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INSP: Street Papers Tackle Homelessness and Poverty

INSPThe notion of a street paper was first established by the International Network of Street Papers (INSP), a nonprofit organisation dedicated to tackling homelessness and poverty based in Glasgow, Scotland. According to the INSP, street papers are‘magazines or newspapers sold by people experiencing poverty, homelessness or other forms of marginalisation. Together with investigative journalists, people living on the streets report on the challenges they face, detail their own personal experiences of homelessness and write poetry to express themselves. Not only do homeless people contribute to the written content of the papers, but they also sell them on the street and keep the proceeds.

Shifting Public Perception Through Street Journalism

Vendor Programme Director of Street Roots, the street paper based in Portland, Oregon, DeVon Pouncey, outlines how the introduction of street papers has allowed readers to see how systems have failed people, rather than people on the streets have failed themselves. This helps redefine the general negative public perception of people experiencing homelessness, supporting efforts to address homelessness and poverty. The INSP has helped to found street papers in 35 countries across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. Since the first street paper was published in New York in 1989, the INSP has supported almost 400,000 people in poverty.

Employment, Voice and Empowerment

Street papers not only help address homelessness and poverty by providing people on the streets with work, but also give them a platform to express themselves and share their stories, allowing them to represent and speak for themselves. By featuring content written by homeless people, street papers raise the profile of social justice issues, such as the rise in the number of people who work but still live in poverty, or the criminalisation of rough sleeping in Australia. This challenges global preconceptions of people living in poverty. In selling the papers on the street, vendors also gain social skills and a renewed sense of confidence. In addition to the income and skills earned from selling the papers, the INSP is also committed to creating lasting change for homeless people, which is why it partners with local services to help find housing, provide employability training and supply food and clothing.

Boca de Rua: A Model in Brazil

Boca de Rua (Mouth of the Street), published in Porto Alegre, Brazil, is one example of a street paper. Founded in 2000, it features text, photos and drawings by 30 homeless people who then sell the papers and keep the profits. Boca de Rua also has a supplement, Boquinha (Little Mouth), which presents the work and activities of a group of 15 children and teenagers at risk of homelessness. Coming together in leisure spaces such as parks and theatres, the young people participate in games and create crafts and music, which is then documented in Boquinha. Boca de Rua has also partnered with Casa Alice (Alice’s House), a space for its vendors to take part in festivals, markets and classes and to access a library and lessons in reading.

The Global Impact of Street Papers

The INSP has a global readership of 3.2 million people supported by more than 900 volunteers. In 2021 alone, vendors sold 13 million street papers in 1350 towns and cities, allowing them to earn more than  £17.9 million. This model helps address homelessness and poverty in communities around the world.

– Elsa Tarring

Elsa is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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KFC in South Africa: Fueling Economic Prosperity

KFC in South Africa: Fueling Economic Prosperity in Underdeveloped Markets Since Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) arrived in South Africa in 1971, it has grown into one of the most popular fast-food chains in the country, fueling economic prosperity in the region just after the financial crisis of 2008. With more than 900 stores across the country, it has created employment opportunities. The brand has created thousands of jobs, both directly through restaurant staff and indirectly via local suppliers, logistics and advertising, helping put money not only in the people of South Africa’s pockets, but also boosting the economy. For many South Africans, KFC represents more than just a quick meal; it serves as a source of employment and a pathway to financial stability.

KFC’s Economic Footprint and Social Responsibility in South Africa

Through its Add Hope initiative, KFC has raised more than R1 billion to fight hunger in South Africa, providing at least 80,000 meals daily to vulnerable children. The program partners with more than 130 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), supporting sustainable feeding schemes and empowering communities. A 2024 impact study by the Gordon Institute of Business Science found that Add Hope contributes to improved health outcomes, school attendance and long-term socioeconomic development. It’s a model that shows how corporate social investment can be both strategic and transformative.

A Blueprint for Fueling Economic Prosperity

According to the OECD’s 2024 Emerging Markets Report, foreign direct investment (FDI) in these regions is rebounding, with Africa and Latin America showing strong potential for sustainable development in the future, especially when companies localize their operations and invest in infrastructure, education and community partnerships. Standard Bank projects that East Africa’s infrastructure boom could push its business value from $37 billion in 2024 to $54 billion in the coming years. This kind of growth opens doors for new markets and companies willing to engage deeply with local economies.  

