In Sub-Saharan Africa, where farming engages 52% of the workforce, agroforestry is gaining traction as a transformative agricultural practice. This part of agriculture entails interspersing trees among other crops or grazing lands and holds great promise for diversifying production while enhancing agricultural output and substantially boosting practitioners’ income. Addressing food insecurity and poverty, tree planting in Africa offers substantial benefits to smallholder farmers. With support from local government subsidies and foreign aid, more agricultural workers are adopting agroforestry, driving positive change for millions.
Enhancing Productivity Through Agroforestry
Tree planting in Africa offers farmers a versatile agricultural method, allowing them to choose from a variety of native tree species. These species fall into three primary categories: fertilizer, fruit or nut-bearing and fuelwood. Fertilizer trees increase soil fertility and nutrient density, often more effectively than synthetic alternatives. By integrating these species through intercropping techniques, farmers significantly improve agricultural productivity and enhance crop resilience to flooding and other challenging conditions.
Diversifying Income through Tree Planting
Fruit- and nut-bearing trees provide rural Africans with a significant opportunity to earn extra income by selling their byproducts. For livestock farmers, these trees are especially valuable. The foliage serves as important feed, improving the productivity of grazing animals. These trees offer crucial shade and shelter for livestock during hot seasons or droughts.
Fuelwood trees, also known as timber trees, are known for their fast growth rates. Although not directly integrated into agricultural practices, these trees provide significant benefits. Farmers can sell their wood for fuel or construction. They can also use the timber to make furniture or other goods for sale, thereby increasing and diversifying their income opportunities.
Regardless of the tree variety each farmer prioritizes, tree planting in Africa provides significant economic benefits. African governments and international aid initiatives recognize agroforestry’s potential, offering subsidies, grants and educational programs to encourage farmer participation. These programs are often organized by region, with a focus on initiatives in Western and Southeastern Africa.
Agroforestry in West Africa
Agroforestry stands out as a key agricultural method in West Africa, especially in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana. Burkina Faso and Mali lead the way, with about 50% of households engaging in agroforestry. This contributes to tree-based products making up roughly 25% of their income. These countries actively use agricultural subsidies and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen their farming communities. This support spurs economic growth and helps reduce poverty among rural populations.
Foreign aid plays a pivotal role in supporting farmers across these countries with grants and educational programs. A key example is the Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation (Africa RISING) Program, backed by USAID under the U.S. government’s Feed the Future initiative. This program assists farmers in adopting innovative agricultural practices, such as tree planting in Africa. Focused on adding value, improving market access, and forging partnerships, Africa RISING has made significant progress in West Africa and beyond, targeting 1.1 million households between 2016 and 2021.
USAID further collaborates with Mali’s government through its Country Development Cooperation Strategy, which aims to provide agroforestry assistance to more than 64,000 farmers by subsidizing improved technologies and offering education on enhanced management practices. With the potential to benefit nearly 200,000 individuals, this initiative alone is anticipated to decrease the prevalence of hunger in Mali by a substantial 14%.
Initiatives in Southeast Africa
In Tanzania, land productivity has dropped by a staggering 70% in the last 15 years. To alleviate this, Africa RISING developed a Land Degradation Index (LDI), which has facilitated effective mapping of areas that stand to gain substantially from the adoption of agroforestry. Comprehensive strategies such as these are essential for engaging with farmers and swiftly addressing issues related to diminished output and are crucial steps toward mitigating the severe impacts of food insecurity and poverty.
Research conducted by CIFOR-ICRAF, an internationally-funded agroforestry organization, has played a pivotal role in supporting Zambia’s endeavors to establish a National Agroforestry Policy. With approximately 80% of Zambia’s population relying directly on natural resources for sustenance, several CIFOR-ICRAF-supported programs are making significant strides in aiding citizens. These initiatives encompass the provision of grants, upscaling activities and facilitating connections between private producers and local entities.
Looking Ahead
Agroforestry in Sub-Saharan Africa represents a beacon of hope for sustainable agriculture and poverty alleviation. With increasing support from local governments and international aid, more farmers are poised to embrace this transformative practice, unlocking new economic possibilities and enhancing food security. The commitment to expanding agroforestry initiatives promises to empower communities, foster environmental resilience and pave the way for a greener, more prosperous future across the continent.
– Matthew Candau
Matthew is based in Fife, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
How Tree Planting in Africa is Revolutionizing Agriculture
Enhancing Productivity Through Agroforestry
Tree planting in Africa offers farmers a versatile agricultural method, allowing them to choose from a variety of native tree species. These species fall into three primary categories: fertilizer, fruit or nut-bearing and fuelwood. Fertilizer trees increase soil fertility and nutrient density, often more effectively than synthetic alternatives. By integrating these species through intercropping techniques, farmers significantly improve agricultural productivity and enhance crop resilience to flooding and other challenging conditions.
