Poverty in Madagascar: more acute in rural areas

Poverty and food insecurity in Madagascar currently reach dramatic proportions with 76.5% of the population falling below the poverty line, with a fixed income rate of 468.800 Ariary (234 USD) per year per person. Such figure represents an increase of 8 points compared to that of 2005, when 68.7% of the population was below the poverty line. And progresses made in 2005-2008 were deleted during the period 2009-2011. In fact, 84.5% of children under 5 years old and 82.1% of children aged 5 to 14 are now in a situation of poverty.

Extreme poverty, with an income below 117.200 Ariary (58 USD) per person per year, affects 9% of children under 5 years old and 8.5% of children aged 5 to 14. Although poverty is widespread, it affects more rural population. Poverty rate in rural areas is 82.2%, against 54.2% in urban areas.

School dropout accompanies the increase of poverty. According to figures from the Ministry of Education, the number of 6 to 10-year-old children dropping out of school has increased by 53% between the 2008-2009 and the 2009-2010 school year, and the number of working children has increased.

In addition, strong population growth (about 3% per year) also contributes to the rapid increase of poverty. The poverty rate is 89.2% among households with more than seven people. Climatic factors also play a pivotal role in worsening the situation of poverty.