Kerry Supports Madagascan
communities impacted by
Cyclone Enawo
On 7 March 2017, cyclone Enawo made landfall in Northern Madagascar.
Although the country is no stranger to such events, with winds of up to 270km
an hour this is the strongest cyclone to hit the island in 13 years.
To date 81 people have been confirmed dead and
there has been widespread damage to homes and
infrastructure in the impacted areas. The SAVA region
is one of those areas worst affected, with reports
suggesting that up to 80% of homes have been
damaged and families have been left without food,
crops and access to clean water.
SAVA is the main Vanilla growing region in Madagascar
and an area where Kerry and it’s supply partner,
Authentic Products, have been working directly with
farmers since 2014. The first months of the year
for Vanilla farmers are already challenging given
that it is traditionally a low-income period. However,
this has now been compounded by the devastating
cyclone which has brought with it further hardship and
uncertainty.
To help alleviate some of the pressure on farmers,
we have engaged with Authentic Products and local
partners to provide emergency food aid and practical
support that will help those affected during this difficult
period. As part of these efforts, Kerry is providing rice to
more than 3,000 people across 9 villages to ensure that
farm families can meet their immediate food needs.
We recognise that longer term, people will require
further support as they look to re-establish their
farms and communities. Although the full extent of
the damage caused by Enawo is still being assessed,
Kerry remains fully committed to working with farmers
in the region. Through the Tsara Kalitao programme
we will continue to provide agricultural support, help
to diversify farm incomes and assistance to educate
children in the months and years ahead.
Commenting on the aid, Kerry’s Responsible Sourcing
Manager, Maarten Butselaar says ‘it is important that
we offer assistance at this difficult time and events
such as these further highlight the importance of
programmes like Tsara Kalitao. They also reinforce
Kerry’s long term commitment to working with local
farmers and their families through this programme to
help improve livelihoods.