Reducing absenteeism, preventing school dropouts, and promoting learning: school canteens play a decisive role in student enrollment. However, their coverage remains limited, with only 4,026 public primary schools (EPP) having canteens out of nearly 26,000 establishments across Madagascar, representing a coverage rate of 15%.
These approximately 4,000 establishments are concentrated in the South and Center of Madagascar. The northern part of the Great Island remains underserved, according to the national diagnostic presented as part of the School Feeding (AMS) initiative of the Asanao 3 program, led by GRET.
Beyond limited coverage, funding also poses a major challenge for school feeding. The state provides an allocation of 850 ariary per meal, yet the actual operating cost of a school canteen is estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 ariary per meal. Despite these constraints, several partners are developing innovative approaches based on local procurement, community mobilization, and nutritional education. Culinary demonstrations, forum theater, workshops with parents, and school competitions are gradually strengthening community involvement.
According to MICS 2025, 37% of children under five in Madagascar still suffer from stunted growth, a situation exacerbated by poverty and inadequate dietary practices. In many regions, the lean season can last up to seven months, forcing some families to limit themselves to one meal a day. School canteens serve as a strategic tool to improve both nutrition and educational success.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-15 17:26:48 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://2424.mg/alimentation-les-cantines-scolaires-limitees-a-environ-4-000-epp-sur-26-000-avec-une-forte-concentration-dans-le-sud-et-le-centre-de-madagascar/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=alimentation-les-cantines-scolaires-limitees-a-environ-4-000-epp-sur-26-000-avec-une-forte-concentration-dans-le-sud-et-le-centre-de-madagascar