Despite holding abundant gas and oil reserves, 45% of Turkmenistan’s population live below the poverty line, with 2.15% of the population, or 50,200 people, living on less than $2.15 a day. This has caused the nation to have the lowest life expectancy in Central Asia of 69.1. Between 2005 and 2021, Turkmenistan’s life expectancy rose by only 3.2 years, while life expectancy in neighboring Tajikistan rose by 5.1 years for a life expectancy of 71.29. It is in this context that elderly poverty has become an all too familiar occurrence in Turkmenistan. Here is more information about elderly poverty in Turkmenistan.
Support To Address Elderly Poverty in Turkmenistan
Elderly poverty rates are often higher than the overall population, and Turkmenistan is no exception. While specific data on this is limited, significant cuts to state pensions in 2006 may have left 300,000 people in poverty, including the elderly. Following the cutbacks, of the 229,000 people still receiving state pensions, many received no more than between £5.60 and £51 a month. This move occurred because government pension funds were already overburdened, forcing the government to dip into its currency reserves to meet the demand.
Since this occurred, state pensions have risen slightly, so the minimum one could receive is £21, but this is still not enough for most people. Furthermore, one only begins to receive their pension at the ages of 62 for men and 57 for women. While this would have relatively low pension ages in many developed countries, because of Turkmenistan’s low life expectancy, it forces people to work much later in life. This, coupled with the low payout from state pensions, leaves the elderly overburdened, forcing them to work long hours for wages that remain low.
Food Insecurity
Pensioners often have little support beyond their pensions. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the nation plunged into a food crisis. Shortages of subsidized food had been occurring since 2016, and the government lacks a strategy to solve this issue. Instead, it exacerbated the problem, going as far as to deny the existence of poverty in the country so that the most vulnerable groups did not have access to social assistance and international food standards were ignored.
In November 2019, Human Rights Watch found, based on interviews with families, that families often spent 70-80% of their money on food, with one pensioner stating that her family spent all their money on getting enough to eat. Because of the food shortages, even getting a limited amount of food involves standing in line for hours at state shops that sell the limited government-subsidized food that remains, with privately owned shops being too expensive for the majority of citizens. These stores do not seek to support the most vulnerable; instead, they broadly attempt to treat all equally, leading to long waiting lines for food, meaning stores will often close without warning after running out of supplies. Due to their age, pensioners, especially those who are single or without family support, are especially vulnerable to these shortages that have not ceased despite beginning almost a decade ago.
Logistical Problems
On top of this, since 2018, in order to receive their pensions, the elderly must prove that they are not deceased. While this may sound simple enough and a way to prevent families from stealing funds supposed to go towards a now deceased relative, the lack of logistical planning for this makes it very hard for people to prove they are alive. One can only get proper documentation to receive a pension if a doctor and three government officials have seen them. As many lack access to a doctor, this is very hard for people to do, especially without family help.
Furthermore, due to the fact that the country has been experiencing a shortage in its national currency since 2016, many are unable to withdraw cash from their funds. Often, the cash they can withdraw is too old and unusable in most shops. As the purchase of foreign currency is illegal, many are unable to use their pensions to pay for basic goods and services.
Signs of Improvement
Considering all of this, it may be surprising that Turkmenistan is in the top 20 in the world in terms of being philanthropic. However, there are no charities or NGOs directly focused on combating elderly poverty; instead, they focus on fighting poverty across all aspects of society. However, investment from the Central Asian institute has provided indirect aid for the elderly through significant investment projects.
Most crucially for the elderly is the construction of health clinics in the city of Ashgabat, as well as the construction of residential buildings. These health clinics have also received aid from UNICEF, which provided the clinics with new oxygen plants in order to provide oxygen therapy. While this form of therapy is primarily for new mothers and children, it can help provide greater care for the elderly in the hope that life expectancy will increase. While it is only a small help within the national context, it is a step in the right direction, with the Central Asian Bank currently in the early stages of a four year plan (2024-28) to make the nation’s economy more resilient. This could have a transformative effect on the thousands of elderly members of society who are struggling.
Addressing Food Insecurity
In terms of fighting food insecurity, while there is still a long way to go to solve the insecurity, some are working to fight it. One prominent NGO is Eco-Durmush, a Turkmenistan based NGO that is female lead. Its aims is to promote sustainable agriculture and organic farming techniques in local communities to protect against changing weather patterns and a lack of government aid when it comes to food. Eco-Durmus has collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to further stretch its sphere of influence. Because such local communities are often small and remote, their elderly population will rely on such business to gain the basic necessities they need. Furthermore, as Eco-Durmush is female lead, it gives a voice to elderly female members of society who without them would lack a voice that shines a light on their suffering.
