CARE International’s history in Madagascar
CARE has been working in Madagascar since 1992, initially responding to cyclones along the eastern coast.
What began as emergency assistance has grown into long-term work supporting communities facing poverty, climate shocks, and inequality. Today, CARE works across multiple regions, partnering with communities and local organizations to strengthen resilience and improve livelihoods.
CARE and partners’ work in Madagascar today
CARE works with communities and local partners across Madagascar to respond to crises, strengthen livelihoods, and support long-term resilience. Our work focuses on:
Crisis response
Madagascar is highly vulnerable to cyclones, droughts, floods, and other shocks. CARE provides emergency assistance, including cash support and essential supplies, while also supporting communities to better prepare for future disasters through early warning systems and local disaster planning. CARE also supports women’s leadership in emergencies through initiatives such as Women Lead in Emergencies, ensuring women play an active role in response and recovery efforts.
Food and water
CARE supports families to improve food security and nutrition through sustainable agriculture and community-based approaches. This includes Farmer Field and Business Schools, which help farmers strengthen agricultural practices and increase productivity. Programs also improve access to and promote safe water, sanitation and hygiene practices (WASH), and support stronger WASH governance at community and institutional levels to ensure more sustainable services.
Making the economy work
CARE supports women and communities to strengthen their livelihoods through savings groups, small business support, and market access. Through approaches such as Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), women are able to save, access small loans, and invest in income-generating activities. Programs help families increase their income and build more stable economic opportunities.
Climate
Madagascar is one of the countries most affected by climate change. CARE works with communities to adapt to changing conditions through climate-smart agriculture, natural resource management, and locally led resilience approaches.
CARE implements a range of programs across the country, including MIRAIKA (focused on food security and agricultural resilience), MIARE (integrating agriculture, nutrition, and livelihoods), KILONGA (supporting sustainable water access and WASH systems), and MAP Insuresilience (strengthening climate risk financing and resilience).
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the centre of CARE’s work in Madagascar.
CARE supports women’s economic empowerment through savings groups, entrepreneurship, and livelihood programs. These initiatives help women increase their income and strengthen their role within households and communities.
CARE also works with communities to address harmful social norms and promote more equitable decision-making. Through approaches such as Social Analysis and Action, CARE engages both women and men to support lasting change.
In addition, CARE supports women’s leadership at the community level, including emergency response and local governance.
By strengthening women’s economic opportunities, voice, and leadership, CARE helps build more resilient communities across Madagascar.
For recent updates on CARE Madagascar’s work, see here.