Cultural Integration

When KFC made the jump to South Africa, it had to adapt its menu to reflect South African tastes and cultural norms, a move that helped build trust and brand loyalty. Other companies like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and IKEA have also thrived by tailoring their products and marketing to local preferences.

Looking Ahead

As KFC continues to serve more than just food in South Africa, its story reflects a broader narrative: global brands have the potential to contribute to development while doing business. By anchoring themselves in local needs—through employment, cultural respect and social investment—companies can potentially help foster economic resilience in underdeveloped markets.

KFC has established a presence in South Africa that goes beyond corporate growth; it offers a model for supporting economic development in regions often overlooked by global expansion. When brands take similar approaches with intentionality, success can also be measured by improved livelihoods, stronger communities and more inclusive economies.

– Dylan Fly

Dylan is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty Reduction in Gabon

Poverty reduction in gabonGabon is a country with valuable natural resources like oil, timber and manganese. Yet, despite this wealth, more than one-third of its people live in poverty. High youth unemployment makes the situation worse. The political transition in August 2023, although challenging, has led to a stronger national focus on development. The National Development Plan of the Transition (PNDT) is at the heart of these efforts, aiming to reduce poverty in Gabon.

PNDT

The PNDT is Gabon’s main plan for solving economic and social challenges during the two-year transition that began on August 30, 2023. It focuses on five main goals: “political and institutional reforms, development of strategic infrastructure, intensification of economic diversification, development of human capital and social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.” All these goals connect directly to reducing poverty in Gabon.

A major goal is to invest in key infrastructure, like roads, energy, and health care. The PNDT wants to move Gabon away from depending only on raw materials and instead grow industries that add more value, like timber processing. This approach could create more jobs and reduce the country’s reliance on unstable resource prices.

Key Initiatives for Poverty Reduction in Gabon

One major effort to reduce poverty is the Emergency Community Development Program (PUDC). Launched with help from the UNDP, it aims to provide clean water, electricity, and better infrastructure in rural and peri-urban areas. It also encourages small businesses, youth employment and local planning. Gabon has invested 120 billion CFA francs into this program, with 66.7 billion already used.

Gabon is also improving health care through the National Health Insurance and Social Coverage Fund (CNAMGS). Started in 2008, CNAMGS first helped the poorest groups, students, and seniors, and now covers over half the population.

The transitional government is working to diversify the economy by focusing on industries beyond oil, such as forestry, mining, agriculture and tourism. These areas are seen as having strong potential for creating jobs and supporting rural development.

Addressing Governance and Fiscal Sustainability

Poverty reduction in Gabon is closely tied to better governance. This means improving transparency, accountability, and the use of public money, especially oil revenues. Poor management in the past has led to high debt and slow economic growth.

The PNDT also focuses on improving financial management. One step is the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which should be fully running by June 2024 to make public finances more efficient. The 2024 budget aims to raise more revenue, cut tax breaks, and modernize customs and tax systems. The IMF has stated that Gabon’s economic success depends on moving toward more transparent and inclusive governance.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Gabon is making strong efforts to fight poverty and inequality, but the success of these changes depends on fixing long-standing problems in governance, finances, and business conditions. Urban areas, where 90% of the population lives, still face concentrated poverty. To solve this, Gabon needs balanced development that supports both cities and rural areas.

– Cameron Jones

Cameron is based in Hendersonville, TN, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Latvia

Disability and Poverty in LatviaLife becomes a hardship when an injury causes disability. The case is even worse for individuals with permanent disabilities, and often experience neglect from society. As such, without proper care, they are significantly more at risk of living below the poverty line. For disabled individuals living in impoverished nations, resources and care can be nonexistent. Although the perception of disabled persons in Latvia improved, disability still has significant links to being at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Here is more information about the links between disability and poverty in Latvia.

Social Isolation and Mistreatment

Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, links poverty and social isolation together through the at risk of poverty or social exclusion metric (AROPE). Isolation and mistreatment from society can in turn exacerbate poverty. In 2021, Eurostat projected that in Latvia, 37.5% of disabled persons over the age of 16 were considered AROPE. Latvia’s rate was the highest in the Baltic States and was among the highest in the European Union. This number has grown since 2015, whereas only 566,000, or 28.5% of residents, were considered AROPE.

Paired with the fact that the number of disabled persons in Latvia is growing, individuals under AROPE require even greater attention in order to not suffer poverty’s devastation.