Looking Ahead
The people of Turkmenistan have suffered under a regime that has been accused of countless human rights breaches and having failed to provide adequate living standards for them. Because of the totalitarian structure of government, an accurate picture of the oft-forgotten nation is hard to come by, especially on specific figures related to elderly poverty. However, from the data that one can gather, a picture forms of a nation that struggles to support its elderly and most vulnerable. With limited pensions, food and state support, the elderly have to fend for themselves in an unforgiving system, ultimately contributing to a life expectancy far lower than neighboring nations with little more wealth. However, hopefully, the efforts to improve the health system will help eliminate elderly poverty in Turkmenistan.
– Felix Hughes
Felix is based in the UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Combating Elderly Poverty in Kazakhstan
Lowering Poverty Rates Still Impacts the Elderly
The Asian Development Bank reported in 2023 that 5.3% of Kazakhstan’s population lived below the national poverty line. Anecdotal evidence suggests the elderly bear a substantial amount of this burden. Kazinform notes that Kazakhstan has one of the largest elderly populations in the world.
The National Library of Medicine reported that elderly citizens in Kazakhstan face substantially higher difficulties in daily life than those who live in hospitals or care centers.
Concerns Amid an Aging Population
In recent years, Kazakhstan’s population has seen a rise in its elderly retirees. Human Rights Watch notes that the government has coordinated with the United Nations (UN) to pioneer the Active Aging program.
According to Kazinform, Kazakhstan’s official state news agency, the Active Aging program established centers around the country that “improve the quality of life of older people and create a new culture of aging.” The success of these centers, in coordination with the United Nations Population Fund, highlights how proper care for the elderly is not only a growing issue in Kazakhstan but a government priority.
Though Kazakhstan has made much progress, many of its elderly citizens work side jobs to supplement their pensions and other benefits. The Targeted Social Assistance (TSA) program, Kazakhstan’s primary government program for alleviating poverty, requires participants to hold or actively seek full-time employment.
Working a formal job is not always feasible for the elderly, and Human Rights Watch notes that many elderly citizens in Kazakhstan have taken up side jobs such as cab drivers. Speaking with the United Nations Population Fund, Aigul, 63, described how her retired husband took up driving a taxi to help her support their grandchildren. Although there is an imbalance in elderly coverage by TSA, there are also promising signs of economic growth that may contribute to long-term policy solutions.
Promising Signs of Growth Despite Challenges
Last year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that Kazakhstan’s real GDP grew to 5.1% in 2023. In 2024, the IMF reported that inflation dropped to 8.7%.
The war in Ukraine poses a risk of economic uncertainty in Kazakhstan, as low oil prices and uncertain foreign investment threaten recent gains. Despite the risk, the IMF report points to signs of steady economic recovery, meaning that elderly citizens’ money can now go further to cover basic costs.
ARDAGER Improves Elderly Quality of Life
According to HelpAge, an international nonprofit that works with the elderly, ARDAGER is a Kazakhstani NGO working with the country’s elderly citizens. The United Nations describes ARDAGER’s mission statement as to “assist senior people to improve their social status through different services.”
ARDAGER provides Kazakhstan’s elderly population with critical medical, technical and quality of life support. Kazakhstan’s growing civil society, along with government coordination with the UN, are making robust strides in addressing the challenge of poverty among Kazakhstan’s elderly. Though obstacles remain, growing attention to the issue and a stabilizing economy point to a brighter future.
Looking Ahead
Elderly poverty in Kazakhstan remains a complex problem that economic growth alone cannot solve. While government initiatives like the Active Aging program and nonprofit efforts such as ARDAGER have expanded resources and awareness, challenges like social stigma and restrictive eligibility requirements continue to limit access to aid. Though obstacles remain, growing attention to the issue and a stabilizing economy point to a brighter future.
– Noah Frank
Photo: Flickr
IKEA’s Impact on Poverty in Oaxaca
Compounding Oaxaca’s poverty are ineffective planning and investment systems. This, alongside the absence of a cohesive financial management operation, disadvantages the state’s ability to address the needs of its most vulnerable populations.
The Place of the Seed
Oaxaca is a vibrant region rich in cultural heritage, home to approximately 1.2 million Indigenous individuals. This state boasts the second-highest concentration of Indigenous residents in Mexico, reflecting a diverse tapestry of languages and traditions. In Oaxaca, people communicate in 23 distinct languages, each reflecting a unique identity and heritage, showcasing the region’s deep-rooted connection to its ancient past.
However, each year, a heartbreaking wave of Indigenous individuals departs from the hillside villages of Oaxaca, journeying to the United States (U.S.) in search of economic opportunities. Also, they aim to escape from a stifling political climate that obstructs progress in the region’s most impoverished rural areas.
This persistent lack of development compels natives to abandon their ancestral lands, leaving behind the homes and communities they cherish. In response to this pressing issue, IKEA has initiated initiatives to make a positive difference.
The IKEA Social Entrepreneurship Program
The IKEA Social Entrepreneurship program aims to foster positive social and economic change by partnering with social entrepreneurs and enterprises. Indeed, program initiatives involve supporting businesses that address social and environmental issues, providing jobs and offering unique products and services to IKEA customers. The program offers various forms of financial support, including grants, loans and investments, while focusing on scaling social businesses to drive economic reform and poverty reduction.
Supporting Economic Reform
IKEA Social Entrepreneurship has partnered with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to launch an innovative initiative called the Community Conservation program. This multifaceted approach aims to harmoniously blend environmental conservation, sustainable agricultural practices and the promotion of dignified livelihoods.
Through collaboration, IKEA aims to cultivate a more sustainable future while amplifying marginalized voices within the Zapotec community. Such efforts focus on the vibrant Oaxaca region of Mexico, supporting the initiatives of 13 dedicated social entrepreneurs, six women-led, deeply committed to fostering sustainability and community well-being.
Some of these social enterprises include Águilas en el Maguey, a cooperative of 10 Zapotec women dedicated to cultivating high-quality Mezcal agave; Alternativa Agrícola Suchixtepec, an organic farm specializing in the raising and sale of rabbits; and Emprendedoras de Tierra Blanca, a collective of Zapotec women producing organic vanilla and coffee.
Long-Term Impact
IKEA committed to a transformative three-year partnership to benefit 1,500 individuals in Mexico. The partnership prioritizes the Indigenous Zapotec community, who depend on the land for their livelihoods. By bolstering the 13 enterprises, Oaxaca can utilize sustainable practices to abolish poverty, including efficient production methods, optimized commercialization strategies, innovative product design and greater market access.
Additionally, the Community Conservation program will foster sustainable economic growth and actively empower women and youth by integrating them into governance and decision-making processes. Ultimately, this approach seeks to create a lasting financial impact on the community, promoting greater autonomy and resilience among its members.
Final Thoughts
IKEA’s community conservation enterprises (CCEs) actively deliver ongoing economic benefits while also advancing conservation efforts that help alleviate Oaxaca’s poverty. These enterprises create new job opportunities that invigorate the local economy by seamlessly blending sustainable ecosystem practices with agricultural initiatives.
Utilizing a holistic approach not only enhances the quality of life in Oaxaca but also significantly reduces poverty levels. Furthermore, this in turn curbs migration among the Oaxacan population. Similarly, through individual efforts, CCEs preserve the natural environment and extend support to impoverished communities.
In totality, the Community Conservation program will help protect Oaxaca’s rich natural heritage, empowering local communities with resilient economic opportunities that respect people and the planet.
– Marcus Villagomez
Photo: Flickr
Strengthening Systems: Reaching Zero-Dose Children in Chad
Zero-Dose Children in Chad
In 2021, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) identified Chad as one of the top 20 countries where more than half of the world’s zero-dose children reside, with a 27% prevalence rate. In 2022, health data estimated that 188,500 children in Chad remained unvaccinated. The highest concentrations were found in the rural north, areas affected by conflict and within nomadic communities.
Around 80% of the population lives more than five kilometers from the nearest health facility, making access to routine vaccination especially difficult. Unqualified personnel and poor supervision during immunization efforts further widen this gap. These issues are compounded by ongoing challenges related to supply chain disruptions. The overall demand for routine immunization remains low and awareness-raising measures utilizing communication methods have not been effective.
Coordinated Responses and Interventions
WHO, UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, developed the Reaching Every District (RED) strategy to support the activities and interventions. The plan consists of five operational components: planning and managing resources, engaging with communities, conducting supportive supervision, monitoring and using data for action and reaching all eligible populations.
Chad is a vast country with a low population density, which presents a significant challenge in delivering immunization services. To address this, partner organizations supplied 32 vehicles and 250 motorcycles to health centers, improving access to remote and hard-to-reach areas. Similarly, in collaboration with UNICEF, the Ministry of Health allocated an immunization strategy tailored for major urban centers. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supported the preparation of communication plans in seven provinces, including training 5,000 village chiefs and community health volunteers in the Lake region.
Furthermore, supported by Gavi, 235 new nurses and paramedics were recruited throughout regional hospitals in nine provinces to expand access to healthcare. WHO trained health workers in 40 districts and health teams in 28 districts. In 2021, the PEV Manager smartphone app was introduced to strengthen service delivery, enable feedback and improve supervision.
Despite various challenges, Gavi’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health enhanced funding by establishing a restructured project management unit. Disbursements were accelerated by implementing streamlined procedures and utilizing mobile money systems wherever feasible while maintaining strong financial accountability. Effective financial management was a key driver of these achievements.
Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform
A major barrier in Chad’s immunization efforts was the lack of reliable cold chain infrastructure to preserve vaccines. This issue was addressed through the Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP), a collaborative initiative designed and funded by Gavi. UNICEF manages procurement and logistics, WHO provides technical guidance and the Ministry of Public Health leads implementation. With support from partners, the Ministry of Health expanded cold chain capacity nationwide, achieving coverage of more than 90%.
As part of this effort, a health facility map was developed to identify regions with high population density and limited infrastructure, helping prioritize locations for solar-powered cold chain equipment. By 2022, 1,506 health care facilities previously identified as lacking sufficient cold chain coverage were distributed 1,527 units of cold chain equipment, including freezers, refrigerators, coolers, generators and solar panels. With an approximate 70% increase in cold chain coverage since 2017, these efforts significantly improved access, reaching around 96% by 2022.
Triple Vaccine Launch
Chad’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) marked a milestone by introducing three vital new malaria, pneumococcal and rotavirus diarrhea immunizations. Chad was one of the first countries to launch three essential vaccines simultaneously as part of its EPI. Chad took a comprehensive approach to roll out the new vaccines effectively. This included updating immunization policies, integrating vaccines into distribution plans and preparing detailed rollout strategies.
The country also trained health workers, strengthened cold chain infrastructure, engaged communities in raising awareness and established supervision and performance monitoring systems. Chad positioned itself as the 14th country to implement the malaria vaccine nationwide, aligning with the WHO’s goal of reducing malaria-related mortality by 90% by 2030.
Health experts estimate that the pneumococcal vaccine could prevent up to 5,000 deaths per year by safeguarding children from life-threatening bacterial diseases. Rotavirus caused more than 40% of pediatric diarrhea hospitalizations in Chad and contributed to infant mortality before its introduction. The rotavirus vaccine addresses this essential public health issue, advancing Chad’s national vaccination program to protect children from preventable and life-threatening diseases.
Between 2019 and 2022, coverage of the DTP1 dose increased from 89.63% to 98.84%. During the same period, completion of the full three-dose series (DTP3), a key indicator of immunization system performance, rose from 50% to 60%.
Conclusion
Chad is a compelling example of how effective collaboration and technical support through strong communication and coordination networks can drive meaningful change. These efforts significantly strengthened the Ministry of Health services at both national and local levels. As a result, many supervisors and health workers were revitalized and empowered to deliver more effective and responsive care to zero-dose children.
– Imge Tekniker
Photo: Pexels
Reducing Poverty in China
A Brief History of China’s War Against Poverty
In 1949, China was labeled as one of the most impoverished countries in the world; only 10 countries had a lower gross domestic product (GDP) than China. Between 1840 and 1949, roughly 100 million people died in wars due to foreign conflicts in China. Famine was also a result of these conflicts during this period.
During times of war, the economy was demolished and literacy rates and life expectancy dropped. By 1978, China was reformed and reconstructed. From 1978 to 2020, China’s GDP increased by 9.2%. The literacy rate increased and the economy was rebuilt. China went from a needy country to a high-income country in this timeframe.
Agriculture and Urbanization
One key reform China implemented to alleviate poverty was in the agricultural sector. Overall, the productivity of China’s agriculture increased and farmers’ wages increased. This can be attributed to a shift from labor to high-productivity manufacturing.
Another sector that played a significant role in China’s success in reducing poverty was urban development. Between 1980 and 2023, the population in metropolitan areas increased from 200 million to 933 million and the urbanization rate also increased from 19.4% to 66.2%. This led to more jobs and higher wages for migrant workers. This influx of urbanization also decreased poverty in rural areas by providing better-paying jobs and a better produce market for farmers.
How China Reduced Poverty
An increase in labor income was the most significant driver of reducing poverty in China between 1988 and 2007. Improvements in agricultural productivity also contributed notably to this progress. By 2013, rural poverty had fallen to below 10% and was primarily concentrated in less central regions of the country.
Between 2013 and 2018, public transfers played an increasingly important role in raising household incomes and lifting a substantial portion of the population out of poverty. Additionally, declining dependency rates, driven by the one-child policy, improved health care and a reduced birth rate further supported poverty alleviation efforts.
Strategies for Reducing Poverty in China
China’s approach to poverty alleviation encompassed multiple strategies. It prioritized targeted support for impoverished populations in underdeveloped areas while maintaining consistent economic growth. Poverty reduction was integrated into the broader national development agenda, with special attention given to vulnerable groups such as women, children, ethnic minorities and individuals with disabilities.
Efforts were also made to empower those in poverty by fostering self-reliance, raising awareness and providing education on sustainable ways to escape poverty. A key aspect of the strategy involved balancing economic and social development across urban and rural regions, ensuring mutual support between industry and agriculture.
Furthermore, the country invested significantly in infrastructure development, including roads, water sanitation, electricity, gas and housing. Budgetary reforms redirected public and private funding toward poverty alleviation and policy frameworks were adapted to ensure coherence and effectiveness in implementation.
