Positive Development In The Village Of Begara
Life for the Sakalava people of the Bemaraha Plateau in Western Madagascar isn’t just “simple” or “traditional” it’s often physically demanding and uncertain, shaped by a tough environment and limited or no access to services such as healthcare.
The hardships come from a mix of nature, isolation, and broader vulnerability. The thin, rocky soil over limestone makes farming difficult and rainfall is highly seasonal causing food insecurity and water sources to be unreliable. Travel for even basic health needs requires hours or days on foot, meaning treatable illnesses like malaria, respiratory infections and malnutrition can become life threatening. Another constant concern for the people of the Bemaraha is security. Dahalo (bands of cattle thieves) are prevalent in the area, with armed groups (sometimes dozens of men) carrying out night raids on villages, driving off entire herds of zebu cattle, with those who dare to resist at risk of having their house burned or being injured or killed. We regularly visit several villages in this area to provide some medical care.
I vividly remember one flight in 2019 to the village of Begara. On arrival that day, the grass that is normally cut in preparation for our landing had not been cleared. The team debated whether to attempt a landing or proceed to the next village, but feeling compelled to land, I found another nearby landing spot. When we walked the short distance to the village it was immediately clear something was very wrong: the community was in the midst of a severe measles outbreak, two people had recently died and many more were very sick. The doctor from the relief team treated over 90 people that day, mostly for measles but also several cases of malnutrition. In the years since then I have never encountered another village that felt so close to death.
I’m happy to report that my most recent visit to the village of Begara – almost seven years later – gave a much more joyful contrast. The village was full of life: not only healthier, thriving people, there was a renewed sense of hope in the community. Thank you very much for your financial support, which makes this valuable work possible in the first place.
Ross, Pilot
Malnurished boy 2019 Girl sick with measles 2019 The treating Doctor 2019 Villagers in Begara 2026 Pilot Ross
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