Poverty Alleviation for the Disabled

Latvia has one of the largest wealth gaps in the European Union. Data from 2012 demonstrates that the top 10% of the population received 26% of the entire income. In 2023, data from the Central Statistical Bureau listed that the richest population’s income was 6.3 times greater than the income of the poorest, rendering Latvia as a top country with wealth inequality. 

With a percentage of the affluent population, it is possible to provide greater support to individuals in poverty. However, little is occurring to benefit disabled and impoverished individuals. Since 2005, the social minimum has been 64.03 Euros per month, equivalent to that of the benefit given to disabled individuals. In addition, the minimum disability pension ranges from 64.03 Euros to 170.75 Euros per month. 

Given that these rates have been unchanged since 2005, it is difficult for individuals under these funds to sustain a viable lifestyle, especially as inflation increases the cost of living every year. In addition, Latvia’s classification of a poor person, an individual who is not earning more than 128.06 Euros per month, has not changed since 2001. As the minimum benefit that disabled citizens receive is significantly less than the minimum amount necessary to be in poverty, disabled individuals experience significant disadvantages.

A Path Forward for the Disabled

Despite clear societal hardships for disabled individuals and increased risk of poverty, treatment has improved. In 2010, the Independent Living Institute, which is dedicated to promoting rights of individuals with disabilities, stated that “the view of people with disabilities has improved.” Latvia addressed the matter of living conditions for the disabled in 2009 with draft legislation discussing personal assistance and the specifics of individual care. The legislation provided minimum requirements for social services and assistance to the disabled, and outlined the responsibilities of local governments in providing such care. Although the legislation did not move forward due to a financial crisis, the fact that officials discussed this demonstrates that Latvia acknowledged disability and the risk of poverty.

This shift is due to borders opening and the changing of stereotypes of disabled persons. As Latvians gained the ability to travel abroad and view how disabled individuals were treated in other countries, their own perceptions began to change positively. 

Since the increased awareness of disability and poverty in Latvia, greater progress has occurred to ensure that the disabled are cared for and less at risk. Interest groups such as the Independent Living Institute have played a significant role in lobbying the Latvian government to consider and implement disability care legislation, and was critical in signing onto of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

Looking Ahead

While stigma surrounding disabled individuals still exists, more respect and acknowledgement of their capabilities and hardships ultimately create better treatment and greater equity. The first step to reducing disability and poverty in Latvia is to first understand and take issues of disabled individuals seriously. With support from individuals and groups fighting to promote accessible resources, the disabled population will be less likely to be at risk of poverty, and should live happier lives.

– Owen Wu

Owen is based in Westborough, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Circular Economy in Latin America Fights Poverty

Circular Economy in Latin AmericaIn Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), less than 5% of municipal waste is recycled, well below Europe’s 33–49% range, despite nearly 80% of the population living in cities. A 2025 World Economic Forum report attributes low recycling rates to poor waste infrastructure and the informal economy’s dominance. This linear system harms the environment and leaves millions of waste pickers trapped in poverty, limiting the region’s ability to scale a circular economy that Latin America urgently needs.

Waste Pickers at the Heart of Circular Innovation

In Bogotá and other major cities, informal recyclers, known as waste pickers, collect up to 90% of materials destined for recycling. Despite this, many lack basic safety gear and earn below minimum wage. A 2024 Reuters investigation reports that roughly 20 million waste pickers worldwide process 60% of recycled plastics, yet they remain overlooked in policy design.

Brazil: Fishing for Litter and PET Recycling

Brazil’s Fishing for Litter initiative offers fishermen a guaranteed monthly minimum wage to collect trash from Guanabara Bay while working. In two years, 80 fishermen collected nearly 400 tonnes of waste, earning fair wages and reducing pollution in mangrove ecosystems.

In Minas Gerais, Brazil, cooperatives of catadores (waste pickers) partner with Veja, a sustainable shoe manufacturer, to transform polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle waste into shoe materials. This collaboration ensures fair prices and traces plastic from collection to production, elevating informal workers’ incomes and environmental stewardship.

Colombia: Ecobricks and Rising Challenges

Grassroots ecobrick projects in coastal Colombian towns repurpose plastic waste into sturdy bricks for building benches, walls and classrooms. A recent ResearchGate report notes that these initiatives prevent plastic leaks into marine environments and raise awareness of sustainable practices. These programs, often school-led, empower local communities and generate small incomes.

