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Madagascar

Madagascar - Food insecurity

Regional Team: SWAN
Disaster Declared: 12/18/2006

Description: Failed rains in early 2006 led to significant crop failure and food insecurity in southern Madagascar, affecting approximately 300,000 people, according to a USAID assessment team. Shortened rains in January and inconsistent rainfall in September resulted in successive poor harvests. In affected areas, some households have exhausted coping mechanisms employed in response to decreased income and food security. On December 13, the Government of Madagascar declared a state of emergency for southern portions of the country and requested international assistance to address the localized food insecurity.

On December 18, U.S. Ambassador to Madagascar James D. McGee declared a disaster due to localized food insecurity in southern Madagascar. In consultation with USAID/Madagascar, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/Madagascar for agricultural inputs. USAID/OFDA staff participated in a food security assessment from December 8 to 11 and will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional updates as necessary.