Madagascar: Food crisis in southern regions stabilizes /update 1

Event

Officials from the National Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management announced on Tuesday, August 29, that the food insecurity situation in Madagascar has stabilized. Recent rainfall and emergency measures taken by governmental and non-governmental organizations was credited with stabilizing the situation in southern regions of the country. However, officials also reported that vulnerable populations remain dependent on humanitarian support and that the "emergency" status for affected regions has not been lifted.

Context

Over the past seven months, the southern region of Madagascar has been experiencing a major food crisis following three consecutive years of drought. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), low rainfall due to the El Niño phenomenon led to a significant decrease in agricultural production. It was estimated that approximately 850,000 people needed emergency food aid. As a result, rising food prices across the country threatened to lead to protests across the country.

Advice

Individuals in Madagascar are advised to keep abreast of the situation.