aligns its work with Sustainable Development Goal 4, quality education for all, with the goal of improving education in Madagascar by paving the way out of poverty for the country’s most vulnerable children and youth.

EDU4MADA operates six educational projects, including the AKKA Montessori School, SCOLA youth scholarship program, KANTO cultural workshops, CARE Coding and Robotics, VIM volunteer outreach, and Career Day Awareness. These offer early childhood learning, creative after-school activities, technology and environmental education as well as professional insights.

By equipping learners with these tools and skills, EDU4MADA invests in both individual futures and the broader social progress of Malagasy communities.

Conclusion

Education in Madagascar faces significant challenges, but grassroots organizations are changing the story. L.A.B., MDF and EDU4MADA prove that education can empower individuals, reduce poverty and build resilience. By opening classrooms, reaching marginalized children and creating inclusive opportunities, these charities are improving education in Madagascar, whilst also paving the way out of poverty for the most vulnerable communities.

– Rebecca Lamb-Busby

Rebecca is based in Hull, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty and Cyclones in Madagascar

Cyclones in madagascarMadagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, is a nation of vibrant cultures and unparalleled biodiversity. Yet beneath this rich surface lies a persistent dilemma: how to escape the cycle of poverty compounded by frequent and destructive cyclones in Madagascar. Strategically located in the Southwest Indian Ocean, Madagascar is among the 10 countries most exposed to cyclones, experiencing about two major storms annually.

These extreme weather events devastate lives, livelihoods and infrastructure, driving vulnerable communities further into destitution. More than 80% of Madagascar’s population lives in poverty, heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture and thus acutely exposed to climate shocks. When cyclones strike, homes built with weak, cheap materials are easily destroyed. Farmlands flood, leading to food insecurity and rising prices. Damaged roads hinder access to markets, schools and health care. Families lose assets, children are pulled from school and human capital erodes.

Madagascar’s large informal sector, employing more than 80% of the workforce, is particularly vulnerable, with job losses plunging households into debt. To combat this, five cyclone resilience strategies are vital. These measures protect against climate shocks, foster long-term development and reduce poverty.

Averting Immediate Poverty Shocks

Early warning systems give communities time to prepare, evacuate and protect valuables, often determining whether families can recover or are pushed further into poverty.

  • Community-Based Networks. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) emphasizes involving communities in designing early warning systems. Training local volunteers, setting up focal points and using various communication channels, megaphones, radios, SMS and social media, ensures even remote areas get timely alerts. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) helps strengthen these grassroots systems.
  • Technological Advancement and Accessibility. Satellite data, automated weather stations and partnerships with international agencies like Meteo-France and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) improve forecast accuracy. Information has to be accessible across literacy levels and languages, offering clear, actionable steps. The African Development Bank’s ADRiFi program has installed weather stations to support preparedness in Madagascar.

Investing in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

Cyclones consistently destroy infrastructure, cutting off communities, disrupting supply chains and stalling recovery. Investing in resilient infrastructure ensures continuity and reduces poverty impacts.

  • Build Back Safer Principles. Reconstruction should prioritize cyclone-resistant designs, like reinforced concrete, elevated foundations and durable roofs. The Shelter Cluster promotes “Build Back Safer” (BBS) strategies, including cash-for-shelter programs, so families rebuild stronger homes.
  • Critical Transport Networks. Roads and bridges are vital for trade, aid and recovery. Damaged infrastructure drives up food prices and deepens hardship. The World Bank’s Connecting Madagascar for Inclusive Growth Project (PCMCI) is expanding resilient transport systems and deploying modular bridges for emergencies.
  • Community Hubs as Shelters. Resilient schools and clinics can double as emergency shelters, preserving access to vital services. Caritas Madagascar helps repair such facilities, maintaining continuity in education and health care. ADRiFi has also supported classroom reconstruction and long-term human development.

