The Government of Madagascar has expressed gratitude for a generous contribution from the People’s Republic of China, through the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), to assist communities in the country’s southern region severely impacted by climate shocks.
The support, provided in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), will benefit 43,600 vulnerable individuals, including 32,000 children, from December 2024 to March 2025. It includes 1,590 metric tons of rice, aimed at addressing immediate nutritional needs while helping communities recover their livelihoods.
Southern Madagascar has long struggled with food insecurity caused by prolonged droughts, cyclones, and failed harvests. These climate-related challenges, coupled with poverty and agricultural difficulties, have deepened the region’s vulnerability. The partnership with WFP and China highlights the importance of not only meeting urgent food needs but also building long-term resilience to ensure sustainable food security.
“We are deeply thankful for the support from the People’s Republic of China, which comes at a critical time for our communities who are enduring the harsh realities of climate change,” said Mamadou Mbaye, WFP’s acting Country Director and Representative in Madagascar.
An official handover ceremony on November 25, 2024, at the WFP Field Office in Toliara underscored the significance of international cooperation. HE Sir Ji Ping, China’s Ambassador to Madagascar, reiterated China’s commitment to assisting Madagascar by sharing agricultural technology and expertise to enhance food production and move closer to self-sufficiency.
This contribution aligns with Madagascar’s broader vision of fostering sustainable development and food security. By combining emergency relief with efforts to strengthen resilience and transform food systems, Madagascar, with the support of its partners, aims to address the root causes of hunger and work toward a future of Zero Hunger for all its people.