For 37 years USAID has partnered with the Malagasy people like “mpirahalahy mianala” (‘brothers walking in the forest’ – a well-known Malagasy proverb) to accomplish their development goals in the face of ongoing challenges. In coordination with the Government of Madagascar, the United States delivers assistance in the areas of health, food security and emergency assistance, environment and biodiversity, energy, and governance through non-governmental organizations, community associations, and other private groups.
In 2020, USAID’s assistance to Madagascar totaled $133.5 million, including $74.5 million for the health sector, where the United States is the largest single-country donor. In 2021 USAID’s assistance will rise to an estimated $179 million. Since 2015, USAID has committed over $236 million for emergency and development assistance to southern and southeastern Madagascar. This assistance has helped over 1.5 million Malagasy citizens survive devastating droughts in these regions. USAID assistance transforms the lives of millions of Malagasy people throughout the country.
OUR WORK
HEALTH
Our projects focus on malaria, family planning, health systems strengthening, maternal and child health, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Through these projects we reduce Madagascar’s maternal and child mortality, provide access to potable water and sanitation, protect communities from malaria, improve access to family planning, ensure a reliable supply chain of vital health care supplies and medication, and reinforce the national community health system. We partner with the Government of Madagascar and the private sector to strengthen Madagascar’s health systems at all levels and ensure availability of life-saving medications and quality health services to underserved populations. USAID has been at the forefront of the response to and prevention of crises such as plague, measles, malaria, and COVID-19 outbreaks.
FOOD SECURITY AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Our projects aim to sustainably reduce malnutrition and improve prosperity and resilience among the most vulnerable people. This is done through the integrated delivery of health, nutrition, agriculture, livelihood, and disaster mitigation and preparedness activities. We help farmers increase productivity with environmentally-friendly techniques and innovative agribusiness activities. We also work with communities to rehabilitate drinking water points, farm-to-market roads, and irrigation canals, and to improve economic opportunities and access to health and other services.
When necessary, we also respond to crises with emergency assistance. In 2020 we provided $48.5 million in emergency food aid and development assistance to the south. Through extensive collaboration with the Government of Madagascar, our partners, and the international donor community, we ensure relief efforts are coordinated and efficiently target those most in need.
ENVIRONMENT AND BIODIVERSITY
Our environment and biodiversity projects put local communities in the lead, supporting them to sustainably manage and benefit from their natural resources. Our activities create sustainable, environmentally friendly, income generating activities, bolster governance of natural resources, and strengthen actions to stop international wildlife trafficking. Since 2013, USAID has committed $56 million towards programs that combat wildlife and precious hardwood trafficking, strengthen natural resource governance, improve forest and marine area management, and partner with the private sector to increase economic opportunities for local communities.
ENERGY
Currently, only five percent of Malagasy people living in rural areas have access to electricity. This has dire economic and health consequences. Through the Southern Africa Energy Program and in partnership with the Power Africa initiative, USAID has dedicated $3 million to increase energy production and electricity access in Madagascar, particularly in rural areas, working closely with the Government of Madagascar, private companies, and communities.
GOVERNANCE
In February 2021 we launched a five-year, $4 million project to build the capacity of Madagascar’s Court of Accounts and improve the management of public funds. Upcoming programming will pursue a range of activities addressing governance, including government accountability, decentralization of government functions, and enhancing the business enabling environment.
SELECTED IMPACTS FROM 2020-2021
| HEALTH
1.2 million people protected from malaria via indoor residual spraying in2020. 464,195 children under age 5 reached with critical nutritional care in 2020. 202,319 people gained access to improved sanitation. |
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
533 village savings and loans associations created. ENVIRONMENT 10,833 days of patrolling by community agents in protected forest areas. 1,791 vanilla farmers from five cooperatives awarded Rainforest Alliance certifications. |
DISASTER ASSISTANCE
559,000 people received food assistance.60,000 children received specialized food for malnutrition. ENERGY 10 of 35 rural health clinics are already electrified. Once completed, 140,000 people will have access to better healthcare. |
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