CRS History in Madagascar

CRS came to Madagascar in 1962 to provide humanitarian aid in regions with high levels of poverty and malnutrition. For 41 years, the agency has carried out food and nutrition programs for under-privileged mothers, children, disabled persons, and victims of natural disasters; program activities have historically included village-based health education for mothers and other family caregivers, growth monitoring, referral for immunizations, as well as the distribution of highly nutritious food rations for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and malnourished children under two years old. In FY 2003, following months of research and strategic planning, the Madagascar country program decided to continue to place highest priority on food security activities but granted greater emphasis to HIV and AIDS prevention and peacebuilding projects. In addition, the food security programming has shifted from food distribution activities towards food production and diversification, thereby reducing food aid, and instead reinforcing the on-farm capacity of the rural population to increase household income.

With three expatriate and 121 national staff, CRS/Madagascar holds a main office in Antananarivo, and sub-offices in Fianarantsoa, Ilakaka, and the port town of Toamasina.