Plan directeur du secteur élevage de Madagascar (PDSEM): note de synthèse de la filière bovine et laitière

The cattle sector is a cornerstone of Madagascar’s rural economy, with more than 9 million head of cattle supporting livelihoods through beef and milk production, draught power, manure and household savings. Despite its socio-economic importance, productivity remains low due to poor nutrition, limited genetic improvement, inadequate animal health services, weak market organization, insufficient infrastructure and persistent cattle theft. This report assesses the performance of Madagascar’s beef and dairy systems and evaluates a 2026–2030 investment roadmap to strengthen the sector. The analysis shows that integrated interventions in feed and forage development, animal health, breeding, value chain infrastructure, market organization and governance could significantly improve productivity, including higher reproductive performance, a 40% reduction in mortality, a 37% increase in dairy productivity and a 31% increase in national beef production. While these investments would substantially enhance livestock production and economic growth, continued population growth means that further efforts will be needed to meet future demand for animal-source foods. The findings highlight the strategic importance of modernizing the cattle sector to improve food and nutrition security, increase rural incomes and support sustainable economic development in Madagascar.