Food Security

	Diversified food production and access to markets enhances food security and livelihoods

CHALLENGE

Madagascar has enormous agricultural potential, yet a majority of its 20 million people struggle to meet their nutritional needs. Two-thirds of the population are subsistence farmers, most living on less than $1 a day, and 38% of the population is undernourished. Low agricultural productivity limits food availability for consumption or income generation. Poverty and a lack of rural infrastruc ture- such as adequate irrigation systems, road networks, intermediary markets and storage facilities- limit access to food and income oppor tunities. Inadequate access to health, water, and sanitation services, leads to water-borne and sanitation-related diseases which directly impact peoples’ capacity to utilize food. Recurrent natural disasters such as cyclones, flooding, and drought intensify challenges for already vulnerable populations.

RESPONSE

USAID programs address the underlying causes of food insecurity through attempts to improve food availability, access, and utilization. We target Madagascar's most vulnerable populations, including those locat-ed in fragile ecological regions and areas prone to drought, cyclones, and floods.

Programs increase food availability through technical assistance and training which promo tes more productive, diversified, and sustainable farming systems and improved post-harvest management. Food-for-work programs rehabilitate small-scale irrigation and drai nage systems to enhance agricultural potential. We promote environmentally-friendly produ ction practices and improved techniques through a farmer-to-farmer approach which encou rages farmers to learn from one another. This network connects more than 56,500 rural households.

To promote food access, programs support increased commercial revenue from agricul tural and handicraft products; facilitate distribution of market information, and contribute to infrastructure such as roads, footpaths and bridges to connect people to markets. This transportation infrastructure increases opportunity for income, stimulates economic deve lopment and provides access to health and social services in isolated areas.

To improve food utilization, programs support health activities to improve nutritional prac tices of families; improve prevention and treatment of children’s diseases; and improve hygiene and sanitation within households and communities. Programs facilitate community plans for disaster preparedness to help mitigate the affects of natural disasters. Disaster response efforts include delivering emergency supplies, shelter assistance and food aid.

2008 RESULTS

68,750 people have access to markets and health and social services through 239 km of re-habilitated roads.
14,788 people have access to safe water through point-of-use water treatment solution, storage containers, latrine platforms and hand pumps.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate Change is expected to intensify droughts, cyclones, and flooding that challenge food security. We strengthen early warning systems, reinforce resilient production systems, and improve disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities.