Hunger in KashmirKashmir, a region between India and Pakistan, is known for its breathtaking landscapes. However, beneath this beauty lies a harsh reality: widespread hunger. Here is a deeper look into how hunger has become one of the most pressing issues in Kashmir.

Political Conflict

For decades, Kashmir has been a victim of political instability. Ongoing conflicts have left deep scars on Kashmir’s infrastructure and economy. Constant enforcement of strikes, curfews and road blockages have prevented the free movement of food supplies, cutting off access to essential resources. This pressing issue disproportionately impacts rural communities and intensifies existing challenges.

The disruption of transportation networks leads to inevitable food shortages, triggering a chain reaction affecting daily life and the locals’ normalcy. Moreover, Kashmir’s economy heavily relies on its agricultural industry to support its financial independence. However, farmers are often unable to sow or harvest under the instability of conflict, leading to further uncertainty in food availability.

Climate Emergencies

In addition to the political turmoil, Kashmir is facing another key issue: the mounting pressure of climate instability. Specifically targeting the agricultural industry, erratic weather patterns have become the norm. Unexpected droughts and unseasonal rains are becoming increasingly common, increasing food prices and reducing yields. Farmers who have previously relied on winter snowmelt for irrigation are now met with the unpredictable nature of modern-day winters that bring either too little snow or none at all, resulting in shortages in crop production and water shortages.

Poverty and Rising Unemployment

In Kashmir, the ongoing conflict has severely paralyzed job opportunities, demonstrating an unemployment crisis, particularly among the youth. As food prices rise and stable job opportunities continue to plummet, families are forced to make difficult decisions about their consumption needs. The crushing reality of poverty means that even if food is available, many decide against purchasing it because they can not afford it. According to the Kashmir Welfare Foundation, approximately 40% of Kashmir’s population lives below the poverty line, with food insecurity contributing heavily to the issue.

The Impact of Harsh Winters

Winters in Kashmir are not just cold, they are crippling. As soon as temperatures start to drop, agricultural activities come to a halt. For families living in remote areas, the winter months bring isolation for long periods, with limited access to food and fresh produce. Hunger peaks in Kashmir during these months and it is often the most vulnerable groups—such as women, children and older people— that are affected the most. Without access to proper storage systems or supply chains, winters in Kashmir become a season of dread.

Solutions and Hope on the Horizon

Various international organizations are working in the region via aid and food security programs to provide immediate relief. The Kashmir Welfare Foundation is one organization that actively works on food security programs, reaching thousands of families with food aid and livelihood support. It also calls for an interest in better technology and government to protect the Kashmiri agricultural industry and those who rely on it.

Another key player is CHINAR Kashmir, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting the region’s marginalized children, women and families. One of its flagship initiatives is the CHINAR Home Program. The program offers a safe and nurturing environment for orphaned and vulnerable children. It provides them with health care, nutrition, education and emotional support. Additionally, in response to natural disasters, CHINAR Kashmir offers immediate relief by distributing food and other necessities to affected families, addressing acute hunger crises during emergencies.

Through these efforts, CHINAR Kashmir and the Kashmir Welfare Foundation are helping to improve access to basic rights and essential services. They empower the region’s most vulnerable populations and build hope for a better future.

– Mashal Aman

Mashal is based in Kyoto City, Japan and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

Lebanon Conflict Escalates: Organizations Offering Humanitarian AidIn Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes in densely populated areas have displaced more than 1 million people, resulting in more than 2,300 deaths and 11,100 injuries. The Middle Eastern country, bordering Israel has a population of 5.2 million, including 400,000 Palestinian refugees and 1.5 million Syrian refugees. Violence escalated in September with pager explosions in Beirut, leading up to a full military assault. With Lebanon already facing an economic crisis, the surge in violence has made humanitarian aid critically necessary.

Oxfam 

Oxfam runs the ‘Gaza-Lebanon Appeal,’ seeking public donations to assist with humanitarian aid in Gaza and Lebanon. The charity uses these funds to improve access to clean water and provide emergency cash, food and hygiene kits. Oxfam also supports displaced individuals in shelters across Beirut, Mount Lebanon and North Lebanon. It advocates for an ‘immediate and permanent ceasefire’ to end the conflict and facilitate greater aid flow across borders.

The Lebanese Red Cross

In Lebanon, the Red Cross serves as the ‘lead emergency responder,’ uniquely providing ambulance services and managing a blood bank for distributing donated blood. By the end of September 2024, the charity had dispatched 254 ambulances staffed by 810 medical workers and distributed 45,988 ready meals and 22,349 food packages. The Red Cross further conducts rescue searches and evacuations.

Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger provides vital humanitarian aid in Lebanon and works globally to end hunger in 59 countries. In Lebanon, the charity focuses on the Southern Red Zones—areas devastated by conflict—supplying food, water, medicine and shelter. The organization emphasizes the need for more donations to continue distributing necessary aid.

Medical Aid for Palestinians

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) operates in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, focusing on displaced individuals in refugee camps. The organization provides mental health support, psychological services and immediate medical aid. Midwives volunteer to assist pregnant women, mothers and children; the charity distributes medical kits. MAP is planning a two-week mission to send a medical team to aid the injured. The organization advocates for a permanent ceasefire and urges the United Kingdom (U.K.) government to suspend arms sales to Israel.

Médecins Sans Frontières – Doctors Without Borders

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) operates mobile health clinics in Lebanon’s shelters, providing essential items such as mattresses and hygiene kits and running a mental health helpline. This helpline supports those grappling with the psychological impacts of conflict, grief, displacement and separation. It is particularly beneficial for children who face premature adulthood, displacement, educational losses and limited access to food. MSF also provides in-person mental health assistance through mobile units. As of Oct. 21, the organization has conducted nearly 5,000 psychological first-aid sessions and facilitated 450 individual sessions. This mental health support is crucial for Palestinian and Syrian refugees in Lebanon, who live with the constant fear of deportation and struggle to find safety.

Age International

Age International is actively running a Middle East Humanitarian Appeal that specifically assists older individuals in Lebanon and Gaza. The charity acknowledges the heightened risks faced by the elderly, who often struggle to receive support due to disabilities, mobility issues and illnesses. By providing medical assistance and assistive products, such as walking sticks, Age International aids those who find it difficult to access support.

Looking Ahead

Humanitarian aid is flowing steadily into Lebanon as international and local organizations mobilize to support vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing conflict. With targeted assistance, including clean water, medical care, food and shelter, efforts by groups like Oxfam, the Lebanese Red Cross and others are crucial in providing immediate relief. Specialized support, such as mental health counseling and aid for the elderly, helps address the diverse needs of those impacted. These ongoing collective actions are vital in sustaining and protecting affected communities in a nation already grappling with significant economic challenges.

– Ellie Western

Ellie is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

Diseases Impacting Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is an Island in the Asian Pacific, with rainforests covering 75% of the country’s area. A lack of basic infrastructure puts the population at a higher risk of contracting diseases. More than 76% of the population “lacks access to safe toilets,” and “66% do not have access to clean drinking water,” according to UNICEF.

Additionally, delivering health care in Papua New Guinea is a significant challenge. Eighty-five percent of the population lives in rural territories with limited transport infrastructure. To combat this, the government allocated $30 million in funding for Provincial Health Authorities as a part of the IMPACT Health Project. This funding will improve the delivery of services of the ground, ensuring that medical drugs, equipment and expertise reach rural areas.

Diseases Causing the Most Deaths

Diseases impacting Papua New Guinea are eight out of the 10 top causes of death in the nation. Of these. five are noncommunicable, with strokes being the leading cause of death in the nation. Coronary heart disease, a common lung disease, diabetes and respiratory infections (e.g. pneumonia) make up the other non-contagious diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The three contagious diseases are malaria, diarrhoea and tuberculosis, which is the second leading cause of death in Papua New Guinea. Malaria cases have been improving since 2004. A Global Fund Grant of $109 million in 2009 financed the distribution of more than 7.5 million nets over six years in Papua New Guinea. This, alongside improved treatment and diagnosis, has contributed to the progress.

Children Diseases

Papua New Guinea has an infant mortality rate of 33 per 1,000. The leading cause of death for under 5-year-olds is diarrhea.

Medical care barriers for pregnant women further exacerbate the country’s infant mortality rates. Only 5% of health facilities have the equipment to provide emergency prenatal care 24/7. Moreover, just 32% of women receive skilled care during childbirth.

Endemic and vaccine-preventable infections cause 82% of the deaths in children under 5. In 2018, only 35% of children had received basic vaccinations, according to UNICEF.

Tropical Diseases Impacting Papua New Guinea

The remote geographical location of the PNG and its tropical environments has contributed to the presence of rare and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). These include Lymphatic Filariasis – the contraction of parasitic worms, trachoma – a bacterial infection affecting the eyes and yaws.

A Mass Drug Administration campaign launched in 2023 by the WHO aims to distribute medicinal drugs to 37 health facilities in two districts.

Yaws is a skin disease caused by bacterial infection, which begins with wart-like tumors and can turn into ulcers. Without treatment, the infection can lead to disability. More than 80% of yaws cases are reported from the West Pacific region, particularly PNG.

In 2012, it was demonstrated that a single dose of the inexpensive oral antibiotic azithromycin was effective at treating yaws. The WHO target for eradication is now 2030.

Looking Ahead

The tropical and rural environments of the nation provide significant challenges to combating the diseases impacting Papua New Guinea. They make it harder to access clean water and lack sanitation infrastructure, and create barriers to delivering medical assistance. Changing weather patterns and antibiotic resistance have additionally given rise to new challenges. However, the tireless efforts of the international, national and provincial communities, ensures that progress is being made to cure diseases in PNG. 

– Georgia de Gidlow

Georgia is based in Watford,UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

Poverty Reduction in SeychellesThose experiencing poverty in Seychelles live on less than $6.85 a day, which was estimated to be nearly 5.6% of the population in 2023. The majority of poverty is concentrated in certain districts of Mahé, the largest island. Issues like substance abuse and teenage pregnancy affect people in poverty – these can hinder efforts in poverty reduction, though they are taking steps.

Foreign Investment and Tax Reform

The government is utilizing its newest Fitch Rating to create more employment opportunities. A Fitch Rating evaluates an entity’s ability to pay back loans, keep promises and generally be a sound investment for a financial institution. This will lead to more FDI, allowing the government to further invest this money in creating employment. Recent increases in employment have been shown to reduce poverty in Seychelles from 5.9% to 5.6% from 2022 to 2023—this is vital for poverty reduction.

By reducing the tax from 30% to 25% for profits of more than 1 million SCR, the 2022 reform reduces strain on businesses in Seychelles and equally facilitates more Seychellois businesses.  Businesses below the 1 million threshold now also benefit from a 15% tax on profits, down from 25% before 2022. This is promising for smaller business owners who may experience levels of poverty.

Regional Disparities

One challenge to poverty reduction in Seychelles is a high level of income inequality. However, the government is helping to address this intra-regional inequality by investing in the education system. Currently, Seychelles spends 10% of its GDP on education. It has also invested in health care and created social safety nets; an example of this is how it increased pensions and the minimum wage.

The World Bank

In 2021, the World Bank gave Seychelles a loan of $30 million for reforms on its social protection system, which is important for poor Seychellois as it covers pensions, welfare and help for those with disabilities. The World Bank estimated that the COVID-19 pandemic halted efforts in poverty reduction. This resulted in the percentage increasing from 25% to 37%, which was essential for further poverty reduction.

Multidimensional Poverty Index Report

Seychelles released its 2019 MPI report, a useful resource to help understand poverty within the country. The Seychelles’ Poverty Alleviation Department created this report as a way to produce a guideline for future policies for poverty reduction in Seychelles. This makes it easier to understand the situation of the poorest Seychellois and understand the challenges they face.

Despite these challenges, the future is bright for Seychelles. It has demonstrated economic growth and investment in its workforce even after 2020. By securing foreign investment, a future is secured for the poorest and most vulnerable of the Seychellois.

