Madagascar food crisis: more than a million people facing starvation

News | July 15, 2021

More than one million people in Southern Madagascar are facing starvation as the country experiences its worst drought in 40 years. According to the World Food Programme:

• 14,000 people are in “catastrophic conditions” and this is likely to rise to 28,000 by October;
• Up to 80% of the population has resorted to desperate survival measures, such as eating locusts, raw red cactus fruits, or wild leaves.

CBM Global has been working with our country team and local partners since June to ensure that the most vulnerable families, including persons with disabilities, receive emergency relief to help them survive this crisis. Satry Ramaroson, Programme Manager of CBM Madagascar, says:

“People with disabilities are already marginalised but with this crisis, their situation is getting from bad to worse. With our partner in the southern regions of Madagascar, we are now already working to reach out and respond to this humanitarian situation. Since the situation is getting worse, we urgently need to do more to enable people with disabilities to access food, water, and medicines. If we do not do more, people with disabilities in these regions of Madagascar will remain left behind from all responses and they are more at risk of starvation.”

David Bainbridge, Executive Director of CBM Global, says:

“The food crisis in Southern Madagascar, brought about by climate change, is extremely concerning. CBM Global is working with our country team and local partners to support disability inclusion during the response. However, this crisis is only set to worsen and we need urgent international action. This crisis cannot remain invisible.”

CBM Global members have launched an emergency appeal to provide immediate help to families facing life-threatening hunger. Learn how you can get involved:

CBM UK – Emergency appeal: “invisible crisis” in Madagascar puts thousands at risk of starvation

CBM Switzerland – Drought and famine in Madagascar – CBM provides emergency aid

CBM Australia – Deadly famine in Madagascar

Main Image: Children in southern Madagascar stand in fields now covered in sand, following sand storms caused by the prolonged drought. © CBM/Viviane H.Rakotoarivony

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