However, on June 24, 2025, more than a dozen Colombian associations dumped 15 tonnes of plastic in Bogotá’s Bolívar Square to protest plummeting prices, down from $0.75 to $0.50 per kilo. With most earning less than $350 monthly, pickers urged the government to stabilize income through price guarantees and rights recognition.

Textile Recycling in Chile: A Second Life for Fabric

In Santiago, Ecocitex transforms textile waste into eco‑yarn products. Founded in 2020 by Rosario Hevia, the company has recycled more than 200 tons of textiles, mitigating thousands of tons of CO₂ emissions. It employs formerly incarcerated women through partnerships like Abriendo Puertas. The organization also supports more than 220 people annually and promotes social inclusion while offering sustainable income through its yarn and product sales.

Scaling Up Through Finance and Tech

An Inter‑American Development Bank analysis, “Unlocking Circular Economy Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean: The Catalyst for Positive Change,” shows how microfinance, digital logistics platforms and public‑private partnerships are opening new opportunities for recyclers and SME recyclers, particularly women‑led initiatives. The report recommends financial instruments and incentives that can scale small circular businesses across the region.

It also urges countries to modernize environmental laws and build stronger public-private partnerships to close the investment gap. The region can drive circular growth and create more resilient, equitable economies by supporting MSMEs with better access to finance, innovation and inclusive strategies.

From Waste to Wealth

Across Latin America, grassroots circular economy models, from ecobricks to cooperatives and textile upcycling, demonstrate that sustainable solutions can lift communities out of poverty. With millions dependent on informal recycling, policy reforms that integrate these workers are not just environmentally prudent but economically essential. Supporting these initiatives through finance, infrastructure and inclusive policies offers a proven path from waste to wealth.

– Meral Ciplak

Meral is based in Edmonton, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Combating Mold and Poor Air in Informal Settlements

Invisible Threat: Combating Mold and Poor Air in Informal Settlements to Boost HealthInformal settlements, often characterized by dense populations, inadequate infrastructure and precarious living conditions, house millions of people worldwide. While visible challenges like the lack of sanitation and access to clean water are widely recognized, a serious and often overlooked threat exists within the very structures these communities rely on: mold and poor air quality. This ongoing issue significantly affects public health, contributing to chronic illnesses and undermining the overall well-being of residents.

The built environment in informal settlements worsens the problem. Residents often construct dwellings from salvaged or low-cost materials that provide minimal insulation and poor ventilation.

Overcrowding is common, further limiting air circulation and increasing humidity. Additionally, many residents rely on open fires or rudimentary stoves for cooking and heating and this releases harmful pollutants into the already confined spaces. The combination of moisture, poor ventilation and indoor pollution creates ideal conditions for mold growth and contributes to dangerously poor air quality in informal settlements.

Health Impacts of Mold and Poor Air

Exposure to mold and poor air in informal settlements has far-reaching health consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly and individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions.

  • Respiratory Illnesses. Mold spores, when inhaled, can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. Chronic exposure to indoor air pollutants, including particulate matter and volatile organic compounds from cooking fires, significantly increases the risk of acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and even lung cancer. Children, whose respiratory systems are still developing, are particularly susceptible to these adverse effects.
  • Allergic Reactions and Skin Conditions. Beyond respiratory issues, mold can cause a range of allergic reactions, including skin rashes, itchy eyes and nasal congestion. The damp and unhygienic conditions often associated with informal settlements can also exacerbate existing skin conditions and contribute to new ones.
  • Cognitive and Developmental Impacts. Studies have begun to link exposure to poor indoor air quality, particularly in early childhood, with negative impacts on cognitive development and academic performance. This creates an unfortunate cycle where environmental factors undermine educational opportunities, perpetuating poverty.
  • Mental Health. The constant presence of dampness, mold and poor air in informal settlements can also contribute to stress, anxiety and depression among residents. The feeling of living in an unhealthy and unsafe environment can take a significant toll on mental well-being.

Potential Solutions and Ongoing Efforts

Addressing mold and poor air quality in informal settlements requires a multi-faceted approach that considers the unique challenges of these communities.

