EQUITABLE AND INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES IN MADAGASCAR: PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES, AND PERSPECTIVES

Environment

This study aims to assess the performance of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector in Madagascar through the lens of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles. Drawing upon a comprehensive documentary analysis of publicly available data from 2019 to 2024, the methodological approach combines quantitative tools, such as statistical correlations and linear regressions, with qualitative assessments using a structured evaluation grid. The analysis is based on five key criteria from the Global Water Partnership framework: institutional governance, environmental sustainability, financial planning, equity of access, and operational efficiency. The findings reveal a moderate but significant improvement in national access to safe drinking water, with an increase of 11.1 percentage points over the period. This progress is strongly correlated with increased public investment (r = 0.87; p < 0.05). However, the study highlights a widening gap between urban and rural access, suggesting that the current development trajectory, although positive, may exacerbate territorial disparities. Institutional analysis shows that while strategic frameworks exist, implementation of IWRM remains partial and fragmented—particularly in terms of inter-institutional coordination, ecological safeguards, and sustainable financing mechanisms. By comparing Madagascar’s situation with that of three countries facing similar challenges, the study identifies relevant policy and operational practices that could be adapted locally. Based on the results, a set of strategic recommendations is proposed to improve territorial governance, integrate environmental resilience into planning tools, stabilize sectoral financing, and promote inclusive and participatory management of water resources. The integrated and multi-criteria approach developed herein provides a replicable framework for policymakers and development partners. Ultimately, this study positions IWRM as a strategic entry point for advancing the water–energy–food nexus and strengthening national trajectories toward sustainable and climate-resilient development.

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