The Government of Madagascar has officially launched a new series of strategic projects to accelerate the sustainable, inclusive, and resilient transformation of the country’s food systems, with the support of the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Joint SDG Fund.
Led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MINAE), this initiative is part of the national roadmap for transforming food systems. It seeks to strengthen food and nutrition security, improve climate change adaptation, and promote the creation of decent jobs, while mobilizing increased public and private investment.
This acceleration phase builds on several ongoing flagship initiatives, including the STOSAR project, the project to accelerate food systems transformation through a scalable model in the Itasy region, and food systems actions under the Green Pact in the South programme, all funded by the European Union. It also incorporates the Catalytic Programme for climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive, and decent job-creating agriculture in the Anosy region, financed by the Joint SDG Fund.
Structuring projects for the country
Among the flagship initiatives is the TOHATRA programme (Tohana ho an’ny Rafitra Ara-tsakafo), a catalytic initiative that promotes climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive agriculture and generates decent jobs in the Anosy region. Funded by the Joint SDG Fund and supported by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, it is jointly implemented by FAO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The launch also includes the new phase of the STOSAR programme, which supports the implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional agricultural policy in Madagascar, as well as efforts to accelerate food systems transformation. Both initiatives are funded by the European Union and implemented by FAO.
Together, these projects aim to strengthen policy coherence, improve governance in the agricultural sector, and enhance coordination among public actors, private stakeholders, and technical and financial partners.
A national priority
During the launch ceremony, the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, representing the Minister, Mr. Ramanantsoa Sata Mihary Tiana, emphasized the strategic importance of this transformation.
“The transformation of our food systems is a national priority. It is essential to strengthen the resilience of our producers, improve nutrition, and create sustainable economic opportunities for our population,” he stated.
For the authorities, the objective is not only to increase agricultural production, but also to produce better, taking into account climate, environmental, and social challenges.
A strong partnership with the European Union and the United Nations
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Madagascar in this structural transformation.
The EU Ambassador to Madagascar, Mr. Roland Kobia, highlighted:
“The European Union is proud to support Madagascar in this structural—and therefore sustainably impactful—transformation of its food systems. Our engagement aims to back long-term, innovative solutions aligned with national and regional priorities, in order to strengthen Madagascar’s economic and environmental resilience.”
For his part, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Madagascar, Mr. Anthony Ngororano, underscored the integrated approach:
“This programme illustrates the added value of joint UN agency action to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. By acting simultaneously on climate, employment, and nutrition, we generate systemic impact.”
Strengthened governance
The national workshop, organized as part of the launch, formalized the establishment of the National Steering Committee, validated the Annual Work Plans, and strengthened coordination among technical and financial partners.
Regional launches are planned in the coming weeks to ensure effective implementation at the territorial level and stronger ownership by local actors.
Through this new phase of engagement, Madagascar reaffirms its commitment to building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food system for its population and future generations.
Original publication: https://madagascar.un.org/fr/310326-madagascar-lance-une-nouvelle-phase-de-transformation-de-ses-syst%C3%A8mes-alimentaires
The Joint SDG Fund Food Systems Transformation Window was established through a partnership between the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and the Joint SDG Fund Secretariat to support government-led food systems transformation and accelerate progress across the SDGs.
This joint programme is supported by the Joint SDG Fund in collaboration with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub. We sincerely appreciate the contributions from the European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland in accelerating progress towards the SDGs.
