Technical Report: Southern Madagascar food insecurity

Abstract

Southern Madagascar’s worst drought in 40 years had devastating cumulative effects on harvest and livelihoods. On top of this, frequent sandstorms and pest infestations have led to severe stress on vegetation triggering a drastic decline in rice, maize and cassava production. These environmental aspects, combined with a lack of livelihood diversification and ongoing poverty, the presence of cattle raiders and restrictive government decisions, have driven the population of southern Madagascar to acute food insecurity conditions. By December 2021, more than 1.6 million people were estimated to have been suffering high levels of food insecurity. This case is an example of how multiple, complex environmental and social factors can combine to trigger a profound crisis in a territory, where vulnerable groups, such as children under five, tend to be particularly affected. Environmental degradation, together with socioeconomic and political dynamics are leaving vulnerable people even more exposed to food crises with few livelihood options or safety nets to cope with disasters. This technical background report for the 2021/2022 edition of the Interconnected Disaster Risks report analyses the root causes, drivers, impacts and potential solutions for the Southern Madagascar food insecurity through a forensic analysis of academic literature, media articles and expert interviews.