Water, water everywhere……well, not in Madagascar.

In Europe, it is difficult to imagine much time without rain – it is just part of our lives. Thousands of miles away in Madagascar though, water can be ‘harder to come by’, and can sometimes be a luxury. Parts of Madagascar are currently suffering from severe drought, particularly in the south – at times like this, they really need help.

Families must make long journeys to collect water because of the drought currently affecting the country

It is thought that the El Nino weather system has decreased the rainy season in Madagascar by one or two months. With the drought, basic needs are increasingly difficult to find. Lakes have become puddles, crops have decreased severely and malnutrition, particularly amongst children, is worryingly high. The droughts have changed the very way in which people live. Families must now wake early and make long distance trips to collect water, bathe and wash clothes, as there is no ‘oasis’ near them – but they must find water somehow.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, yet people are having to use what money they have to buy water cans. In a country where 92% of people live on less than a couple of pounds a day, having to then use this just to get water is shocking. but a price they must pay.

The drought exacerbates other issues which affect Madagascar, such as abject poverty. 

This problem adds to a list of issues which Madagascar must face – such as poor infrastructure, a struggling health system and lack of access to education. It is at times like this that we can really make a difference and improve lives. MFM has a strong track record of responding to natural issues such as droughts, using our partners ‘on the ground’ to get what is needed to those who need it most. Subsequently, MFM has played an influential part, for instance by installing easily accessible wells in some of the more remote areas.

If you would like to make a difference and change the lives of those in need, please consider making a donation at    https://moneyformadagascar.org/ Thank you.

Main source - https://www.buzzfeed.com/tamerragriffin/this-is-what-its-like-when-your-country-runs-out-of-water?utm_term=.rek99OlZk#.xukMMAWLm

By Matthew Ward

Urgent Appeal: Madagascar Famine

Please help us support Malagasy families facing famine!

As the drought in southern Madagascar tightens its grip, 850,000 Malagasy people are facing extreme hunger. Having exhausted all their food reserves, many families are resorting to eating cacti and boiled ashes to quell their hunger. Without urgent humanitarian intervention, these families will face starvation. 

Cactus pads are the last available source of food

Credit: Ben. C. Soloman/New York Times

With your support, we can offer them an immediate lifeline and hope for the future. Emergency food supplies will sustain them through the crisis, whilst drought resistant seeds and farming equipment will help them get back on their feet. 

Please Donate Today to help us offer practical support and life saving nutrition to families facing famine in southern Madagascar!

If you would like to find out more about the causes and consequences of the emerging famine in southern Madagascar, Click here to read a powerful article from the New York Times.

Thank you for your support!