Looking Forward
China’s success in downsizing poverty has eliminated extreme poverty. Yet, the focus remains on moderate poverty in the country. China now aims to guarantee that the majority benefit from the country’s economy and its social life.
– Ella Burke
Photo: Pixabay
Assisting Refugees in the EU
The refugee crisis has remained a critical issue in the European Union (EU) since 2015. Refugees from countries such as Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia have fled war and persecution, settling across Europe. Many have sought to integrate into their host countries. Here’s a look at the steps the EU has taken to assist refugees and some stories that demonstrate the outcomes of these ongoing efforts.
EU Funding and Policy Measures
The EU leads international donors in supporting displaced people, contributing more than €1.7 billion to refugee efforts. As of 2021, the EU allocated €6.24 billion through the Integrated Border Management Fund (IBMF). This funding supports border security, the processing of asylum cases, legal migration and the protection of vulnerable individuals arriving in Europe. In addition, the EU pledged €9.98 billion from 2021 to 2027 for refugee integration and legal migration. These funds aim to improve the transition process for refugees and support long-term development in host communities.
Reception and Resettlement of Refugees
Since 2015, the EU has provided shelter for more than 119,000 displaced individuals, including 40,000 Syrian refugees. Despite tightening regulations, member states have continued to admit refugees through resettlement programs. Germany, for example, accepted 2.14 million refugees in 2015 alone, the highest number among EU countries. These resettlement efforts reflect the EU’s commitment to providing support and resources to people fleeing violence and instability.
Impact and Continued Support
The financial and logistical efforts made by the EU have played a role in improving refugee integration. While political challenges remain, increased funding has enhanced the EU’s capacity to manage the crisis and offer long-term support for new arrivals. Efforts have included housing assistance, education and vocational training, as well as support for job placement and language acquisition. These measures help refugees build stable lives in their host countries.
Personal Stories of Integration
Individual experiences demonstrate how EU programs can help refugees rebuild their lives.
Iyad Selik, a Syrian refugee, arrived in Germany during the Syrian civil war in 2015. In Syria, he owned a sweet shop that was destroyed in the conflict. With local support, Iyad opened a new shop in Germany, reestablishing his livelihood and contributing to his new community.
Nadira, also from Syria, received assistance from the EU Trust Fund for Syria (EUTF). Through the fund, she accessed an internship and later secured part-time employment. Nadira also gained skills in computer science and improved her English proficiency, enhancing her job prospects and ability to integrate.
These stories reflect how support programs have assisted individuals in adapting to new environments and building futures for themselves and their families.
Looking Ahead
As displacement continues due to global conflicts, the EU’s role in supporting refugees remains essential. Ongoing investments in integration, legal migration and asylum processing could shape future efforts. While challenges persist, the EU continues to refine its approach and expand support to meet evolving needs across the region.
– Joel Raymer
Photo: Flickr
The Impact of Losing Third Places in Europe
A Recent History of Third Places in Europe
Third places are social sites such as cafes, community centers and neighborhood environments, including local parks, sports grounds and places of worship. They have existed for centuries in human populations and the rise of the coffee house during the 17th Century is a popular example of third places in Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic saw the closure of local hang-out spots and widespread social distancing measures. The closures led to the permanent shutting of many local small businesses and a loss of community centers hit by significant funding cuts. As a result, critical spaces where people could engage in social interaction were lost.
Moreover, gentrification has only exacerbated a loss of inclusive third places in Europe. The process of gentrification in popular tourist and financial cities is transforming once-vibrant community areas into spaces of exclusion. For example, tourism-driven gentrification in Barcelona’s El Raval and Barceloneta neighborhoods led to increased rents, pushing out established local businesses or forcing them to adapt to tourist preferences. The accompanying social networks fostered in these spaces quickly dissolved.
Similarly, gentrification in Stockholm created “filter bubbles” and left low-income neighborhoods, often plagued by high levels of youth gang violence, without sufficient investment in social spaces for youth to develop away from the influence of gang activity and recruitment. While co-working spaces as “third places” in Mediterranean countries are on the rise, these are artificial spaces prioritizing productivity and professional networking rather than fostering meaningful, work-free social interactions. Co-working space identification as “third places” may be a more prominent symptom of a growing societal tendency to value individuals based on economic contribution rather than emotional well-being.
Social Media and the Cost of Third Places
The rise of virtual third places, especially social media, has contributed to the erosion of physical third places and the developmental process of learning social interaction. While social media platforms have created virtual connection spaces, they cannot replace the face-to-face interactions essential for community engagement and mental health. According to the Cigna Loneliness Index, Gen-Z, despite being the most digitally connected generation, reports the highest levels of loneliness.