  • Improving Housing Design and Materials. Simple design modifications, such as strategically placed windows and vents, can significantly improve airflow and reduce humidity. Educating residents on preventing water intrusion and managing leaks could also play a crucial role. Implementing affordable and moisture-resistant building materials can also help. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity often focus on improving housing conditions, including better ventilation and moisture control. Exploring the use of locally sourced, sustainable materials that offer better insulation and breathability can potentially provide long-term solutions.
  • Enhancing Indoor Air Quality Practices. Promoting access to and adoption of cleaner cooking technologies, such as improved cookstoves or alternative fuels, can significantly reduce indoor air pollution. The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves promotes the use of these solutions. Educating residents on simple practices like opening windows when cooking, drying clothes outdoors and maintaining regular cleaning can make a significant difference. Proper waste disposal reduces the presence of damp organic matter that can contribute to mold growth.
  • Community Engagement and Education. Informing residents about the health risks associated with mold and poor air and empowering them with practical solutions is paramount. Supporting local initiatives that focus on improving housing conditions and environmental health can lead to sustainable change. Organizations like Slum Dwellers International (SDI) often work with communities to identify and address their housing and infrastructure needs. Establishing community-based health monitoring programs can help track the prevalence of respiratory illnesses and other health issues linked to indoor air quality, allowing for targeted interventions.
  • Policy and Urban Planning Interventions. Granting secure land tenure to residents of informal settlements can incentivize them to invest in improving their homes and living conditions, knowing they won’t be evicted. Investing in basic infrastructure like drainage systems, piped water and electricity can reduce dampness and the reliance on polluting energy sources.
  • Integrated Urban Planning. Incorporating health considerations into urban planning for informal settlements, with a focus on ventilation, open spaces and access to services, is crucial for long-term public health. UN-Habitat supports inclusive and sustainable urbanization.

A Healthier Future for Informal Settlements

Addressing mold and poor air in informal settlements appears to go beyond improving housing; it also involves safeguarding public health, strengthening resilience and reducing poverty linked to environmental conditions. Implementing strategies that combine improved housing, cleaner practices, community engagement and supportive policies can help mitigate these risks and improve outcomes for affected communities.

– Anoushka Rai

Anoushka is based in Frisco, TX, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Education Reform in Rwanda

Education Reform in RwandaLearning poverty, as defined by the World Bank, is the inability of a child to read and comprehend an age-appropriate text by age 10. This has been a long-standing issue across Africa, with 89% of children experiencing learning poverty throughout Eastern and Southern Africa alone, an issue that was worsened due to the pandemic. However, education reform in Rwanda has helped improve the chances of students to thrive, from creating a more inclusive space to adding training to prepare students for real-world challenges.

Reform: A Little Means a Lot

One approach to education reform in Rwanda is a targeted strategy. Educational reform is a complex process that often attempts to address multiple issues simultaneously. As a result, progress tends to happen gradually and in small increments. However, with help from Educate!, a youth employment and skill-building organization founded by Eric Glustrom and Boris Bulayev, Rwandan schools have focused their efforts on one change in the curriculum: Entrepreneurship. A mandatory class for the upper-secondary school level, Educate! focused its efforts on practical learning rather than memorization and theory.

As of May 16, 2024, the reform has reached every secondary school in Rwanda, impacting 165,000 students annually. Teachers who incorporated the curriculum change and utilized student-centered techniques saw improvement in their students’ soft skills, which are closely linked to workplace success, such as patience and perseverance. In short, narrowing the scope of reform and focusing on one change at a time might sound like a short-term plan, but its benefits can be seen in the long term.

Expansion: Accessibility Is Key to Attendance

Educational reform is an excellent start, but another problem within Rwandan schools is the overcrowding. A typical primary classroom in Rwanda held an average of 73 students. Keeping that many students in one classroom, it becomes clear that not every student will receive the necessary attention they deserve to succeed.

However, thanks to a team-up with the World Bank, Rwanda has added more than 22,500 new classrooms across the country, decreasing the average from 73 students per class to 49. Another bonus of the expansion efforts is that an additional 68,000 students between the ages of 5 and 14 can now access school within a two-kilometer radius, which significantly aids their attendance and energy to learn.

Inclusivity: No Child Will Be Left Behind

Another important step in improving Rwanda’s education has been to sustain a more inclusive environment. This includes adding wheelchair ramps to the newly added schools and gender-segregated bathrooms, which gives students easier access to sanitation and a safe school environment.

In addition to physical changes within the school, Rwanda is also taking measures to introduce early identification of disabilities among students so that they can get the help they need. The Global Partnership for Education has helped Rwanda digitalize educational content and support technology‑based teaching, improving children’s reading and pronunciation skills.

Conclusion

Education reform in Rwanda has come a long way in the past couple of years. Efforts to improve education across Africa have had their fair share of successes and setbacks. However, with the help of global organizations, Rwanda is seeing incredible improvement in keeping up with an ever-evolving environment.

