Madagascar: Food insecurity in southern regions

Event

Humanitarian officials are warning of food insecurity in southern Madagascar as of December. According to local sources, 298,000 people are in areas classified as falling under a Phase 4 "Humanitarian Emergency" situation of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), while 760,000 people are in IPC Phase 3 "Acute Food and Livelihood Crisis." The most affected areas include Belhoa, Ampanihy, and Tsihombe. Reports indicate non-favorable climate and crop parasites have led to poor harvests. Rising food prices could lead to social unrest in the affected areas in the coming weeks and months.

Context

The southern region of Madagascar has been experiencing a major food crisis following three consecutive years of drought. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is a five-point scale used by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation (FAO) to measure food security. In an IPC Phase 5 situation, over 20 percent of households face a complete lack of food. In a Phase 4 situation, over 20 percent of households face extreme food consumption gaps. In a Phase 3 situation, over 20 percent of households have significant food consumption gaps.

Advice

Individuals in Madagascar are advised to keep abreast of the situation and avoid any public demonstrations as a precaution.