Education in Madagascar: A Guide on the State of the Educational System, Needed Reforms and Strategies for Improvement

Abstract

Madagascar is considered to be among the least developed countries, has experienced decreased aid funding, and there is a lack of summarized information regarding the country’s education system. This is a matter of great concern, as over 50% of Madagascar’s work force have received no formal education, and are likely to remain in underpaying jobs with little access to career advancement. The lack of access to quality education is also positively correlated with a variety of societal and developmental concerns. We summarize the findings of a systematic literature review to: (1) describe the size and scope of the education system at different levels, (2) identify hurdles that students, teachers, and the education system face, (3) provide recommendations for development nterventions/foci at different spatial and funding scales, and (4) identify gaps in knowledge. With aid returning due to Madagascar’s recent presidential election, this paper serves as a guide on the state of the educational system, needed reforms, and successful strategies for improvement.

Keywords: Madagascar; Education; Students; Teachers; Africa