Madagascar: Anticipating drought to protect communities

ORGANISATION
SAF/FJKM

LOCATION
Atsimo Andrefana region, Sakaraha and Toliara II districts, Madagascar

In southern Madagascar, recurrent droughts undermine livelihoods and worsen food insecurity. Humanitarian aid often arrives after losses have already occurred. The WeltHungerHilfe Anticipatory Humanitarian Action Facility (WAHAFA) project introduced a proactive approach, using climate forecasts and early warning systems to act before crises strike.

A participatory protocol

With a budget of €82,800 (85% spent), the project developed an Early Action Protocol (EAP) against drought. Over 30 community workshops in Sakaraha and Toliara II engaged local populations, municipal authorities, decentralised services, and the BNGRC. Women, youth, and other vulnerable groups were included in the discussions.

The workshops allowed stakeholders to:

• Analyse risks and vulnerabilities with local communities
• Define roles and responsibilities for rapid, coordinated responses
• Include marginalised groups in planning and decision-making
• Conduct a simulation exercise to test the protocol and strengthen local capacity

Concrete results

Key achievements include:

• Drafting, sharing, and validating the anticipatory protocol with stakeholders
• Identification of three operational climate monitoring systems (WRSI, IPC, seasonal forecasts) to define trigger thresholds
• Establishment of a participatory monitoring, evaluation, and learning system with feedback and capitalisation sessions
• Clarification of local actors’ roles, avoiding duplication and enabling rapid response

These results mark a shift from reactive aid to a culture of anticipation, equipping communities and local authorities with tools to plan, prepare, and act before droughts compromise livelihoods.

Challenges and lessons learned

Introducing anticipation posed challenges: many stakeholders were accustomed to requesting help only after crises occurred. Awareness-raising and practical exercises were crucial to overcome this mindset. Despite these hurdles, the mobilisation of regional public services and active community involvement allowed the project to meet its objectives.

Towards sustainability

After the project, communities formed local associations (farmers, villagers, etc.) to continue proactive practices. Trained representatives now act as intermediaries to spread a culture of prevention and preparedness.

As one local elected official said during a workshop:

“Prevention costs less than repair. This protocol must remain a permanent tool for our municipalities.”

This International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, GNDR calls for governments, donors, the private sector and financial institutions to prioritise funding for resilience, not just funding for disasters when they strike.

All photos: SAF/FJKM