University of Antananarivo - Antananarivo, Madagascar

The University of Antananarivo is the base of the Centre d’Etudes et de Recherches Economiques pour le développement /Centre for Economic Studies and Research for Development (CERED), located within the faculty of Law, economics, management and Sociology. It is a center of multidisciplinary research at the university where research is viewed as essential and effective for supporting development initiatives in the country. A key Focus in CERED’s education and research activities are focused on identifying and addressing disaster risk issues which affect Madagascar. This is the first academic research center working specifically on the social, economic and financial aspects of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Risk Management in Madagascar.

The CERED programme focuses on the study severe weather events such as tropical cyclones, floods and droughts and how they impact on the country’s economy. A central aim of the programme is to strengthen the understanding of hazardous events and their impacts, so as to equip stakeholders (decision-makers, disaster managers, those impacted, etc.,) especially those at the local/ground level with the practical knowledge and tools to better identify, prevent, manage and mitigate severe weather risks and other potential risks caused by natural hazards.

• Undertake research / studies to provide solutions to potential problems and improve existing situations
• Disseminate research results in order to inform and educate
• Communicate and implement research results through training, advice and support
• Contribute to discussions and actions to the direction and conduct of risk strategy and disasters (policies, strategies, operational) at the national and international level

The Unit has undertaken consultancies for the Disaster Preparedness European Commissions Humanitarian Aid Department (DIPECHO) project for Malawi, Mozambique, Comoros and Madagascar, measuring community resilience and has been included in the steering committee for the national Risk Atlas and the Agricultural Conservation Project.

• Contribution of specific agricultural activities to increase resilience of small-scale farmers in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique (October 2013 – On going) commissioned by FAO/REOSA, North West University
• Humanitarian Trends in southern Africa: Challenges and opportunities (December 2011 – April 2013 commissioned by FAO/OCHA)
• Strengthening the resilience of Antananarivo flood-prone communities in the face of disasters, reducing their vulnerability and building capacity and collaboration among stakeholders (November 2015 to June 2016) sponsored by USAID A joint initiative that was supported by CARE International Madagascar with the assistance of the authorities of the city of Antananarivo (AUC, Prefecture and Chief Districts, BNGRC, etc.)

Academic Courses:

The University of Antananarivo offers a Master degree through its Multidisciplinary Department in Disaster and Risk Management (Département Multidisciplinaire en Gestion des Risques et des Catastrophes) which offers openings for recruitment every two years.

Short Courses:

• “Community based risk assessment, Economic valuation and Disaster and Risk Management”
• “Evaluating community-based risk: a key tool in planning for sustainable local development”
• “Disaster and Risk Management, resilience and community development”
• “Capacity Building for Local Journalists on Risk and Disaster Governance (GRC) and Sustainable Development”