– Matthew Perduk

Matthew is based in Chantilly, VA, USA and focuses on Good News, Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Climate-Smart Agriculture in Jordan Offers Hope

Climate-Smart Agriculture in JordanJordan has long been thirsty as the world’s second most water-scarce country. This scarcity affects more than just drinking water. It severely threatens agriculture, the industry that feeds the entire nation. Facing limited resources, Jordan is pioneering innovative, environmentally friendly farming solutions. Climate-smart agriculture in Jordan is a triple win: fighting food insecurity, protecting the planet and promoting long-term economic resilience by helping the country grow sustainably.

Agriculture’s Water Dilemma

The average Jordanian has access to less than 60 cubic meters of water per year, less than one-fifth of the U.N.’s 500 cubic meter threshold for absolute water scarcity. The problem continues to worsen. The climate crisis is causing reduced precipitation, rising temperatures and more frequent droughts, all exacerbating water scarcity.

Agriculture in Jordan faces a major challenge due to limited water resources. While the sector depends heavily on a steady water supply to grow food, it contributes significantly to the country’s water scarcity. Despite accounting for only about 5.6% of Jordan’s gross domestic product (GDP), agriculture consumes more than 50% of the nation’s freshwater. This imbalance has left many farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods struggling to afford the water needed to sustain their crops.

Farming for the Future

Climate-smart farming in Jordan promises not only to address water scarcity but also to prevent it from intensifying. Using effective water management techniques, Jordan can better nourish its population and support agricultural livelihoods. This approach can potentially boost the country’s economy, benefit the 24.1% of impoverished citizens and help protect the environment.

In 2023, the World Bank launched “My Land,” officially known as the Agriculture, Resilience, Value Chain Development and Innovation (ARDI) project. Aiming to provide funding to 30,000 farming households and create 12,000 new jobs, particularly for women and youth, My Land is a shining example of the potential of climate-smart agriculture in Jordan to stimulate growth beyond crop production. The project also hopes to see benefits from one generation to the next by teaching farmers water-conservation techniques and helping them plant drought-resistant crops.

Complementing the World Bank’s work, the Jordan Hydroponics Agriculture and Employment Development Project (HAED-Jo), funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, seeks to develop a more efficient and eco-friendly agriculture sector. At farms like Abu Sido and Al-Jabaly, HAED-Jo has introduced a hydroponic system that enables crops to be grown in a water-based medium instead of soil. This technology can potentially reduce water consumption by up to 80%.

A Path Toward Prosperity

As global temperatures rise, Jordan will continue to confront severe water scarcity. Yet, initiatives like My Land and HAED-Jo demonstrate that the country is rising to the challenge with innovation and resilience. This progress matters beyond the environment, as agriculture has two to three times more impact on reducing poverty than other industries. Thus, climate-smart agriculture in Jordan is sowing the seeds of a more food-secure and prosperous future.

– Caroline Clark

Caroline is based in Needham, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Creative Labs Are Uplifting Women in Kyrgyzstan

Women in KyrgyzstanLocated in central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country nestled between two mountain ranges. Since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the country has been focusing on developing, working recently with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In 2022, the UNDP launched its first women-centered creative labs working to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 5: quality education and gender equality.

Women Empowerment

Women’s empowerment has become a foundational aspect of development and falls under SDG 5, gender equality. The basis is that the more education and knowledge that women have, the more they are able to contribute to the country’s economy as well as their social stability and overall community. However, in developing nations, it can be harder for women to have the necessary resources and their opportunities become limited.

The Creative Economy

Kyrgyzstan is classified as a developing country with strong growth potential but faces significant challenges due to its landlocked geography. The creative economy, particularly sectors that support and uplift artists, especially women, has emerged as an alternative pathway for economic development in the country.

By focusing on women in Kyrgyzstan and harnessing their talents, the country is strengthening its economy by enabling broader participation across various sectors. This approach has led to multiple societal benefits, including increased employment, improved quality of life and a more inclusive society.

The creative economy has also emerged as an innovative means of promoting culture and producing tangible exports, helping Kyrgyzstan grow economically while preserving its cultural heritage.

Women Creative Lab

In 2022, the UNDP launched the Women Creative Lab (WCL) initiative, women-focused workspaces established across Kyrgyzstan. The UNDP describes WCLs as more than just physical spaces; they are environments where women can learn new skills, access opportunities and improve their overall quality of life. By providing women in Kyrgyzstan with a space to create and grow, the initiative addresses gender inequality and enhances education.

