In a landmark move for the Great Island’s agricultural sovereignty, the Malagasy Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MINAE) has officially validated the Plan Directeur du Secteur de l’Élevage de Madagascar (PDSEM). This strategic roadmap, finalized this December 2025, serves as a comprehensive blueprint to revitalize a sector that is vital to the national economy but has long been hampered by structural inefficiencies. By positioning livestock as a primary engine for food security and economic growth, the government aim is to transition from subsistence-based farming to a professionalized, high-yield industry capable of meeting both domestic demand and international export standards.
The PDSEM is built upon five strategic pillars designed to address the entire value chain. Central to this framework is the modernization of production for key commodities: milk, red meat, pork, and poultry. The plan sets ambitious targets, including a 75% increase in poultry output and up to a 72% rise in milk production in targeted regions. To achieve this, the policy outlines a significant overhaul of veterinary services, aiming to expand health coverage and curb animal losses through improved vaccination campaigns and disease surveillance. Furthermore, the framework emphasizes on securing animal feed supplies and structuring markets to ensure fair pricing and transparent trade.
For the millions of Malagasy households dependent on livestock, the PDSEM promises a tangible shift in economic resilience. The ministry projects that the implementation of these measures could boost farmer incomes by 22% to 34%, particularly for those in the small ruminant and poultry sectors. By integrating climate-smart practices such as the use of drought-resistant fodder and improved water management the plan directly addresses the increasing vulnerability of rural communities to extreme weather events. The promotion of private investment is also expected to create new employment opportunities in processing and distribution, particularly for youth and women.
Madagascar’s initiative holds profound significance for the broader African context. Like many nations across the continent, Madagascar faces the dual challenge of a growing population and a livestock sector restricted by traditional methods and climate shocks. The PDSEM, developed with technical support from international partners like the ILRI and FAO, demonstrates how a data-driven, participatory approach can align national policy with the “One Health” concept balancing animal, human, and environmental health.