Broadening Pathways Out of Poverty

Overdependence on subsistence agriculture makes communities highly vulnerable. Diversified livelihoods create buffers against crop failures and storm disruptions.

  • Climate-Smart Agriculture. Promoting flood- and drought-resistant crops, better irrigation and sustainable techniques enhances food security. The World Food Programme (WFP) supports projects like dam construction and climate-resilient farming to reduce vulnerability in Madagascar.
  • Nonfarm Income Generation. Vocational training in carpentry, masonry, crafts and small business management creates jobs beyond farming. Microfinance, especially for women, fosters entrepreneurship, offering income when crops fail.
  • Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture. Coastal communities can benefit from resilient fisheries, provided sustainable practices are used. Protecting marine ecosystems ensures fish populations endure cyclone disruptions.

Safeguarding Crucial Ecosystems

Ecosystems like forests and reefs act as natural buffers against cyclones. However, environmental degradation, often poverty-driven, removes these protections.

  • Reforestation and Afforestation. Mangroves and coastal forests reduce wind and water damage, protecting homes and farmland. Eden Reforestation Projects has planted millions of trees in Madagascar, linking environmental restoration with local employment. Community conservation groups like Mitsinjo promote sustainable land use and forest stewardship.
  • Wetland Restoration. Wetlands absorb floodwaters and filter pollutants, helping prevent disease. In Vatomandry, a town in Madagascar, an integrated landscape approach combines drainage and wetland restoration to reduce cyclone risks.

Reinforcing Social Safety Nets

Even with strong prevention measures, cyclones in Madagascar will continue. Social safety nets are essential to protect the most vulnerable and speed recovery.

  • Contingency Funds and Insurance. Madagascar has joined the African Risk Capacity (ARC) insurance program and created a National Contingency Fund, allowing fast access to recovery funds and reducing reliance on delayed aid.
  • Cash Transfers and Food Assistance. These directly support households post-disaster, allowing families to meet basic needs and avoid harmful coping strategies. The World Bank’s Safety Nets and Resilience Project supports targeted assistance. WFP provides emergency food aid and nutrition support, especially for children.
  • Community Networks and Microinsurance. Local disaster committees and informal support systems help direct aid where needed. Microinsurance for small farmers and informal workers provides a safety net, enabling recovery without deepening debt. CARE Madagascar works on community-driven disaster risk reduction.

A Sustainable Future

Madagascar’s fight against poverty cannot be separated from its climate vulnerability. Cyclones in Madagascar continually erase development gains. But by strengthening early warning systems, infrastructure, livelihoods, ecosystems and social protection, Madagascar can build resilience and chart a path to long-term prosperity. These strategies, rooted in community engagement and sustainability, offer a chance to break the cycle of poverty and forge a future where the nation survives storms and thrives beyond them.

– Anoushka Rai

Anoushka is based in Frisco, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Ending Child Marriage in Madagascar

Child Marriage in Madagascar

Archaic gender norms and inequalities have been around for centuries. These inequalities still permeate Madagascan culture, leaving young girls under 18 vulnerable to fall victim to child marriages. In 2020, the total number of girls married before the age of 18 was a staggering 12 million per year. 

It is often the context in developing countries like Madagascar that others see girls as women as soon as they begin menstruating, so can begin their duties as a mother and a wife with immediacy. However, girls can start their period as young as 8 years old, at an age where their brain is not even one-third developed yet. 

Who Is Vulnerable?

Girls facing extreme levels of poverty are the most susceptible to child marriage in Madagascar. Nearly 40% of girls in the world’s poorest countries are victims of child marriages; this is twice the global average. This is because impoverished families see marriage – particularly to a wealthier man – as a way to achieve financial security. Poorer regions, such as Toliara, show the highest rates of child marriage in Madagascar. In Toliara, 69% of girls marry before the age of 18.