– Callum Bennett

Callum is based in Colchester, Essex, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

Lebanon’s Electricity CrisisSince the end of the civil war in 1990, Lebanon has struggled with an electricity crisis due to a lack of investment in the state-run electricity provider Electricité du Liban (EDL) and misuse of funds by government officials. As a result, EDL can only provide electricity for as little as 1-2 hours each day in 2022, leaving the country in a persistent state of power shortages. Achieving 24-hour access to electricity is only possible through the use of private generators.

The severity of the outages varies significantly per region, with Beirut receiving an average of 21 hours of electricity a day. However, areas further from the capital receive much less, leading to higher private generator bills. The inconsistency of electricity from the state-run electricity provider has had significant implications for the population, especially the nation’s impoverished, who cannot afford to buy private generators. Lama Fakih, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch explains that “Lebanon’s electricity crisis is leaving people in the dark and dramatically reducing people’s access to critical rights such as food, water, education and health care.”

The Impact of Regional War

Before the Lebanon-Israel conflict erupted, The National News reported that both sides had threatened to target energy infrastructure in the event of war. Such actions would disrupt essential services, including telecommunications, sanitation networks, irrigation systems and hospitals, all of which depend on electricity to operate.

Since October 2023, Hezbollah has launched airstrikes on Israel, stating that they would halt their actions in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza. One year later, with no truce reached, Israel began launching heavy strikes on Lebanon. Approximately 60% of border communities in the south have sustained infrastructural damage, impacting residential buildings, roads, water supplies, electrical grids and telecommunications. This destruction has resulted in casualties among maintenance workers and health care staff, intensifying the existing energy crisis.

The war has further strained EDL, which struggles to meet demand even under normal circumstances. According to The Jerusalem Post, EDL recently announced a nationwide power shutdown, stating, “After exploiting all the other options to extend the duration of power production to the maximum possible, the company’s last power plant has ceased power supply across all Lebanese territories, due to a lack of fuel and with that, the power supply to all of Lebanon has been completely halted.” This shutdown affects critical facilities, including the airport, ports, water pumps, sewage systems and prisons.

Organizations on the Ground

Organizations working on the ground to help ease Lebanon’s electricity crisis include Aid Pioneers. This Berlin-based organization began its efforts in 2020, providing humanitarian relief following the Beirut port explosion. Aid Pioneers primarily focuses on medical procurement and clean energy access. Through partnerships with groups like the Altenburg Foundation and Ströer, it has raised millions of dollars, supporting 40,000 people across various projects.

Local organizations like the Lebanese Solar Energy Society (LSES) are also working to address Lebanon’s energy crisis. Operating since 1980, LSES focuses on providing sustainable energy solutions. Through public education on solar energy, high-quality technical support for efficient solar panel installation and ongoing advocacy, LSES aims to promote energy independence and long-term sustainability in Lebanon.

What Does the Future Hold?

With the ongoing conflict with Israel and continued infrastructure damage, Lebanon’s electricity crisis is expected to worsen. Humanitarian organizations and the government are increasingly focused on immediate security and humanitarian needs, often placing energy reforms on the back burner. The U.S. has attempted to broker ceasefire negotiations among the parties involved, but these efforts have remained inconclusive. According to Reuters, Hamas has rejected a temporary truce, stating that current ceasefire proposals do not meet its conditions.

Israeli officials have also indicated that diplomacy alone will not prompt a ceasefire, as it demands that Hezbollah comply with UNSCR 1701, which prohibits the presence of its fighters near the Israeli border. With no ceasefire in sight, a resolution to the crisis appears distant. Given that EDL struggled to meet demand even before the war, any improvements in the energy situation are likely to be minimal, even if all parties eventually reach a ceasefire agreement.

Floria Persis

Floria is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

The Almanah Hope FoundationAfrican widows face significant challenges, grappling with discrimination and disinheritance. Despite their resilience and determination, widows are often excluded, marginalized and disenfranchised as they struggle to make ends meet and find their place in society.

“For many women, becoming a widow does not just mean the heartache of losing a husband, but often losing everything else as well,” stated Cherri Blair. Governments implementing policies within these areas are key to building sustainable and universal empowerment of African Widows.

