Despite championing itself as the first country to enshrine the right to clean drinking water in its constitution, Uruguay has had a tumultuous relationship with water in the last few years. Uruguay’s water crisis, which began in 2018 and was triggered by severe droughts and a lack of rainfall, combined with poor government management and crisis response, reached a dangerous peak in the winter of 2023. Given Uruguay’s reliance on agricultural exports, this threatened the availability of safe drinking water, public health and economic productivity.
Thankfully, Uruguay’s water crisis ended in August 2023, with heavy rainfall and efforts by the government and international organizations to help replenish depleted supplies. However, this does not mean that policymakers in Montevideo can sit back and relax. On the contrary, efforts to improve infrastructure and protect water sources must be continued so that the country does not find itself in the same situation soon.
Why Was There a Water Crisis in Uruguay?
Many blame climate instability for Uruguay’s water crisis. The “La Niña” weather phenomenon contributed to rising temperatures and worsening droughts, persisting much longer than in the past. However, many argue that the climate emergency alone cannot be blamed. Poor government planning in the wake of these meteorological changes greatly worsened the effects of global warming.
It meant that Uruguay quickly found itself in a very vulnerable position. Water resource exploitation is very high in Uruguay; around 80% of freshwater is dedicated to farming and agriculture, limiting the amount of water for personal use. The government’s priority has been using water for “productive activities- agriculture, irrigation and big industry” and sufficient measures were not taken to prevent Uruguay’s water crisis.
Additionally, there was a historic lack of progress regarding water infrastructure projects. Before the crisis, the most recent reform to the waterways took place in 1987, as there has been a clear lack of political incentives to pursue projects to improve water infrastructure until now. For example, ex-president José Mujica proposed the Casupá Project in 2013, “which would have been able to fulfill 70% of Montevideo’s demand.” However, this program never came to fruition, as successive administrations made no moves to make it a reality.
What Were the Impacts of the Water Crisis?
Uruguay’s water crisis spelled trouble for its citizens, specifically for those living in Montevideo (home to around one-third of the total population). The Paso Severino Reservoir, the capital city’s main water source, reached around 1.7% of its total capacity in July 2023. In response to this scarcity, the State Sanitary Works Administration took water from sources near the River Plate, much more brackish than water from the reservoirs.
Although it was deemed safe, sick people and pregnant women were advised not to drink it. The sodium and chloride levels of the water pumped through the taps “exceeded what the World Health Organization considers safe for human consumption.” Bottled water was available and made exempt from taxes, but these quickly became scarce, partly due to panic-buying. The government provided free bottles to the most impoverished communities in affected areas.
Uruguay’s water crisis also had a significant impact on agricultural production. This sector accounts for around 7% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 70% of total exports. The lack of water greatly affects agricultural output, especially between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, “when it declined by 25% on a year-on-year basis.” The lack of water hit soybean production and cattle farming the hardest.
Another significant consequence of Uruguay’s water crisis was the growing political unrest due to poor drinking water quality and negative public perceptions of President Lacalle’s emergency response. Around 60% of the population was affected by the government’s decision to reroute water from rivers for public consumption, with the most vulnerable groups being especially affected. Around 63% of the population condemned the government’s response to the drought, with organized protests and campaigners shouting, “¡No es sequia, es saqueo! — It’s not drought, it’s pillage!”
What Was the Government’s Response?
Short-term solutions were enacted at the height of the drought to address immediate needs. Similarly, the government embarked on a long-term strategy to manage the current emergency and prevent future occurrences. Vowing it is “committed to improving the country’s water infrastructure and resilience to drought,” the government invested $500 million into plans to improve Uruguay’s waterways.
These included renovating sanitation systems, constructing another potable water source for the capital city and more reservoirs and desalination plants. There are also plans to repair damaged pipes to reduce water losses, with reports indicating that around 50% of the state-owned water company’s potable water supplies were lost due to leaks. The company has proposed a plan to reduce this by 25% in the next two decades.
What Role Have International Organizations Played?
During the crisis, the government also called on the Uruguayan Red Cross to help deal with demand and support plans to mitigate the consequences of shortages. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) also approved a $200 million loan “to support a program in Uruguay to boost water security and environmental sustainability.”
This loan aimed to improve water resource management and solid waste management to minimize contamination of potential future drinking water sources. Also, the IDB investment helped to improve Uruguay’s crisis responses, boosting resilience to changing weather dynamics alongside government refurbishments of its water systems.
Final Note
President Luis Lacalle Pou announced the end of the water crisis in August 2023 after three years of shortages and drinking water scarcity. This was mostly due to heavy rainfall in the region, which helped to refill water sources that were gravely depleted. However, the repairs to the water systems and programs to improve water security and management will hopefully pay dividends in the future, protecting Uruguay from the same situation.