Low access to education also assists the prevalence of the child marriage route. If getting a substantial education is not feasible for girls in a developing country, families will see marriage for income as their only option. It is often the case that parents will invest in the education of their sons over their daughters if they have limited resources; this choice leaves girls vulnerable to falling victim to their families using them as a commodity in a child marriage.

Solutions To End Child Marriage in Madagascar

Charities like UNICEF and UNFPA are helping in the fight to end child marriage in Madagascar. Despite the introduction of the Law on Marriage and Matrimonial Regimes in 2007 – which sets the minimum age for marriage at 18 for both girls and boys – child marriage practices are still in place in Madagascan communities. Examples of this include “moletry,” which is the marriage of a young girl to an older man for the payment of money to the child’s family, and “tsenan’ampela,” an active girls’ market for prostitution.

However, there is still hope. The Madagascan government has committed to eliminate child marriage by 2030. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5.3 lays this out – to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Tools that are undergoing development with UNICEF to implement the national strategy include orienting government officials at a regional level, to guide local authorities in developing and implementing action to eliminate child marriage.

The Life Skills Framework

The Life Skills Framework – which focuses on self-awareness skills and community living – was implemented in several Madagascan communes with above average child marriage rates in the early 2020s. UNICEF is making efforts to prioritize the most vulnerable children and families, such as those in poverty with daughters susceptible to falling victim to an arranged marriage. This program explores topics such as the risk of child marriage, the challenges of young parenting and protecting oneself against violence and exploitation. There is a heavy focus on the rights of the child and the illegality of child marriage in the current day.

The implementation of the program long-term may pose an issue, as UNICEF is directly injecting funds instead of the government. It is simply not economically viable for the Madagascan government to prioritize child protection over all else. Nonetheless, this program has been largely successful in its implementation thus far. Men and boys learn about positive masculinity and the effect of the patriarchy on young girls, which would be an otherwise foreign topic to them. Between January 2020 and February 2021, the program reached almost 10,000 children across Madagascar, and from 2021 to 2024, child marriage rates have dropped from 38.8% to 32.4%. However, without funding, this program will have difficulty reaching all of the communities that it should.

Looking Ahead

Child marriage in developing countries is as pervasive an issue today as it has been for centuries. However, the statistics show that the rate of child marriage in nations like Madagascar is steadily decreasing. If initiatives like the Life Skills Framework receive support from communities and governments, the fight to end child marriage can be won.

– Sarina Maloy

Sarina is based in Bath, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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5 Countries Supporting Foreign Aid

Foreign AidIn 2024, the world’s wealthiest countries donated $212 billion in foreign aid. Historically, foreign aid donations have mostly gone toward education, health care, sanitation and humanitarian assistance in developing countries. These donations are essential to growing the economies of donors and developing countries and helping people worldwide escape poverty. Here are five countries supporting foreign aid in 2025.

Sweden

In April 2025, Sweden pledged $12.7 million to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. More than one million Rohingya live in Bangladesh after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar. The package is funding sanitation facilities, food assistance and aid for victims of gender-based violence. Women and children account for more than 75% of the refugee population and in refugee camps, hygiene conditions are poor and malnutrition and abuse are rampant.

Sweden also backed Start Fund Bangladesh, an initiative empowering local organizations to respond quickly to emergencies. Additionally, in 2023, the nation helped fund the World Health Organization’s efforts in Ukraine, which provided care to 5.6 million people with noncommunicable diseases and emergency surgery and trauma care to 38,000 people.

Japan

Japan revised its foreign aid laws to improve efficiency in April 2025. The revisions allow the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to provide guaranteed reimbursement to banks in developing countries if borrowers do not repay loans. This helps banks continue to give loans to local businesses. The revisions also allowed JICA to help foreign businesses issue bonds to encourage investment. The changes focus on private sector development, a vital part of sustainable growth in developing countries.

Indonesia has maintained a longstanding partnership with Japan through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) program provided by JICA. Indonesia receives the most aid from Japan, with Japan providing 45% of the cumulative aid Indonesia has received since 1960. In February 2025, Japan worked with UNICEF Indonesia to bring nutritious meals and improved education to 2,500 children in schools across the Papua province of the country.

