Mission History

U.S. assistance to Madagascar dates back to the early 1960's, consisting mostly of emergency food aid, loans and grants. The USAID Mada- gascar field office was officially opened in Sep- tember 1984 to support policy reform, economic stabilization, and rehabilitation efforts underway at the time. Assistance provided during the four year period of 1984-1988 prioritized investment in the rice sector to increase agricultural production and emergency food aid.

From 1988 to the present, the goals of the USAID Madagascar program have evolved in step with the needs of Madagascar’s population.

1988 to 1992   The USAID biodiversity and envi ronmental conservation program was initiated during this period with such key partners as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Missouri Botanical Gardens and Duke University.

To respond to the high population growth rate and low contraceptive prevalence rate, a multi-year Population Support Program was initiated in 1992.

1993 to 1998   Stimulate private investment and employment and balance population growth and natural resource use through four objectives:

• Establish competitive market environment for micro and small firms
• Increase market access for neglected regions
• Reduce natural resource depletion
• Reduce total fertility

1998 to 2002  Reduce poverty through the following Program Areas:

• Improved Environment for Private Initiative
• Smaller, Healthier Families
• Biologically-Diverse Ecosystems Conserved in Priority Conservation Zones

2003 to 2008  Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development

This statement underscores the importance of economic and democratic transformation that involves and benefits all segments of society. Sustainability, both environmentally and in its respect for the aspirations of the people, remains a key component of our program objectives.

• Governance Improved through Community and Civil Society Development
• More People Using Better Health Services, Products, and Medical Practices
• Biologically-Diverse Forest Ecosystems Continue to be Conserved

USAID launched President’s Malaria Initiative activities in Madagascar in October 2007