– Ciara Howard
Ciara is based in Brighton, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Pxhere
Substantial Investment in China’s Renewable Energy
This transition may improve living conditions for low-income communities by reducing pollution and fostering a healthier environment. This highlights the interconnectedness of sustainability and poverty alleviation.
Energy Poverty as a Pressing Issue
Energy poverty continues to be a pressing issue, with more than one billion people unable to use electricity. However, China’s 2013 “Belt and Road Initiative” has facilitated deep-level energy cooperation with 151 countries along this expansive route. This spins regions such as Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America through outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). Among these regions, nearly 600 million people lack electricity access and the electrification rate in the lowest 20% of countries by per capita gross domestic product (GDP) stands at a mere 56.7 %.
China’s investment in renewable energy shows a promising solution for energy poverty as currently, addressing the issue of energy poverty presents a huge barrier to the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7. This is the goal that seeks to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy by 2030.
China’s Substantial Investment in Renewable Energy
China is fast becoming a green energy superpower, serving as the leader in investment and installation of low-carbon technology. The nation is motivated by the desire to cut greenhouse gas emissions, boost energy security and catch up with or even overtake industrialized countries in technological innovation. China’s substantial investment in renewables has proven itself extremely successful so far. For example, in 2023, clean energy contributed a record 11.4 trillion yuan ($1.6 trillion) to China’s economy, accounting for all of the growth in investment as well as a larger share of economic growth than any other sector.
In addition, clean-energy sectors were the largest driver of China’s economic growth overall, accounting for 40% of the expansion of GDP in 2023. Moreover, China’s production of electric vehicles grew 36% year-on-year in 2023 to reach 9.6 million units, a notable 32% of all cars produced in the country.
Solar Power
Solar was the largest contributor to China’s economic growth in 2023. It recorded growth worth a combined $140 billion of new investment, goods and services, as its value grew from $210 billion in 2022 to $350 billion in 2023, an increase of 63% year-on-year. Data shows that local government investment in facilities and infrastructure, as well as direct subsidies, added 30% to the reported private investment.
Effects on Energy Poverty
China has made significant progress in addressing energy poverty in the past few decades. This accomplishment has been crucial in replacing the reliance on traditional biomass fuels like wood and dung, which emit harmful greenhouse gases when burned. Despite advancements in electricity access and renewable energy supply, some remote and impoverished areas in China still face challenges related to the quality and reliability of the electricity supply.
Additionally, access to other modern energy sources like clean cooking fuels remains limited in certain regions. With continued efforts, there is hope that these challenges can be overcome.
Conclusion
China’s significant investments in renewable energy are not only reshaping its energy landscape but also have the potential to alleviate poverty. By transitioning from coal to clean energy sources like wind and solar, China aligns with global sustainability goals while enhancing economic growth through job creation and reduced energy costs. This highlights the link between sustainable energy practices and poverty reduction, paving the way for a fairer future.
– Amani Almasri
Photo: PickPik
How the WFP Is Supporting Food Systems in Ukraine
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Entering 2025, one of the largest questions facing the West is how much more aid is going to be sent to Ukraine, as while the U.K. and other European states have remained steadfast in their support for Kiev, America’s change in administration has presented fresh uncertainty regarding Ukraine’s future support. For nearly three years now, Ukraine has relied on Western aid as a lifeblood in its defense against Russia’s invasion. However, President-elect Trump has made no hard promises to continue this policy. Ukraine is at risk of losing its largest financial and military donor at a crucial stage in this conflict.
For Ukrainians directly impacted by this war, the situation looks increasingly bleak as almost 4 million internally displaced refugees are still in need of humanitarian assistance since this conflict destroyed their homes and livelihoods. However, thanks to the World Food Programme (WFP), a sustainable method of delivering aid has helped streamline deliverance of humanitarian aid. This streamlining has helped maintain food systems in Ukraine and protect the increasing amount of refugees from food insecurity.
Ukraine: An Agricultural Superpower
Often referred to as “the Breadbasket of Europe,” Ukraine has a rich history as an agricultural superpower. Its fertile soil and flat ground create some of the best land on earth for farming, and have allowed Ukraine to become one of the largest exporters of grain in the world, making Ukrainian culture synonymous with the agricultural industry. But when Russia invaded in 2022, there were interruptions in exports of grain. The country’s major outlets in the Black Sea were either captured by the Russian army or blockaded by its navy. The actions significantly disrupted the food systems in Ukraine.
