Madagascar

Madagascar is known for its unique and highly diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Yet many inhabitants of this paradise island live in abject poverty. The country is regularly hit by intense and destructive cyclones. Helvetas supports small producers in increasing their crop yield and gaining better access to foreign markets. We also focus on securing a steady supply of clean drinking water and protecting natural and water resources.

Capital

Antananarivo
Area

587,295 km²
Poverty rate*

75% of the population live under the poverty line of $1.90 per day
UN DEVELOPMENT INDEX*

Rank: 173 out of 193
Population

30,300,000
People supported per year

615,700
Thematic focus

WASH & Water Governance
Market Systems Development
Education and Vocational Skills
Climate & Disaster Resilience

* Source: UN Data

Videos

Our work in Madagascar

Water supply in Madagascar

Helvetas began its involvement here back in 1982, initially concentrating efforts on forestry and protecting natural resources. Today, poverty reduction is at the heart of its concerns, in order to achieve improved access to services, resources and income.

Thanks to its isolation from Africa, Madagascar possesses a one-of-a-kind diversity of flora and fauna. But despite the fertile soil, the population lives in great poverty. Most of them are subsistence farmers. Helvetas supports smallholders in increasing crop yields by adapting more effective farming methods. The object is to enable them to feed their families and sell the surplus to earn some money.

Water supply and sanitation

Contaminated drinking water and poor hygienic conditions give rise to diarrheic diseases and, as a result, high infant mortality in Madagascar. This is why Helvetas focuses on water supply and sanitation. In the 1990s, state tasks such as the supply of drinking water were decentralized to local authorities. Helvetas supports the local authorities, many of which are still inexperienced and ineffectual, and involves them in planning and implementation.

From hand pumps to improved water points

In practical terms, existing water sources are inventoried and household water requirements determined. Appropriate solutions are developed, ranging from hand pumps to improved solar-powered water points managed by private companies. Our holistic approach includes measures to prevent sources from drying up and encourages the equitable distribution of water resources, sustainable water supply management, efficient field irrigation and improved hygiene practices.

Visit the website of Helvetas Madagascar.

The country programme in Madagascar is co-funded by the SDC programme contribution.