The campaign started by targeting more than 25 thematic events and helping them create a safe working space, as well as giving them resources and a network so that they can grow further. The campaign was initiated by the UNDP’s Acceleration initiative with the support of the leading business acceleration in the Kyrgyz Republic, “Welcome KG.”

Expanding the WCL

Since the launch of the first WCL in Osh in 2022, two additional labs have opened in Abad and Batken in 2023, with plans to support more than 200 women across Kyrgyzstan. Since their founding, the WCLs have already empowered hundreds of women, demonstrating how the creative economy can serve as both a development tool and a means of uplifting women.

At these labs, women can take classes, engage in creative and skill-building activities and access a wide range of resources. Beyond creativity, the WCLs provide education on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, legal rights and financial literacy. These centers have become safe, empowering environments where women in Kyrgyzstan can grow, learn and build the confidence and skills needed to support themselves.

Looking Forward

Kyrgyzstan hopes to grow its creative economy by establishing more creative labs and expanding its reach so that it can help more women. After being operational for three years now, the laboratory has been able to expand to more locations and as they continue to grow, more women are becoming employed and the county’s GDP has increased.

The organization is finding that the laboratories also attract more grassroots NGOs to the area to drive development and establish better initiatives. Through these creative labs in Kyrgyzstan, women are given more opportunities that not only benefit themselves but also the country as a whole.

– Olivia Peters

Olivia is based in Newport, RI, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Flipflopi Project: Women Recycling Programs in Kenya

FlipflopiWomen’s recycling programs in Kenya are turning plastic waste into economic opportunity. Women like Lorna Rutto and Nzambi Matee are transforming plastic garbage into economic strength. Rutto, the founder of EcoPost, has repurposed more than 13 million kilograms of plastic into resilient fence posts, generating at least 300 employment opportunities, mostly for women in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Simultaneously, Matee, an engineer and the creator of Gjenge Makers, transforms plastic into colorful pavement bricks that, according to reports, are five times stronger than concrete, processing up to 25 metric tons of garbage weekly.

In Kenya, initiatives such as EcoPost and Gjenge Makers demonstrate how recycling serves as a mechanism for economic development, particularly for women. These projects provide more than employment; they cultivate technical skills, foster leadership and empower women to become environmental stewards and entrepreneurs. In a nation that produces more than 22,000 tons of garbage each day, these women-led initiatives are facilitating community sanitation while directly confronting gendered poverty.

Recycling as a Path to Economic Empowerment

In Kenya’s expanding green economy, recycling goes beyond simple street cleanliness; it is fundamentally about generating livelihoods, especially for women in marginalized communities. TakaTaka Solutions, a trash management and recycling company located in Nairobi, employs women in sorting facilities, where they get training to segregate plastics, metals and biological materials for resale. As of 2023, TakaTaka processed up to 95% of collected garbage and created hundreds of formal employment opportunities, mostly for women who were previously engaged in informal labor or were unemployed.

Some initiatives further integrate recycling with entrepreneurship. In Kibera, Nairobi’s biggest informal settlement, the Human Needs Project runs a Women’s Empowerment Center that trains women in trash management, recycled craft production and microenterprise business planning. These projects provide both money and access to computer literacy, accounting and leadership training; skills often inaccessible to women in underprivileged regions.

The Human Needs Project, in collaboration with Mr. Green Africa, has implemented a PET-plastic collecting “cage” system that allows residents, particularly women, to recycle bottles in return for points that can be exchanged for water, sanitation and skills training. Peter Muthaura, the Director of Training and Strategic Partnerships for the initiative, explains:

“This innovative approach incentivizes responsible waste management, promotes a cleaner environment and fosters economic empowerment in the community.” Women’s recycling programs in Kenya are redefining economic roles for women by formalizing waste collection work and offering technical and entrepreneurial training. A formerly inconspicuous, low-prestige occupation has suddenly become a pathway to enhanced autonomy and influence.

From Margins to Leadership

Women in Kenya’s recycling industry are not just generating income; they are assuming leadership positions, transforming community perceptions about garbage and gender roles. The Flipflopi Project in Coastal Kenya, a circular economy program that constructs boats and household products from recycled plastic, has emerged as a platform for empowering women as craftsmen, educators and environmental champions.