According to the Centre For Strategic & International Studies, 90% of Ukraine’s 60 million metric tons in food exports came from Black sea ports before the war, hence why the Russians were so quick to extinguish this economic asset. This not only had a catastrophic effect on global food prices, which rose by 13% at the war’s outset, but threatens the livelihood of thousands of farmers who have depended on Ukraine’s exports of grain for generations.
While there was some hope in 2023 when Russia, Ukraine and Turkey agreed on a shipping corridor under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, allowing exports to return close to their pre-war numbers, this agreement has since been violated by the Russian Navy, as the Kremlin continues to squeeze Ukraine’s ability to economically fund its defense. So, while Ukraine has sought to export its produce through other means, such as through overland borders via solidarity trade routes that the EU has drawn out, Ukrainian rural communities have perhaps had the largest indirect impact since the start of the war.
WFP’s Work to Address Food Systems in Ukraine
Traditionally, the humanitarian aid that the WFP has given out has come from a range of sources, such as the international market and regional assets. But since the start of the war, the WFP has adjusted its tactics so that 82% of the resources going to Ukraine are sourced locally. Not only has this ensured that the millions of internally displaced refugees are not food insecure, but it has meant that rural communities get an injection of $1.3 billion into the economy. Additionally, these communities are able to survive the economic hardships attached to a Russian trade embargo. This ensures the future of the Ukrainian rural economy not only survives but can also recover quickly after the conflict ends.
By sourcing products locally, it reduces the need to transport large amounts of aid from other major exporting nations such as the U.S. or China. Not only does this cut down on costs that can be reinvested into further aid, but it also cuts down on the country’s carbon footprint, as trucks and trains can be used instead of large cargo planes that emit thousands of metric tons of carbon over multiple flights. The food undergoes distribution through the Ukrainian Government, either through the Ministry of Education and providing free school meals that help protect Ukraine’s future generations, or by helping coordinate emergency telecommunication services for quick action response.
Other Initiatives
The WFP is further helping rural communities by removing mines in the Kharkiv region, an area that the conflict has disproportionately affected. By engaging with rural communities, the WFP has been able to both clear mines, and teach proper mine clearance techniques that can be distributed to the rural community, ensuring the risk to food systems in Ukraine is reduced and Ukrainian farmers have protection from collateral damage. As well as sourcing locally, the WFP can create a sustainable economy, as well as a more sustainable environment.
Replicating WFP’s Work in Other Countries
This model of sourcing aid locally is not always easy to replicate in other areas of food deprivation. Ukraine is a uniquely fertile country. As a net exporter, the country is less reliant on foreign imports for food security than other nations with lower agricultural output. A country such as Sudan, which is currently in the midst of a full scale civil war, has had a history of food insecurity before the conflict began, so it’s unrealistic that more than 80% of aid can be sourced from local producers.
Equally, the WFP has limited access to certain areas in need of humanitarian aid, so purchasing locally becomes near impossible. Afghanistan, for example, has an estimated 14.8 million people living without food security, yet the WFP is powerless to help due to the isolationist policies the Taliban government is currently undergoing. However, the WFP has proven that streamlining the deliverance of aid with local produce can create sustainable benefits that can establish long term growth for local food systems.
Looking Ahead
With local producers sourcing just above 40% of global aid, there is definitely room for improvement as the multiple benefits speak for itself. The same model currently being used in Ukraine can be replicated in other states struggling with significant numbers of refugees. Economic investment and food security are crucial to ensuring a nation can recover sustainably after a conflict. In an interview, one Ukrainian farmer said that “food security means national security,“ the WFP understands this, and by continuing to locally source its humanitarian aid, growth in the economy and national security can be accelerated and sustainably achieved in other nations facing conflict and abject poverty.
– Caspian Davies
Photo: Flickr
How Lack of Shelter and No Electricity Led to Hypothermia in Gaza
What Is Hypothermia?
Doctors classify hypothermia as a medical emergency resulting from a drop in body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). It happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce, causing the body to enter into a dangerously low body temperature. When the body is left in this condition, the heart, nervous system and other organs are unable to function properly. Without treatment, hypothermia can shut down the heart and respiratory systems, ultimately causing death.
Hypothermia is now one of the many preventable diseases/conditions that are now taking place in the Strip as a result of the ongoing conflict.
The Destruction of Residential Buildings
The Israeli onslaught in the Strip has made it difficult for aid to enter Gaza. Additionally, the incessant bombing has destroyed residential buildings, leading people to use tents as a new way of shelter. The bombing has damaged approximately 66% of the total structures in the Strip, with damage ranging from moderate to destruction.
Specifically 163, 778 structures have been damaged, including “52,564 structures that have been destroyed, 18,913 severely damaged, 35,591 possibly damaged structures and 56,710 moderately affected.” The destruction displaced 1.9 million civilians, forcing them to rely on tents as shelter. Yet, tents have quickly been unable to prove themselves as enough to deal with the cold weather enveloping the Strip.
January is Gaza’s coldest month in which temperatures can drop as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), underscoring the challenges faced by those relying on them for survival.
Lack of Electricity in Gaza
The lack of shelter is a significant challenge in the Strip. However, the lack of electricity also plays a critical role in preventing Gazans from staying warm. Before the war, Gaza had an average of 7-13 hours of electricity each day, with occasional blackouts. However, after October 7, according to a report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), there were zero hours of electricity available for Gazans in 2024.
Gazans now solely rely on solar panels to charge their phones or other electronic devices. However, only about 12,400 solar panels are available for a population of roughly two million. Without electricity, Gazans will not be able to keep themselves warm. They must rely on blankets and clothing, which are already scarce in the region. So, for many individuals, freezing is the only option they have, in the end causing hypothermia in Gaza to become a reality.
Looking Ahead
International organizations have been outspoken about the lack of resources in the Strip and continue to pressure American and Israeli government officials to let aid in. The OCHA has also repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure. The U.N. and its partners have also provided critical medical support to those in the Strip. Between December 22 and January 8, about 560,000 people received primary and health care services. However, this work remains insufficient and much more work lies ahead.
– Aya Diab
Photo: Unsplash
Changing the Stigma Around HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia
History of HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia
The first case of HIV was described in the 1980s, however, reporting in Saudi Arabia did not start until 2004. Stigma has formed because people are unaware of how long this disease has been around and who it is affecting. Improvement in reporting has allowed the government and private companies to create programs to help people with HIV and in the process remove any stigma. Despite people being considerably more educated, there is still a large portion of people who feel negatively towards individuals with HIV.
Changing the Stigma
The Saudi government funded a blood screening program as early as 1984. This was a new technique at the time that helped track and diagnose the disease as it spread. In 1994, it founded the Saudi National Aids Program. Since then the government has also made treatment free for individuals diagnosed with HIV. Efforts have been made to improve public knowledge about the disease and how to get tested.
Founded as a countermeasure to the HIV epidemic, the purpose of the Saudi National Aids program is to provide education and treatment to the public. The Program has created amendments to the treatment guidelines for HIV that have allowed for more people to access care. The program claims to be responsible for improving treatment so much so that in 2018 about 93% of reported cases were currently receiving treatment.
Public awareness campaigns create awareness that the government cannot. Progress begins when citizens can support each other through difficult times. Evidence of this was found in a survey that showed that the majority of people felt that they would still be friends with someone if they had HIV/AIDS. Improvement in the resources available for communities is another way awareness is being built. The Saudi Government has released informational brochures that allow community members to educate themselves.
Making Improvements
Since the start of the 2000s, the Saudi people have worked hard to create awareness around HIV/AIDS. In that time, studies have shown improvements in public knowledge and an improvement in attitude towards the disease. The reason public awareness is so important is that it creates a safe environment for people to talk about their health issues. The improved stigma around HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia has led to an increase in diagnoses among men. The Saudi Arabian people have shown that they want to improve the quality of life for people with HIV/AIDS, and as public awareness rises so will the amount of people helped.
– Kaleb Monteith
Photo: Flickr
Tackling Illiteracy Rates in South Africa
Root Cause of the Problem
During apartheid, the South African government implemented many policies that allowed for racial segregation and discrimination to take place, in the education system and other governmental systems alike. In 1953, the government announced the Bantu Education Act which replaced local schools with more schools under government control to decrease learning opportunities for black students.
According to a Stanford University article, 96% of teachers held education certificates in white schools compared to a measly 15% in black schools.
Unfortunately, the legacy continues today, with schools having inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms and a shortage of qualified teachers. Barriers such as hunger and malnutrition further exacerbate the problem of illiteracy in South Africa.
Empowerment Through Education
Many different charities are currently working hard to tackle the problem of the illiteracy rate in South Africa. MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet community program work continuously supports and raises funds for schools, charities and welfare organizations. Most recently it cooperated with different organisations to tackle the issue. The program collaborated with Builders and most recently created three Grade RR classrooms for a non-profit school in Cape Flats. Adri Marais, CEO of the school Christel House stated: “These top quality grade RR classrooms are putting an additional 60 students per year on a pathway out of poverty.”
Relate Bracelets and Shine Literacy are two non-profits that have also collaborated to help tackle illiteracy rates in South Africa. Relate Bracelets is an organization creating handmade bracelets whilst providing employment opportunities for underprivileged individuals, its focus is to create sustainable initiatives. Shine Literacy focuses on early intervention programs which support reading and writing skills for Grade 2 and Grade 3 students.
