Madagascar: anti-malnutrition initiative targeting drought-affected populations exceeds expectations in 18 months

After a four-year drought and repeated cycles of food crises that left hundreds of thousands of families grappling with malnutrition and food insecurity in Southern Madagascar, an orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) vine distribution initiative led by the International Potato Center (CIP) managed to reverse the trend in just 18 months surpassing the initial target. 

Although widely known for its rich biodiversity and as a vacation paradise, Madagascar has also seen 70.7% of its population suffer from poverty, while 42% of children 6 to 49 months battle with chronic malnutrition.