The initiative developed a plastic recovery and training center in Lamu County, targeting 60% of the archipelago’s population and provides vocational programs in plastic processing, upcycling, traditional boatbuilding and storytelling skills for women. In its 2019–2021 expeditions, women craftsmen had a significant role in both constructing the boat and facilitating workshops, addressing students and interacting with county authorities.

As Flipflopi co-founder Dipesh Pabari explains: “A multi-colored boat made of flip flops is a conversation starter, no matter who you are.” Women affiliated with Flipflopi are transforming norms by doing outreach events with politicians and media, therefore establishing themselves as prominent advocates in environmental and community development. 

Why Recycling Solutions in Kenya Work

The success of Kenya’s recycling projects is attributed not just to innovation but also to the ecosystem, including legislation, community ownership and cultural preparedness for change. Collectively, these elements foster an atmosphere in which women are not only included but essential to the development of the green economy.

  • Progressive Environmental Policies. Kenya has shown political commitment to garbage management. The 2017 national plastic bag ban was among the most extensive globally and its implementation established a foundation for enhanced recycling systems. The 2021 Sustainable Waste Management Act officially acknowledged the contributions of community-based waste pickers and required the incorporation of women and youth in county-level waste management plans.
  • Decentralized, Community-Driven Models. In contrast to many centralized systems, Kenya’s recycling infrastructure flourishes via local cooperatives and public-private partnerships, mostly managed or maintained by women. This decentralized approach guarantees that solutions are customized to local requirements, whether in urban informal settlements or coastal fishing communities. Flipflopi, for example, depends on local beach-cleaning organizations, mostly led by women, to gather plastic for its community boat-building workshops. M-taka in Kisumu exemplifies the use of technology, social incentives and organized training to educate 1,140 women, train 75 as recycling agents and process more than 103 tons of recyclables, facilitated by community-based buy-back shops and a mobile application.
  • Integration with Broader Development Goals. These projects extend beyond recycling; they connect waste management solutions to training, financial empowerment and health education. Companies such as M-taka integrate waste collection initiatives with teaching on responsible waste management and economic skills for women, using digital platforms. A UNDP-supported NAMA research outlines that Kenya’s circular economy program has the potential to generate 1,600 jobs, enhance health and promote income fairness, particularly favoring women in the waste industry.

Scaling the Model

As Kenya’s recycling industry expands, the current issue is to scale effective models while preserving their community-oriented and gender-inclusive foundations. Organizations, politicians and funders are increasingly prioritizing replication, extending validated projects to new counties, farther into informal settlements and allied industries like construction, agriculture and energy.

  • Geographic Expansion: M-taka’s Regional Rollout. M-taka, first tested in Kisumu, intends to duplicate its effectiveness across Western Kenya through new satellite centers and collaborations with both government and private stakeholders. It has obtained backing from climate technology investors to implement satellite gathering sites and integrate a mobile application in additional counties in 2025.
  • Community Replication: Flipflopi’s Open-Source Toolkit. The Flipflopi Project has progressed beyond the construction of the world’s first recyclable plastic dhow. Through its Lamu-based Design and Training Centre, it currently instructs boat and furniture fabrication using community-sourced plastic.
  • Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing Based on East African Campaigns. The Flipflopi Lake Victoria campaign, including a recycled plastic dhow that navigated Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, highlighted transboundary plastic issues and stimulated regional collaboration. The campaign included community clean-ups and policy discussions in each nation, facilitating a collective vision for East African action on plastic. The women’s recycling programs in Kenya are currently transitioning into a scaling phase, characterized by technology-driven geographic expansion, open-source replication resources and regional advocacy collaborations. These initiatives aim to eliminate plastic waste while disseminating a proven, women-centric circular economy model across East Africa.

Looking Ahead: From Plastic to Power

What started as grassroots initiatives to clean up Kenya’s streets, beaches and rivers has evolved into a robust paradigm of economic empowerment, environmental stewardship and gender fairness. In urban areas and coastal communities, women are transcending the periphery of informal trash labor; they are constructing boats, managing businesses, educating future leaders and influencing the grassroots perspective of sustainability. 

As initiatives like M-taka and Flipflopi expand their operations and distribute their frameworks, Kenya’s recycling movement is transitioning from a localized success to a regional model for inclusive green development. The message is clear: with appropriate assistance and foresight, waste is not only an issue to address, but it also serves as a foundation to build on.

– Ray Bechara

Ray is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr