Most people are unaware that a humanitarian crisis caused by global climate change is happening on the island of Madagascar. Images of lush tropical forests are in direct contrast to the situation in the south of the country where drought and severe weather are causing almost 2 million people to have acute food insecurity and causing over 500,000 children to suffer from acute malnutrition.
Six consecutive years of below average rain fall has led to the to the region’s worst drought in over 40 years. Violent windstorms have removed topsoil needed for agriculture, further worsening the situation. The drought has destroyed harvests, hampering people’s access to food. In addition, insufficient and unsafe water supply are causing an economic crisis for whole rural communities.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, families have resorted to drastic measures just to survive, selling all their belongings and walking up to 40 kilometres to find water. Most affected are women and children who culturally receive less nutrition than men and are responsible for water transport.
How can you help ?
The campaign will support an ongoing project in southern Madagascar to:
1) alleviate urgent water needs
2) create sustainable access to safe drinking water to nine villages on the Marolinta plateau directly benefiting 6000 inhabitants. The project aims to place a 7.5 km pipeline with a water reservoir and kiosk.
Girls and women are considered the most important beneficiaries of this project because most water transport and handling duties are their responsibility.
This is how you can create sustainable change!
USD 40 = Provides WASH kits including treatment solution to 8 families
USD 250 = Can buy a 5000 litre-water tank to distribute water for 100 people
