This country programme evaluation is the first carried out in Madagascar and it covers the period 2000-2012, the 2000 and 2006 country strategic opportunities programmes, six loans and seven grants. Throughout the period evaluated, IFAD’s activities have been relevant and highly effective in improving agricultural productivity and diversifying rural incomes through support to enterprises.

The country programme has brought about promising results in the development of agricultural value chains and partnerships between the public and private sectors. Despite the political crisis that hit the country in 2009, IFAD was the only one of the main donors in the agricultural sector not to suspend its cooperation.

On the other hand, two issues require more attention: consolidation of project results after their closure and environmental protection (erosion control measures, soil fertility conservation and reforestation).