Additionally, many third places are becoming increasingly expensive to frequent. For example, in London (U.K.), coffee prices have surpassed $6 in many establishments, making cafes and paid social spaces too expensive for regular visits in times of falling disposable incomes.
Mental and Physical Health Impacts
The role of third places in Europe is essential. The spaces are associated with improving quality of life, well-being and health. Third places provide crucial opportunities for social interaction. For instance, using third places (such as cafes) has been shown through multiple studies to improve how older adults can participate in society by providing informal support networks and social relationship-building to help combat cognitive decline and symptoms of depression later in life. The role of third places in combating loneliness is vital – with loneliness potentially cutting lives short by 15 years.
Third places in Europe also play a key role in helping mitigate poverty. Poverty is a multidimensional issue; however, social exclusion is both a determinant and by-product of some people’s realities of living in poverty. Without accessible third places, individuals living in poverty are more vulnerable to social exclusion, which further exacerbates their economic and mental health challenges.
Future Cities
For those living near the poverty line, access to these third places remains crucial for mental and physical health, as well as for preventing social exclusion. In the face of gentrification, digital spaces and rising costs, there is a pressing need for policies that prioritize creating and preserving accessible third places in Europe and its cities.
– Autumn Joseph
Photo: Pixabay
Everything You Need To Know About Hunger in Senegal
About Hunger in Senegal
About 4.6% of the population is undernourished, 17.5% of children less than the age of five are stunted, 10.2% of children less than five are wasted, and about 3.7% of children die before the age of five. Hunger is more pronounced in regions like Matam, Kolda, and Tambacounda, where poverty, limited infrastructure and poor agricultural yields intersect.
Hunger in Senegal predominantly exists in rural areas, with women and children affected the most. More than 30% of Senegal’s workforce is involved in agriculture and is overly dependent on rainfed farming, according to the International Trade Administration (ITA). Due to changing weather patterns, Senegal experiences rapid-unpredictable rainfall and massive amounts of drought, leading to desertification in crop fields and a shortage of food availability. The World Food Program (WFP) reports that in 2023, about 1.26 million people will experience extreme hunger during the lean season.
Hunger in Rural Areas and Women Farmers
Economic disparity contributes to the issue, especially in rural areas. In 2022, the World Bank estimated that 36.3% of the population lives below the poverty line. Additionally, the impact of food prices soaring in 2022 contributes to hunger in Senegal. In 2022, Senegal saw a record-breaking 21.40% in food inflation, with only a slight decrease in March 2025.
Gender inequality and social and political norms contribute to the crisis by denying crucial employment and land ownership. Women are the backbone of agricultural production, making up 70% of the workforce and producing 80% of crops, but they have restricted access to land. Laure Tall, the research director at the Agricultural and Rural Prospect Initiative, claims that women farmers are invisible and work two to four hours longer than the average man.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Diets often lack essential nutrients, leading to micronutrient deficiencies. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that anemia affects nearly 60% of children under five and about 50% of pregnant women. Vitamin A deficiency, low protein intake and iron deficiency are widespread. Malnourishment plagues children’s development because they are the most likely to struggle in school and face lifelong cognitive challenges. Adults, weakened by poor diets, are less productive and more vulnerable to illness, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.
Initiatives Addressing Hunger in Senegal
Despite the grim picture, the Senegalese government and international partners launched several programs to combat hunger. In 2016, the Senegalese government adopted the National Program for Food Security, known as the Programme National d’Appui à la Sécurité Alimentaire et à la Résilience (PNASAR), aiming to sustainably improve food and nutritional security for households. The program emphasizes coordinated, multisectoral interventions that address both immediate needs and long-term development goals.
The World Food Program (WFP) has also been working to address hunger in Senegal. The WFP provides meals for schoolchildren in areas where food insecurity is high. In 2022, the WFP fed approximately 17% of primary schools. The WFP reached more than 71,000 pupils in 285 primary schools across three regions. The school feeding program, launched in March 2021, receives funding from the Global Partnership for Education.
The We Are the Solution movement is another noteworthy initiative addressing food insecurity in Senegal. Mariama Sonko, a Senegalese farmer, started the We Are the Solution movement, which includes about 115,000 active women farmers. The goal is to train women to become community farmers and increase the workforce. As previously stated, women make up 70% of the agricultural workforce. Sonko’s movement is helping local efforts by increasing groups to sell vegetables from communal gardens, leading to the reinvestment of profits into nutrition programs for children and mothers. Educating families on dietary diversity and the importance of local produce helps reshape eating habits and generates awareness nationwide.
Looking Ahead
Ultimately, the road to a hunger-free nation is long, but not impossible. With increased investment in climate-smart agriculture, nutrition education and gender equity, the fight will remain strong.
– Sebastian Llerena
Photo: Pixabay
Elderly Poverty in Turkmenistan
Support To Address Elderly Poverty in Turkmenistan
Elderly poverty rates are often higher than the overall population, and Turkmenistan is no exception. While specific data on this is limited, significant cuts to state pensions in 2006 may have left 300,000 people in poverty, including the elderly. Following the cutbacks, of the 229,000 people still receiving state pensions, many received no more than between £5.60 and £51 a month. This move occurred because government pension funds were already overburdened, forcing the government to dip into its currency reserves to meet the demand.
Since this occurred, state pensions have risen slightly, so the minimum one could receive is £21, but this is still not enough for most people. Furthermore, one only begins to receive their pension at the ages of 62 for men and 57 for women. While this would have relatively low pension ages in many developed countries, because of Turkmenistan’s low life expectancy, it forces people to work much later in life. This, coupled with the low payout from state pensions, leaves the elderly overburdened, forcing them to work long hours for wages that remain low.
Food Insecurity
Pensioners often have little support beyond their pensions. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the nation plunged into a food crisis. Shortages of subsidized food had been occurring since 2016, and the government lacks a strategy to solve this issue. Instead, it exacerbated the problem, going as far as to deny the existence of poverty in the country so that the most vulnerable groups did not have access to social assistance and international food standards were ignored.
In November 2019, Human Rights Watch found, based on interviews with families, that families often spent 70-80% of their money on food, with one pensioner stating that her family spent all their money on getting enough to eat. Because of the food shortages, even getting a limited amount of food involves standing in line for hours at state shops that sell the limited government-subsidized food that remains, with privately owned shops being too expensive for the majority of citizens. These stores do not seek to support the most vulnerable; instead, they broadly attempt to treat all equally, leading to long waiting lines for food, meaning stores will often close without warning after running out of supplies. Due to their age, pensioners, especially those who are single or without family support, are especially vulnerable to these shortages that have not ceased despite beginning almost a decade ago.
Logistical Problems
On top of this, since 2018, in order to receive their pensions, the elderly must prove that they are not deceased. While this may sound simple enough and a way to prevent families from stealing funds supposed to go towards a now deceased relative, the lack of logistical planning for this makes it very hard for people to prove they are alive. One can only get proper documentation to receive a pension if a doctor and three government officials have seen them. As many lack access to a doctor, this is very hard for people to do, especially without family help.
Furthermore, due to the fact that the country has been experiencing a shortage in its national currency since 2016, many are unable to withdraw cash from their funds. Often, the cash they can withdraw is too old and unusable in most shops. As the purchase of foreign currency is illegal, many are unable to use their pensions to pay for basic goods and services.
Signs of Improvement
Considering all of this, it may be surprising that Turkmenistan is in the top 20 in the world in terms of being philanthropic. However, there are no charities or NGOs directly focused on combating elderly poverty; instead, they focus on fighting poverty across all aspects of society. However, investment from the Central Asian institute has provided indirect aid for the elderly through significant investment projects.
Most crucially for the elderly is the construction of health clinics in the city of Ashgabat, as well as the construction of residential buildings. These health clinics have also received aid from UNICEF, which provided the clinics with new oxygen plants in order to provide oxygen therapy. While this form of therapy is primarily for new mothers and children, it can help provide greater care for the elderly in the hope that life expectancy will increase. While it is only a small help within the national context, it is a step in the right direction, with the Central Asian Bank currently in the early stages of a four year plan (2024-28) to make the nation’s economy more resilient. This could have a transformative effect on the thousands of elderly members of society who are struggling.
Addressing Food Insecurity
In terms of fighting food insecurity, while there is still a long way to go to solve the insecurity, some are working to fight it. One prominent NGO is Eco-Durmush, a Turkmenistan based NGO that is female lead. Its aims is to promote sustainable agriculture and organic farming techniques in local communities to protect against changing weather patterns and a lack of government aid when it comes to food. Eco-Durmus has collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to further stretch its sphere of influence. Because such local communities are often small and remote, their elderly population will rely on such business to gain the basic necessities they need. Furthermore, as Eco-Durmush is female lead, it gives a voice to elderly female members of society who without them would lack a voice that shines a light on their suffering.
Looking Ahead
The people of Turkmenistan have suffered under a regime that has been accused of countless human rights breaches and having failed to provide adequate living standards for them. Because of the totalitarian structure of government, an accurate picture of the oft-forgotten nation is hard to come by, especially on specific figures related to elderly poverty. However, from the data that one can gather, a picture forms of a nation that struggles to support its elderly and most vulnerable. With limited pensions, food and state support, the elderly have to fend for themselves in an unforgiving system, ultimately contributing to a life expectancy far lower than neighboring nations with little more wealth. However, hopefully, the efforts to improve the health system will help eliminate elderly poverty in Turkmenistan.