Challenges Faced by African Widows

The myriad of challenges that threaten African widows’ very survival include:

  1. Extreme Poverty: In many patriarchal societies, women are often viewed as second-class citizens and widowhood can reduce their social status further. Without access to socioeconomic support from the government, many widows are forced to live in poverty. This hardship extends to their children. Furthermore, this perpetuates a cycle of generational poverty that, for many, has become almost synonymous with widowhood in Africa.
  2. Social Stigma and Discrimination: Cultural norms frequently lead communities to shun widows, sometimes accusing them of being cursed or even blaming them for their husband’s death. These beliefs sustain widowhood as a shameful status, resulting in ostracism and marginalization. This stigma can extend into religious and social communities, leading to isolation and disconnection from family, friends and community support.
  3. Emotional Trauma: The cultural portrayal of widowhood as “accursed” exposes widows to lasting grief, loneliness and mental health challenges exacerbated by inadequate support systems. The loss of a spouse, coupled with the new responsibility of being the head of the family, often intensifies emotional struggles. Widows may face an overwhelming mix of fear, shame and pain. Unfortunately, this frequently leads to suicidal thoughts, especially when they lack access to counseling or support services.
  4. Legal Vulnerabilities: Inheritance rights disputes, property conflicts and restricted access to justice are common challenges often seen as a norm. African Widows are frequently denied their rightful inheritance. Their property and assets are seized by their husbands’ families or other relatives. With little or no legal protection, many widows are left with no safety net. They are exposed to further vulnerability, exploitation and abuse.

The Almanah Hope Foundation

The Almanah Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Nigeria, stands as a beacon of light to African widows by bridging the gap between the “cold sweat of stigmatization and the hot flashes of economic hardship” widows in Africa encounter. The organization has implemented a multifaceted approach to address these complex issues: 

  1. Radio Program: “A Widow’s Window”: “A Widow’s Window” is Nigeria’s first family radio talk show dedicated to widowhood. It offers widows a powerful platform to share their experiences and reclaim their voices. Beyond mentoring and empowering widows, the show has helped many reclaim their assets through the exposure it provides. It has also inspired similar radio initiatives across Nigeria and Africa, empowering communities to address widowhood more openly.
  2. Nigeria Widows Protection Bill: Recognizing the lack of legal protections specifically addressing widows’ social needs, the foundation prepared and submitted a bill to the House of Representatives in 2020. This proposed Act aims to eliminate all forms of repressive cultural practices against widows and safeguard their human rights. The 9th House of Representatives passed the bill, forwarding it to the Senate for concurrence in February 2023.
  3. Nigeria Widows Database: One fundamental challenge in distributing COVID-19 palliative measures in Nigeria has been the lack of a comprehensive database, including one specifically for widows. This absence of verified data led to significant issues, such as identity falsification, resource diversion, duplication and wastage of limited resources. It also caused double and rushed registration processes, a shortage of relief materials, inefficient planning and flawed policy implementation. As a result, a considerable number of widows were excluded from receiving critical support during the pandemic. In response, the Almanah Hope Foundation launched the Nigerian Widows Database, endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. This initiative created the first indigenous baseline database for widows. Indeed, more than 30,000 widows registered to date and this continues to grow.
  4. Inter-Secondary School Gender-Based Violence Education Competition: In commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, the organization established an annual inter-secondary school program that educates students on gender-based violence (GBV) and its impacts. Since its inception in 2017, more than 200 public secondary schools have participated. The program produced the book “Message to the Youth,” which explores the causes and effects of GBV. More than 1,000 copies have been distributed to participants in Anambra and Lagos states.
  5. The African Widows Summit (TAWS): Furthermore, the organization has established the African Widows Growth and Development Initiative (AWGaDi) to address the shared challenges African widows face. This initiative organizes continental summits, including the TAWS, an annual high-profile conference bringing together African stakeholders, leaders and widows. TAWS aims to provide political leadership and guidance to the African Union and its member states on widowhood issues. Furthermore, the organization seeks to influence policies and actions that protect and empower widows across the continent.

These initiatives, among others, demonstrate the Almanah Hope Foundation’s commitment to supporting widows in Africa.