Although the program ended, the two organizations worked to raise funds and awareness for literacy initiatives. This collaboration aimed to encourage the culture of reading amongst children, and its main goal was to create a nation of lifelong readers and learners.
Nal’ibali
Nal’ibali, a national reading campaign in South Africa has been making strides to improve the literacy rate in the country. Nal’ibali aims to create and nurture a culture of reading in children and for all children to have positive experiences with stories and reading books.
In 2022, Nal’ibali reached more than 22 million people (37% of the target) through radio, television and by distributing material to read. The organization also reached more than 2 million children (75% of the target) through children read to on World Read Aloud Day, as well as various reading programmes and partnerships. It frequently collaborates with PRAESA to develop and implement literacy programs, and the partnerships help to make their initiatives more accessible for everyone.
Unified Efforts
South Africa has taken many legislative and policy measures to address the illiteracy rate and alleviate the problem. In September 2024, President Ramaphosa signed a law which made one year of pre-primary education compulsory. In 2024, the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act was also enacted to introduce compulsory education, regulated homeschooling and the abolition of corporal punishment backed by fines.
Despite these advancements, challenges still exist when it comes to tackling illiteracy rates in South Africa. A significant literacy gap remains and unified efforts are necessary to end the problem. The enactment of the Basic Education Laws Amendment alongside the combined efforts of the multiple organizations mentioned in this piece demonstrates a commitment to reducing the illiteracy rate and nurturing a culture of reading across the country in general.
– Ayat Aslam
Photo: Flickr
Uruguay’s Water Crisis
Thankfully, Uruguay’s water crisis ended in August 2023, with heavy rainfall and efforts by the government and international organizations to help replenish depleted supplies. However, this does not mean that policymakers in Montevideo can sit back and relax. On the contrary, efforts to improve infrastructure and protect water sources must be continued so that the country does not find itself in the same situation soon.
Why Was There a Water Crisis in Uruguay?
Many blame climate instability for Uruguay’s water crisis. The “La Niña” weather phenomenon contributed to rising temperatures and worsening droughts, persisting much longer than in the past. However, many argue that the climate emergency alone cannot be blamed. Poor government planning in the wake of these meteorological changes greatly worsened the effects of global warming.
It meant that Uruguay quickly found itself in a very vulnerable position. Water resource exploitation is very high in Uruguay; around 80% of freshwater is dedicated to farming and agriculture, limiting the amount of water for personal use. The government’s priority has been using water for “productive activities- agriculture, irrigation and big industry” and sufficient measures were not taken to prevent Uruguay’s water crisis.
Additionally, there was a historic lack of progress regarding water infrastructure projects. Before the crisis, the most recent reform to the waterways took place in 1987, as there has been a clear lack of political incentives to pursue projects to improve water infrastructure until now. For example, ex-president José Mujica proposed the Casupá Project in 2013, “which would have been able to fulfill 70% of Montevideo’s demand.” However, this program never came to fruition, as successive administrations made no moves to make it a reality.
What Were the Impacts of the Water Crisis?
Uruguay’s water crisis spelled trouble for its citizens, specifically for those living in Montevideo (home to around one-third of the total population). The Paso Severino Reservoir, the capital city’s main water source, reached around 1.7% of its total capacity in July 2023. In response to this scarcity, the State Sanitary Works Administration took water from sources near the River Plate, much more brackish than water from the reservoirs.
Although it was deemed safe, sick people and pregnant women were advised not to drink it. The sodium and chloride levels of the water pumped through the taps “exceeded what the World Health Organization considers safe for human consumption.” Bottled water was available and made exempt from taxes, but these quickly became scarce, partly due to panic-buying. The government provided free bottles to the most impoverished communities in affected areas.
Uruguay’s water crisis also had a significant impact on agricultural production. This sector accounts for around 7% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 70% of total exports. The lack of water greatly affects agricultural output, especially between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, “when it declined by 25% on a year-on-year basis.” The lack of water hit soybean production and cattle farming the hardest.
Another significant consequence of Uruguay’s water crisis was the growing political unrest due to poor drinking water quality and negative public perceptions of President Lacalle’s emergency response. Around 60% of the population was affected by the government’s decision to reroute water from rivers for public consumption, with the most vulnerable groups being especially affected. Around 63% of the population condemned the government’s response to the drought, with organized protests and campaigners shouting, “¡No es sequia, es saqueo! — It’s not drought, it’s pillage!”
What Was the Government’s Response?
Short-term solutions were enacted at the height of the drought to address immediate needs. Similarly, the government embarked on a long-term strategy to manage the current emergency and prevent future occurrences. Vowing it is “committed to improving the country’s water infrastructure and resilience to drought,” the government invested $500 million into plans to improve Uruguay’s waterways.
These included renovating sanitation systems, constructing another potable water source for the capital city and more reservoirs and desalination plants. There are also plans to repair damaged pipes to reduce water losses, with reports indicating that around 50% of the state-owned water company’s potable water supplies were lost due to leaks. The company has proposed a plan to reduce this by 25% in the next two decades.
What Role Have International Organizations Played?
During the crisis, the government also called on the Uruguayan Red Cross to help deal with demand and support plans to mitigate the consequences of shortages. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) also approved a $200 million loan “to support a program in Uruguay to boost water security and environmental sustainability.”
This loan aimed to improve water resource management and solid waste management to minimize contamination of potential future drinking water sources. Also, the IDB investment helped to improve Uruguay’s crisis responses, boosting resilience to changing weather dynamics alongside government refurbishments of its water systems.
Final Note
President Luis Lacalle Pou announced the end of the water crisis in August 2023 after three years of shortages and drinking water scarcity. This was mostly due to heavy rainfall in the region, which helped to refill water sources that were gravely depleted. However, the repairs to the water systems and programs to improve water security and management will hopefully pay dividends in the future, protecting Uruguay from the same situation.
– Ciara Howard
Photo: Pxhere
Poverty in Southeastern Turkey: A Brighter Future
Poverty in Southeastern Turkey and the GAP Project
Southeastern Anatolia ranks among Turkey’s regions with the lowest average income. Despite limited research on poverty in the region, existing studies indicate that conditions have seen little improvement since the early 2000s. The $14 billion investment aims to partially fund the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) with the hopes it can continue its construction of needed infrastructure.
The GAP project was launched in the 70s as a region-wide investment project to provide the energy and water infrastructure to support an economic boom. However, throughout its history, the project continues to falter in its aims of revitalization. With renewed government support, the region now has a chance to attract further investment and drive sustainable development.
Insights from Mardin
The city of Mardin illustrates many of the challenges facing southeastern Turkey. This ancient city, which dates back to the Neo-Assyrian period, highlights the region’s rich history and its socioeconomic struggles. Mardin suffers from one of the country’s highest relative at-risk-of-poverty rates at 14.4%.
In 2021, Dr. Nurdan Atalay conducted ethnographic research in Mardin, revealing how top-down financialization and investment strategies exacerbate economic inequality and limit employment opportunities for women. In her book chapter, she noted, “…the women in this neighborhood have very limited opportunities to change their position in society… The impending economic crisis has the potential to worsen their situation.”
Mardin also accommodates a large population of refugees who fled Syria’s civil war and the 2023 earthquakes. More than 88,000 Syrian refugees live in the city, contending with the trauma of displacement and the strain on local resources. Reports detail the economic burden that border cities faced during the Syrian conflict. With the end of Assad’s rule, many refugees now look toward a hopeful future and the possibility of returning home.
The Potential of Tourism
Neighboring political progress isn’t the only cause for optimism in southeastern Turkey. The tourism industry holds immense potential to reduce poverty in the region. This area, rich in historical monuments and natural beauty, stands poised for economic growth if supported by infrastructure and investment.
The 1982 Tourism Incentives Act excluded southeastern Turkey, denying the region the development needed for a thriving tourism sector. Despite this, cities like Mardin actively seek to expand their tourism potential. Research indicates that Mardin’s residents support tourism growth, which promises to benefit both urban and rural communities.
In 2023, Mardin welcomed nearly 650,000 tourists, reflecting the industry’s growing role in the local economy. By fostering tourism, southeastern Turkey can unlock new opportunities for sustainable development and cultural preservation.
A New Chapter for Southeastern Turkey
With the government’s $14 billion investment and the prospect of peace in Syria, poverty in southeastern Turkey faces a turning point. The region’s lack of infrastructure has long created a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment. This new funding and strategic focus could break that cycle, paving the way for meaningful progress and prosperity.
– Charley Dennis
Photo: Flickr
Energy Crisis in the Andes
Challenges in Kewinal, Bolivia
Kewinal, Bolivia, is home to the Ragaypampa, an indigenous ethnic group, this remote community has petitioned for electricity for 15 years. Despite these ongoing efforts, Kewinal’s geographic isolation poses significant challenges. Electricity could drastically improve life in Kewinal. Without it, households rely on candles and kerosene lamps, increasing the risk of house fires. Schools lack projectors, computers and printers, leaving students ill-prepared for modern careers. Many young people leave the community in search of opportunities, while those who stay hope for progress. Health care facilities in Kewinal also suffer due to the absence of electricity. Medical centers cannot implement digital record-keeping systems, making it difficult to manage chronic illnesses. Additionally, local artisans, including woodworkers and potters, could double their incomes with access to electricity, providing economic stability and discouraging migration.
Water Scarcity in the Peruvian Andes
In Peru, water scarcity exacerbates energy challenges. Hydropower serves as a critical energy source in the Peruvian Andean-Amazonian basin, but farmers and hydropower plants compete for limited water resources. Droughts, worsened by global warming, have intensified this competition, leaving both sectors at a loss. Furthermore, irrigation for farming diverts water away from hydropower plants, reducing energy output and affecting surrounding areas. Research from the Natural Capital Project suggests collaborative strategies to balance agricultural and hydropower needs, promoting sustainable water usage and reducing conflicts.
Colombia and Ecuador
Communities in Colombia and Ecuador face similar crises, with drought and environmental degradation threatening energy production. High-altitude wetlands, known as paramos, play a critical role in water storage and distribution but have been degraded by deforestation, climate change and soil erosion. The energy crisis extends beyond rural areas, impacting urban centers like Bogotá, Colombia. Water shortages disrupt hydroelectric power, leading to rationing and the suspension of electricity exports. Conservation efforts aim to address these issues and restore balance.
Collaborative Efforts and Conservation Initiatives
Bolivia’s Electrification Program, supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, seeks to bring green energy to 56,000 rural households. Approved in 2023, the program focuses on delivering sustainable solutions to remote communities like Kewinal. “As we race to address the largest challenge of our time, the world’s most vulnerable must be prioritized. We cannot afford to leave the people of Kewinal – or anyone – behind,” says Ashvin Dayal, Senior Vice President at Power the Rockefeller Foundation.
In Ecuador and Colombia, conservation efforts led by organizations like the Fund for Protecting Water (FONAG) aim to revitalize ecosystems critical to water and energy production. FONAG has planted 40,000 water-storing paper trees and is cultivating an additional 100,000, demonstrating the potential for nature-based solutions to alleviate the energy crisis.
Looking Ahead
The energy crisis in the Andes represents a broader challenge of energy inequality and environmental degradation affecting vulnerable communities worldwide. Progress in electrification and ecosystem restoration offers hope, but significant challenges remain in reaching remote areas and addressing environmental damage. Indeed, efforts across the Andes highlight the importance of innovative, community-driven solutions and sustainable development. By prioritizing collaboration and conservation, stakeholders can potentially improve living conditions for rural populations and create a more equitable energy future.
– Michael Messina
Photo: Flickr
Malnutrition in Madagascar
Natural Disasters and Malnutrition
Madagascar is highly susceptible to extreme weather patterns, with an average of three natural disasters per year occurring, according to USAID. Studies indicate that natural disasters impact approximately 5 million people, with a further 8.8 million facing food insecurity. Natural disasters cause flooding, spread disease, and are one of the key precipitators of malnutrition in Madagascar, USAID reports.
Recently in 2022, Madagascar experienced two life-threatening cyclones – Batsirai and Emnati – which decimated infrastructure and destroyed crops through wind and flooding which significantly diminished living conditions The Batsirai and Emnati cyclones wiped out crops through high winds and devastating floods, with the majority of crops destroyed in areas hit by the cyclones. This significantly reduced the accessibility, availability and capacity of agricultural fields, food supply and production, resulting in food insecurity and malnutrition.
Floods also cause a spike in diarrheal infections as they increase the frequency of water parasites, according to Harvard T.H. Chan. Contamination of rivers as a result of flooding means that infections such as diarrhea and malaria are highly prevalent amongst rural populations, contributing to malnutrition as people do not have the resources to eat well following infection. In 2022 alone, 19,195 children aged 5 years and under were malnourished in Madagascar, according to Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF).
Frequent Disruption of Agriculture
Natural disasters in Madagascar are recurring, and so is malnutrition. The frequent disruption of agricultural fields and contamination of water culminates in extreme hunger, with very few people able to access hospitals or obtain medicine.
In the South of Madagascar, 340,000 children could be experiencing malnutrition in some form as a result of extreme drought. Precipitation in Southern Madagascar has been decreasing for the last two decades and researchers have predicted that drought will continue to increase in intensity, duration and rate of occurrence, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The constant lack of rainfall has disastrous implications on agriculture and food supply, with dried-out fields and vegetables common. The U.N. has found that many people have adopted coping mechanisms to subsist the drought, such as selling assets, cattle and houses in exchange for food and resources. According to UNICEF, 115,000 children in the Southeastern areas of Madagascar have acute malnutrition and require treatment.