– Felix Hughes
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
E3 Nations and humanitarian aid to Gaza
Humanitarian Aid from the UK
The U.K. has made large strides in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Working alongside UNICEF, the World Food Program (WFP) and the Egyptian Red Crescent Society (ERCS), the U.K. has helped combat shortages of food, water and medical supplies. Official Development Assistance (ODA) of £27 million went to the Palestinian Territories to further allow access to resources. An additional £4.25 million went to vulnerable children and young women through a partnership with UNFPA, which estimates it could reach one-fifth of Gazan women and children.
At home, the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and Ministry of Defence (MOD) have helped supply humanitarian aid to Gaza. More than £100 million went for ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the proper channels in Gaza to relieve it.
Humanitarian Aid from Germany
Since October 2023, “German assistance for the Palestinian territories has been increased by more than €300 million” to help alleviate the wartime crisis. Germany has fortunately seen its efforts come to fruition through its generous aid programs. Through its joint partnerships with UNICEF and the WFP, Germany has helped provide Gazans with much-needed supplies of nutrients and food formulas to combat malnutrition.
In addition to its physical efforts, Germany, as an E3 nation, has made clear statements on the need to help Gaza in its time of need, as well as to help end the humanitarian horrors by bringing peace to the region. “No humanitarian aid has reached Gaza for a month,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. “This cannot and must not continue,” he added.
Humanitarian Aid from France
French President Emmanuel Macron said, “Aid must never be used as a tool of war,” on April 9, 2025. France, alongside the E3 nations, has put forward a strong position on supplying humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. On February 14, 2025, France sent 52 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, hoping to help more than 1,000 families with blankets, ground sheets, medicine, food and water. Additionally, France has worked alongside its local NGOs to ensure that the people in need directly receive the aid. Working with Premiere Urgence Internationale and Médecins du Monde have helped give the supplies from the French government to Gaza through the Jordanian humanitarian corridor.
Financially, France has made considerable contributions to the cause. Attending the first international conference of Gaza’s civilian population, France contributed €100 million out of €1 billion raised for the conference.
Outcomes
The E3 nations and the humanitarian aid provided have been significant since October 7, 2023. All three nations have contributed with both financial and physical aid, food and medicine. The E3 nations have contributed more than most to the humane cause of helping people in war torn societies.
– Joel Raymer
Photo: Flickr
Bakeries Ensure Food and Job Security in Ukraine
Good Bread
Good Bread operates along the frontlines to provide mentally disabled Ukrainians with job opportunities and skills training while distributing food to those in need. The organization bakes 1,500 loaves of bread daily, along with cupcakes and hot meals.
A number of its active projects include Food Fighters, which distributes meals to homeless communities in Kyiv and Suspended Cupcakes, which delivers 900-gram cupcakes to military personnel and individuals in neuropsychiatric institutions. These ongoing efforts provide both nutritional and emotional support in difficult times. Good Bread also prioritizes job training and stability. Individuals with mental disabilities gain long-term skills through employment in the charity’s kitchens. An initiative, Hang a Cupcake, has become a routine and empowering task for many of the program’s workers.
Since 2022, the organization has delivered about 800,000 loaves of bread, employed more than 70 individuals with disabilities and distributed more than 200 hot lunches per week. The cupcakes—often symbolic of dignity and care—have also reached those most in need of encouragement. Good Bread relies entirely on donations to fund its mission. Its dual focus on food and employment has supported resilience in communities facing the daily realities of war.
Bake for Ukraine
Bake for Ukraine focuses on supporting local bakeries and delivering free bread to vulnerable communities, while also preserving Ukraine’s traditional bread culture, particularly the hearth-baked Palyanytsya. The initiative was launched to prevent bakery closures caused by war-related economic shocks. Through donor support, Bake for Ukraine supplies bakeries with funds, equipment and ingredients tailored to each business’s specific needs. An early project helped build a bakery in the basement of a local church. Similar efforts continue currently.
The organization also established mobile bakeries across Ukraine, including repurposed 1960s Swiss Army vehicles. These mobile units supply remote and underserved areas with fresh, shelf-stable bread, even where infrastructure is limited. Felicity Spector, journalist and author of “Bread and War,” emphasized the impact of the initiative. “At a time when people rely upon both hope and normality, workers and volunteers are delivering bread to those most in need and ensuring stability and job security for bakers across the country.” Despite challenges in maintaining funding, she described Bake for Ukraine’s work as far-reaching and essential.
Food and Job Security in Ukraine
Bread holds deep cultural significance in Ukraine, from ceremonial loaves to its role in wartime symbolism. Palyanytsya has even lent its name to military equipment during the ongoing conflict. Good Bread and Bake for Ukraine not only addresses immediate needs but also preserves a vital part of Ukraine’s identity. Their work reflects a broader effort to protect food and job security in Ukraine. Furthermore, they sustain livelihoods, provide dignity and ensure stability as the country faces continued displacement and economic strain.
– Macy Hall
Photo: Flickr