Summary

Widows in Africa continue to face significant challenges, including a lack of economic opportunities, marginalization and stigmatization. However, the Almanah Hope Foundation addresses these issues through various initiatives, including a radio program and an annual African widows’ summit. These programs raise awareness of the obstacles African widows encounter and empower them to advocate for their rights and well-being.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr

Sawré MuybuIn 2022, the Statista Research Department reported that 33.2% of Indigenous peoples in Brazil live below the poverty line, subsisting on less than $2.15 a day. This statistic highlights the many systemic barriers that Indigenous communities in Brazil face. Among the most pressing is the ongoing encroachment on Indigenous lands: miners and loggers increased their invasions from 109 in 2018 to 305 in 2021.

These incursions threaten the livelihoods of Indigenous communities who rely on the land for farming, fishing and hunting. One egregious example of the detrimental effects of these invasions is the use of toxic mercury by gold miners to extract gold. This contaminates rivers and endangers both community health and cultural traditions like fishing. Furthermore, the resulting food scarcity and deforestation have driven many Indigenous people to relocate to cities, where they face discrimination and have limited access to health care.

Conflict Over Sawré Muybu

Within the heart of the Amazon lies the Sawré Muybu, an Indigenous land inhabited by the Munduruku people for generations. Rich in diverse plant and animal life, safeguarding this land is essential to preserving an ancestral way of life that connects deeply to the forest and is grounded in cultural and spiritual harmony. However, frequent land invasions by miners and loggers threaten the Munduruku people’s livelihoods and their ability to sustain this ancestral way of life. Leaders of the Munduruku community have endured violence and death threats for defending their territory, highlighting the severe risks they take to protect their land and heritage.

Demarcation establishes the legal process of officially defining and protecting Indigenous lands, creating clear boundaries to recognize and safeguard the rights of Indigenous communities to their ancestral territories. This process is crucial for preventing incursions by external parties, such as miners and loggers and preserving Indigenous livelihoods and culture. The demarcation process for the Sawré Muybu territory began in 2007 but saw long delays due to the economic sway of the mining industry in the region.

In 2014, the Munduruku people took control by self-demarcating their land, marking its borders and driving out intruders. This act carried significant political weight and inspired other Indigenous communities across Brazil to assert their rights in similar ways.

The Demarcation of the Sawré Muybu Territory

On September 25, 2024, Brazil’s Minister of Justice officially decreed the demarcation of the Sawré Muybu territory, achieving a major victory for Indigenous peoples in Brazil. This 17-year struggle for the Munduruku’s ancestral land highlights the power of solidarity and persistent advocacy in influencing political decisions on Indigenous rights. With this demarcation, incursions on the land are now illegal, placing a duty on the government to enforce the decree, remove land invaders and prevent any acts of violent retaliation.

The Path Ahead for Indigenous Rights

This victory marks a pivotal step toward Indigenous dignity and rights amid the numerous pressures affecting Indigenous peoples in Brazil. Indeed, it stands not only as a landmark in the fight for land rights but also as a triumph for human rights, poverty reduction and environmental preservation. Furthermore, it demonstrates that Indigenous voices possess strength—and, if ignored, will find ways to be heard.

Chief Juarez Saw of Sawré Muybu village aptly expressed this sentiment upon the decree’s signing: “Yesterday was a victory for all of us who depend on the forest, which means the whole world. For forest defenders, the minister’s signature was very important in helping us to guarantee the preservation of nature and the standing forest. When I speak of our victory, I speak of our collective victory.”

– William Pickering

William is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

Maasai PovertyThe Maasai Tribe are semi-nomadic people who originally hail from South Sudan but have settled in Kenya and Tanzania in modern times. The tribe have strict customs regarding diet and food, which all center around their relationship with their cattle. To the Maasai people, the cattle they herd form the economy they operate, often depending on them to fulfill all their needs, from currency to trade with, to key ingredients in their diet. However, with an increase in land disputes, the courts often evicted the Maasai people from the land they used. High levels of food insecurity and poverty also affect Maasai people (especially women and children), due to its customs and traditions where men make “all the major decisions around food.” Restricted land use and the ban on growing crops further exacerbate this issue.

Multi-Dimensional Poverty

Multi-dimensional poverty is a serious issue within Africa, with 317 million children being multidimensionally poor in sub-Saharan Africa. This is especially evident in rural areas, where vulnerable groups like women and children do not have access to education, clean water or food. The Maasai people are no exception to these statistics, with cultural ideals stating that the males of the group should get the more nutritious food, leaving the women and children dealing with malnutrition as a result of the food insecurity, according to The Conversation.

This is just one aspect of poverty the Maasai people deal with, with 20% of people having access to safe water in Narok County (where the Maasai reserves are based). This rural area also needs clean sanitation levels with only 35% of people having access to clean sanitation.

These risks to the traditional way of life have forced the Maasai to turn to different ways to feed themselves. One instance following a drought earlier this year forced the tribe to begin fish farming as a way to feed themselves, a divergence considering the typical diet of a Maasai revolves mainly around cattle and the odd goat during hard periods. To help accustom the Maasai local governments, like Kajiado have gifted pond liners, fish fingerlings and food to help them become self-sufficient.

Maasai Poverty and Tourism

However, this is not the only new practice the Maasai have undertaken, with the tribe working with tourism groups as a way to increase its economy. This transition to modern currency, whilst diverging from their cultural practices, allows the tribe to increase its resources. Companies like Wayfairer have discussed how they operate on a level that helps Maasai poverty rates rather than exploit them. Wayfairer ensures that any money generated from the tourists goes directly to local development initiatives helping to support the Indigenous people.

The Maasai poverty rate threatens their traditional way of life, a threat commonly seen among Indigenous groups, another example is the San people. They are the oldest inhabitants of South Africa and are known for their connection and use of the land they inhabit, however, most of the San people live below the poverty line due to aspects of Indigenous poverty the Maasai also deal with, such issues as low resources, land disputes and social and cultural shifts.

Thankfully the Maasai people and the tourism surrounding them often has ethical options, for instance, companies reminding groups to treat them with respect, using Maasai guides and asking these guides what donation they recommend.

Organizations Helping Maasai People

There are also specific organizations to help support the Maasai, like the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, which works to ensure the land protection of the Maasai, subsequently helping protect the animals and ecosystem that it supports. Not only does this help the planet and diversity of species in Kenya, but also the Maasai people who live off the land.

RedTribe helps tackle Maasai poverty and helps people adjust to modern life. The organization focuses on raising money for the community by selling traditional beadwork that women make, helping ensure access to clean water, and the Maasai clinic, which helps the 12,000 people in the community to stay healthy with treatments like vaccines and dental care. Whilst this company helps the Maasai integrate into contemporary life it is run by those from the tribe ensuring that the values and beliefs that were considered vital to the Maasai way of life are still honored, working for sustainability through empowering locals rather than aid.

This prioritizing of the tribe’s needs and values allows the tourists to support the Maasai in a way that doesn’t further threaten their cultural practices, helping the poverty rates as well as educating those who visit them.

– Caitlin Mulholland

Caitlin is based in Lymington, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

3 Organizations Fighting Heart Disease in the PhilippinesAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), heart disease accounts for a third of deaths in the Philippines. Known as cardiovascular disease (CVD), it impacts the heart and blood vessels. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many in the Philippines have seen weakened immune systems, heightening their susceptibility to severe heart disease. Medical experts recognize a strong correlation between poverty and health issues in developing countries, where inadequate living conditions and sanitation can lead to health complications.

These countries often face a shortage of medical professionals. Research from the University of the Philippines highlights a significant gap in its health care system, particularly the low ratio of doctors to the population, which delays CVD diagnoses. To address these ongoing challenges, several organizations are stepping up to help, including the Children’s Heart Foundation, Gift of Life International and the Philips Foundation.

3 Organizations Fighting Heart Disease in the Philippines

  1. Children’s Heart Foundation. Founded in 2000 by a group of volunteers, the Children’s Heart Foundation emerged from a successful fundraising campaign for a young patient with cardiovascular disease (CVD) a year earlier. The nonprofit organization dedicates itself to “helping economically deprived children with heart disease access quality medical care.” Its primary location in Makati City partners with the local Philippines Heart Center to provide financial assistance to patients completing their treatments. Additionally, the Children’s Heart Foundation offers social opportunities for patients to connect with others facing similar health challenges, enhancing their support network.
  2. Gift of Life International. Gift of Life International provides life-saving cardiac care to Filipino children suffering from heart disease. As a global organization, it has received significant requests for aid from the Philippines, particularly in Manila. By partnering with local groups, Gift of Life International has positively impacted more than 3,000 children there, investing $805,000 in its care. The organization’s outreach operates on three fronts: securing donations, handling requests for aid—whether from a country or for an individual child—and facilitating volunteer involvement in ongoing efforts.
  3. Philips Foundation. The Philips Foundation has launched an initiative in the Philippines to combat heart disease by detecting early signs of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). The foundation aims to reach half a million people in the Philippines, equipping employees to raise awareness about CVD and diagnose it before it becomes fatal. It uses innovative hand-held ultrasound screeners to accelerate the diagnosis process. Additionally, the foundation plans to train 200 teachers in these diagnostic techniques and general heart disease awareness. If successful, this initiative, known as its ‘pilot’ project, could expand further in the Philippines and globally. The Philippines was selected for this major initiative due to its critical need for enhanced heart disease care.

Looking Ahead

Efforts to combat cardiovascular disease in the Philippines continue to expand, bringing hope to many in need of critical care. By providing treatment, financial assistance and early diagnostic tools, dedicated organizations aim to reduce the incidence of heart disease and strengthen the health care system. As these initiatives progress, they pave the way for greater health equity and set a foundation for improved medical support across the country, especially for those most at risk.

– Nadia Haeryfar

Nadia is based in Ashford, CT, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

Excellent World FoundationPoverty remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, a country of more than 200 million people, where more than 80% of the population lives in abject poverty despite the nation’s wealth of natural resources. This situation is especially dire in the Niger Delta States, which include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Imo and Rivers. The Niger Delta region is vital to Nigeria’s economy, contributing more than 70% of the country’s revenue. However, the communities here face severe poverty and a profound lack of social amenities.

In addition to poverty, the Niger Delta communities grapple with environmental degradation caused by oil spills from the oil and gas industry. This destruction of their surroundings is compounded by other issues, including conflict, insecurity and corruption, which further destabilize the region. The Excellent World Foundation focuses its efforts in these states, aiming to address the region’s challenges.

Efforts

As a grassroots-based organization, the Excellent World Foundation employs a variety of approaches and methodologies to implement its initiatives and engage critical stakeholders effectively. These methods emphasize direct engagement and allow for real-time feedback that supports continuous planning and evaluation. The key approaches include:

  1. Advocacy: Using an aggressive advocacy strategy, the organization reaches out to stakeholders and facilitates the implementation of its activities.
  2. Focus Group Discussions: This tool allows the foundation to engage stakeholders meaningfully, fostering an environment for open dialogue and active participation.
  3. Town Hall Meetings: Through these gatherings, it connects directly with its beneficiaries, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.
  4. Interactive Sessions: These sessions provide further opportunities for personal engagement and immediate feedback.

Impact and Outcomes

In partnership with the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) through the Community Development Board (CDB) of Oil and Mineral Lease (OML) 26 in Delta State, Nigeria, the Excellent World Foundation has previously implemented programs that have empowered more than 20,000 youths. These initiatives provided skill training and starter packs in areas such as welding and fabrication, fashion and design, solar installation, sewing and cake baking, among other trades, directly benefiting youths within the OML 26 communities.

Furthermore, in partnership with PRO-DATA, it has established more than 200 peace clubs, an early warning system, HIV/AIDs clubs and environmental watch in public schools in Nigeria. With funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Excellent World Foundation has established more than 200 Emergency Water Sanitation and Hygiene Group (EWASH) committees, providing essential training in more than 200 communities. Currently, the foundation is implementing “Skools” and digital skills training programs, aiming to reach more than 10,000 beneficiaries across Nigeria, with a focus on student participants.

Conclusion

The Excellent World Foundation has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria, particularly within the Niger Delta and other underserved communities. Supported by partnerships with organizations like USAID and the NPDC, the foundation’s initiatives have positively impacted tens of thousands, equipping them with essential skills and resources to create lasting change.

– Staff Reports
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