Madagascar, the fifth largest island in the world, is located just off the southern edge of the African continent in the Indian Ocean. The country’s diverse topography, including coastal plains, high plateaus and mountain ranges, contribute to its varied climate conditions. Madagascar’s climate varies by region: the southwest has a semi-arid to arid climate, the eastern coast experiences a tropical climate, and the central highlands have moderate temperatures and moisture levels. The arid conditions in the southwest result from trade winds from the Indian Ocean, which lose their moisture over the eastern coast and highlands, creating a rain shadow effect in the western part of the country (World Bank Group, 2021). 

In recent years, the country has been facing increasing range of climate hazards such as tropical cyclones, droughts, floods, and rising sea levels. These impacts have profound effects on the country’s key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, water and sanitation, health, education, and increasing the poverty rate (Miklyaev & Olubamiro, 2025). For instance, the agricultural sector, which employs approximately 80% of the population, is greatly affected by the heavy rainfall and extreme weather events, leading to the crop losses and food insecurity. To address these challenges, Madagascar submitted their NDC in 2022, with details on various adaptation strategies and policies such as enhancing agricultural resilience and improving water resource management.