Effects of Malnutrition
After 24 months of chronic malnutrition, the physical and psychological implications are irreversible. The effects of malnutrition on children include stunted growth, anemia, cognitive impairment and depleted resistance to disease. These effects are prolonged and will impact affected people for life, such as depleting the ability to concentrate and having a low height for their age. Those struggling with malnutrition may also have low energy levels, making it more difficult to attend school or work. As a result, their life prosperity is impaired and their already limited access to opportunity is limited further.
Fighting Malnutrition in Madagascar
The World Food Program (WFP) is helping to alleviate malnutrition in Madagascar through a series of support programs. Namely, the WFP supplies emergency food assistance to those who have experienced crises such as natural disasters like flooding and drought. It functions in the South and Southeast of Madagascar and aims to promote community building and help people prepare for emergencies.
To support regions vulnerable to natural disasters, the WFP provides short-cycle farming activities, cash transfers and disaster-resistant seed. The organization also distributes climate-related warnings to inform people of how and when to respond to natural disasters.
Additionally, the WFP offers technical and practical training and workshops that enhance the capabilities of communities across the country. It also issues national authorities with equipment to help in the event of an emergency. These schemes help to prepare communities for likely natural disasters so that they have the resources to survive and be properly nourished following climate changes such as floods and drought. In doing so, measures are in place to prevent malnutrition caused by natural disasters.
The WFP also supplies nutritional information and support to 42,000 children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women through the MIARO approach. This aims to act as a preventive measure for malnutrition, as the project offers feeding and activities that educate on market gardening and nutrition. This project strives to enhance community knowledge, access and availability of nourishing food and ameliorate malnutrition.
– Ella Dorman
Photo: Flickr
Fighting HIV in Lesotho
Universal HIV Treatment: Lesotho’s Test and Start Policy
In April 2016, Lesotho became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to implement the “Test and Start” policy, which offers antiretroviral therapy (ART) to all HIV-positive individuals regardless of their CD4 count. This approach ensures early intervention, preventing the virus from progressing and reducing transmission rates. As of 2020, approximately 273,000 adults living with HIV in Lesotho were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), representing about 84% of the total HIV-positive adult population. Community-based testing initiatives have also played a key role. These programs bring services to rural areas through mobile clinics and health workers, enabling more individuals to know their HIV status and connect with treatment. Such efforts are vital in addressing HIV in Lesotho.
Advancing HIV Care Through Global Partnerships
International partnerships and government initiatives have significantly contributed to Lesotho’s HIV response. For the fiscal year 2024/2025, the Government of Lesotho allocated 233 million Maloti (approximately $15 million) for antiretroviral therapy (ART) procurement, demonstrating its commitment to a sustainable HIV response.
In 2022, PEPFAR contributed $75 million to support Lesotho’s HIV/AIDS response. This funding has been crucial in providing resources for HIV testing, prevention, and treatment, helping the country make significant progress toward achieving its UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets
These combined efforts, along with support from organizations like the Global Fund, have helped Lesotho progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. By 2020, 94% of people living with HIV in Lesotho knew their status. Additionally, 91% were receiving treatment, and 98% of those on treatment achieved viral suppression.
Using Technology to Improve HIV Care
Lesotho’s use of technology is revolutionizing HIV care and improving treatment outcomes. Electronic medical records (EMRs), implemented across healthcare facilities, improve patient tracking and continuity of care. For instance, HIV-positive pregnant women benefit from care recorded in EMRs linked to national health systems, ensuring more efficient service delivery.
Mobile health (mHealth) interventions, such as text message reminders, have also improved treatment adherence. A study in Lesotho found that patients receiving SMS reminders for medications and appointments demonstrated a 20% increase in adherence rates.
Digital tools have further enhanced public education campaigns, raising awareness about HIV prevention and reducing stigma. Mobile platforms ensure critical information reaches even the most remote communities.
Empowering Lives Through Comprehensive Care
Lesotho’s HIV programs are not limited to medical care—they also address the economic and social impacts of the epidemic. Many ART clinics now provide additional services, including food assistance and vocational training. These initiatives ensure patients remain healthy and economically active, reducing the cycle of poverty linked to HIV in Lesotho.
By addressing broader community needs, these programs empower individuals to lead productive lives and strengthen local economies. In rural areas, access to healthcare and economic support has helped families remain stable despite the challenges of living with HIV.
A Model for Global Progress
Lesotho’s progress provides a powerful example of how innovation and partnerships can transform a nation. By prioritizing health and integrating it with poverty reduction efforts, Lesotho demonstrates what can be achieved through collective action and sustained investment.
With continued collaboration and funding, Lesotho’s success story can serve as a model for other developing nations facing similar challenges. Indeed, as the global fight against HIV continues, HIV in Lesotho stands as a testament to the power of progress in overcoming an epidemic and its broader impacts on poverty.
– Fiza Meeraj
Photo: Unsplash