Madagascar

Andoy, Anosy, Atsimo-Anderfana, Atsimo-Atsinana, and Vatovavy Fitovinany regions in southern (Grand Sud) and southeastern (Grand Sud-Est) Madagascar are experiencing a food insecurity crisis driven by a prolonged drought, 2022 tropical cyclones and rising inflation. In the period September–November 2022, an estimated 1.95 million people (37% of the population analysed) are facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and above food security levels.  More than 221,000 people (4% of the population analysed) are facing Emergency levels (IPC Phase 4). Androy and Vatovavy Fitovinany regions are the most affected, with more than 45% of their total population facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse food insecurity outcomes.?

Many households are employing livelihood coping strategies, such as selling houses or land, practicing illegal or risky activities, migrating to urban centres, and begging. Households below the poverty line also resort to selling productive assets and reducing the quantity, frequency, and quality of meals, with some communities resorting to consuming almost exclusively wild food. Internal migration from southern to northern Madagascar resumed in April 2021 after COVID-19 movement restrictions were eased. Migrants are facing challenges in settling in the north, such as increased discrimination, stigmatisation, and xenophobia, because of the economic impact of COVID-19 and increased competition over resources.?

Projections for the period December 2022–March 2023 suggest a slight deterioration in food security levels, as 39% of the analysed population in Grand Sud and Grand Sud-Est will likely be facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) food insecurity levels or worse, as opposed to 37% in the current projection. The residual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict will likely deteriorate food security levels and contribute to increasing food prices across the country.?