Slovenia

Slovenia sent two shipping containers full of school supplies, sports equipment and medical supplies to Madagascar in March 2025. Businesses, sports associations and the Olympic Committee of Slovenia provided the donations. The aid package followed the construction of a primary school in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, by the nonprofit Caritas Slovenia. The construction began in September 2024, funded partly by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

Education remains a significant challenge in Madagascar, with fewer than one-third of children enrolled through grade five. Only 17.5% achieve adequate literacy levels among those who complete grade five, highlighting the importance of the aid. Also in 2024, Slovenia sent $16.4 million of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and Palestine. On top of that, it gave $23.8 million to developing countries in the Western Balkans, including Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Italy

In March 2025, Italy announced a donation of $73.2 million to Syria. The aid package will support rebuilding after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, with focus areas including hospitals, infrastructure and food supply chains. About 43% of hospitals in Syria are not fully operational and 246 health facilities are at risk of closing due to bankruptcy. Additionally, nine million Syrians are food insecure, while the malnutrition rate in children has risen 3.1% since 2019.

Italy also continues implementing its Mattei Plan to support agriculture, education, health, energy and water access in several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast and Mozambique. In May 2025, Italy reaffirmed its collaboration with the African Development Bank as part of the Plan. The partnership aims to invest more than $400 million in private sector development in Africa over the next five years.

South Korea

South Korea sent Myanmar $4 million in aid after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in March 2025. The aid provided the country with 500 tents, 40,000 water bottles and 80,000 blankets. The earthquake destroyed 55,000 homes and displaced 200,000 people.

In 2024, South Korea increased its foreign aid by $780 million compared to 2023, reaching $3.94 billion. This accounted for 0.21% of its gross national income, the highest level since joining the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) in 2010. Aiming to become a leading donor, South Korea is working toward entering the DAC’s top 10, currently ranking 13th. For 2025, it has allocated $4.7 billion to its foreign assistance budget.

These countries are leading the fight against poverty, ensuring foreign aid remains a policy focus in the future. Their efforts will continue to help millions of people.

– Tyler Payne

Tyler is based in Allentown, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Local Solutions Drive Madagascar’s Poverty Solutions

Madagascar's poverty solutionsMadagascar, the world’s fifth-largest island, is renowned for its unique biodiversity and natural resources. Yet, the country faces persistent poverty, with 75% of its population living below the national poverty line as of 2022. Rural areas are particularly affected, with poverty rates reaching 79.9%. Political instability, limited infrastructure and changing weather patterns destabilize the region and exacerbate the situation.

Battling Hunger and Malnutrition

Since 2019, the southern regions of Madagascar have been grappling with severe droughts, leading to famine-like conditions. Approximately 1.3 million people are food insecure, with malnutrition rates among children under 5 doubling in recent years. In response, the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF have collaborated to deliver life-saving nutrition supplies, such as Plumpy’Sup, to malnourished children in remote areas. Innovative methods, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems, have been employed to reach isolated communities.  

Madagascar’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture makes it vulnerable to the harsh climate. Prolonged droughts have devastated crops, leading to food shortages and economic hardship. To combat this, Madagascar’s poverty solutions include programs promoting climate-smart agriculture. These initiatives teach farmers sustainable practices, such as using drought-resistant crops and mulching, to improve food security and protect the environment. 

International Support and Development Projects

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) committed $22.1 million to support Madagascar’s southern regions through projects like Vikina and Harea. These initiatives aim to build resilience, improve food security and promote sustainable farming practices. Additionally, USAID’s Mikajy project focuses on linking biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods. By supporting community-based enterprises and introducing conservation farming, the project helps communities achieve economic growth while preserving natural resources.

In 2023, the World Bank approved a $250 million credit to expand access to social protection for extremely poor households across all 23 regions of Madagascar. The initiative aims to strengthen the national safety net system and improve household resilience to economic and climate-related shocks. In the same year, the World Bank committed an additional $400 million to the Digital and Energy Connectivity for Inclusion in Madagascar Project (DECIM). This program aims to double the country’s energy access from 33.7% to 67% and expand internet connectivity by reaching 3.4 million new users. The investment supports long-term development by promoting digital inclusion, clean energy and infrastructure growth.

Community-Driven Initiatives

Local communities are also taking action in Madagascar’s poverty solutions by preserving their lush forests. Reforestation projects, such as those by Eden Reforestation Projects, aim to restore mangroves and upland forests while providing both environmental benefits and employment opportunities.  In the Makay region, eco-tourism initiatives promote low-impact tourism, generating income for local communities while funding conservation efforts. Microfinance programs, like those supported by Money for Madagascar, empower individuals to start small businesses, fostering economic independence and community development. 

Looking Ahead

By focusing on sustainable development, climate resilience and economic empowerment, Madagascar continues to build a path toward resilience and improved well-being for its people.

– Giovanni Garcia

Giovanni is based in Long Beach, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Southern Madagascar

Poverty in Southern MadagascarMadagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, grapples with a humanitarian crisis brought by changing climatic conditions, persistent poverty and political instability. As of 2024, approximately 2.3 million people require urgent humanitarian assistance, with 1.6 million targeted for aid but only reaching 900,000.

Drought in the Deep South

The southern region of Madagascar, known as the Deep South, is experiencing one of its worst droughts in four decades. Rainfall levels dropped by as much as 75% in 2016 and the region only received 60% of normal rainfall between 2019 and 2021.

As a result of the drought, a severe famine began and resulted in widespread hunger. The lack of rain decimated staple crops like maize, cassava and rice. Nearly a third of the region’s population requires emergency food assistance.

Alice Rahmoun, WFP’s Communications Officer in Madagascar, says, “So, what we can say is that impacts of climate [crisis] are really stronger and stronger…so harvests fail constantly, so people don’t have anything to harvest and anything to renew their food stocks.”

Food Insecurity

The WFP estimated that 1.35 million people in the Deep South were food insecure in 2021. Frequent cyclones add to the drought, which displaces thousands of water sources. These climate events destroy homes and infrastructure and devastate agricultural lands, further increasing food shortages.

Children in rural poverty communities in southern Madagascar are among the most affected by the crisis. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that about 950,000 children are in need of humanitarian assistance, facing threats from malnutrition, lack of clean water and limited access to education. 

Malnutrition rates among children aged below 5 have soared, with global aid groups reporting that nearly half a million kids are at risk of severe acute malnutrition. In remote villages, families have resorted to extreme measures to survive by eating cactus or locusts.

Humanitarian Aid and Climate-Smart Solutions

In response to the poverty in southern Madagascar, UNICEF, which is heavily involved in providing humanitarian assistance, is intensifying its efforts. In 2025, the organization aims to provide treatment for severe wasting to 84,967 children 6-59 months and 114,000 women with multiple micronutrient supplementation.

Additionally, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has taken an innovative approach to using resistant crops. The organization introduced an initiative called the Climate Change Adaptation Programme and Mitigation in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region. The program aims to help smallholder farmers adapt to global heating by promoting drought-tolerant crops, conservation agriculture and sustainable land management practices.

Furthermore, Medair, an international humanitarian organization, is restoring water supplies to regions with the most water displacement due to cyclones. It is also providing essential housing hygiene items to prevent the spread of disease outbreaks and providing temporary shelters, disaster-resilient homes and supporting infrastructure to health centers.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Limited infrastructure complicates aid delivery to remote areas. Additionally, the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters outpace humanitarian response. Comprehensive strategies that address immediate needs and long-term resilience are crucial to understanding the nation’s complex crisis.

– Sebastian Llerena

Sebastian is based in Edison, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

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