Diversifying Income through Tree Planting
Fruit- and nut-bearing trees provide rural Africans with a significant opportunity to earn extra income by selling their byproducts. For livestock farmers, these trees are especially valuable. The foliage serves as important feed, improving the productivity of grazing animals. These trees offer crucial shade and shelter for livestock during hot seasons or droughts.
Fuelwood trees, also known as timber trees, are known for their fast growth rates. Although not directly integrated into agricultural practices, these trees provide significant benefits. Farmers can sell their wood for fuel or construction. They can also use the timber to make furniture or other goods for sale, thereby increasing and diversifying their income opportunities.
Regardless of the tree variety each farmer prioritizes, tree planting in Africa provides significant economic benefits. African governments and international aid initiatives recognize agroforestry’s potential, offering subsidies, grants and educational programs to encourage farmer participation. These programs are often organized by region, with a focus on initiatives in Western and Southeastern Africa.
Agroforestry in West Africa
Agroforestry stands out as a key agricultural method in West Africa, especially in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana. Burkina Faso and Mali lead the way, with about 50% of households engaging in agroforestry. This contributes to tree-based products making up roughly 25% of their income. These countries actively use agricultural subsidies and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen their farming communities. This support spurs economic growth and helps reduce poverty among rural populations.
Foreign aid plays a pivotal role in supporting farmers across these countries with grants and educational programs. A key example is the Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation (Africa RISING) Program, backed by USAID under the U.S. government’s Feed the Future initiative. This program assists farmers in adopting innovative agricultural practices, such as tree planting in Africa. Focused on adding value, improving market access, and forging partnerships, Africa RISING has made significant progress in West Africa and beyond, targeting 1.1 million households between 2016 and 2021.
USAID further collaborates with Mali’s government through its Country Development Cooperation Strategy, which aims to provide agroforestry assistance to more than 64,000 farmers by subsidizing improved technologies and offering education on enhanced management practices. With the potential to benefit nearly 200,000 individuals, this initiative alone is anticipated to decrease the prevalence of hunger in Mali by a substantial 14%.
Initiatives in Southeast Africa
In Tanzania, land productivity has dropped by a staggering 70% in the last 15 years. To alleviate this, Africa RISING developed a Land Degradation Index (LDI), which has facilitated effective mapping of areas that stand to gain substantially from the adoption of agroforestry. Comprehensive strategies such as these are essential for engaging with farmers and swiftly addressing issues related to diminished output and are crucial steps toward mitigating the severe impacts of food insecurity and poverty.
Research conducted by CIFOR-ICRAF, an internationally-funded agroforestry organization, has played a pivotal role in supporting Zambia’s endeavors to establish a National Agroforestry Policy. With approximately 80% of Zambia’s population relying directly on natural resources for sustenance, several CIFOR-ICRAF-supported programs are making significant strides in aiding citizens. These initiatives encompass the provision of grants, upscaling activities and facilitating connections between private producers and local entities.
Looking Ahead
Agroforestry in Sub-Saharan Africa represents a beacon of hope for sustainable agriculture and poverty alleviation. With increasing support from local governments and international aid, more farmers are poised to embrace this transformative practice, unlocking new economic possibilities and enhancing food security. The commitment to expanding agroforestry initiatives promises to empower communities, foster environmental resilience and pave the way for a greener, more prosperous future across the continent.
– Matthew Candau
Photo: Flickr
The Venezuelan Exodus
Colombia’s Role as a Host
Venezuela’s neighbor, Colombia, has historically experienced fluctuating relations with Venezuela and now stands at the center of the Venezuelan exodus. A World Bank report revealed that as of October 2022, Colombia hosted approximately 2.9 million Venezuelan migrants. The country addresses the challenges of mass immigration by implementing policies that integrate migrants into the broader Colombian population economically and socially. Colombia remains committed to ensuring migrants’ rights to work, live and integrate fully into society.
Institutional Support for Migrants
Colombia’s response to the increased amount of migration encompasses the establishment of a more solid legal and institutional framework to protect and facilitate the long-term integration of migrants in host regions. Central to this effort was the creation of the Presidential Border and Migration Management Office. This office issues necessary permits for the transit and stay of migrants within Colombia. They aim to regularize the migratory status of newcomers. Through the implementation of this office, more migrants gain access to vital markets and services they might otherwise lack. The services of the Migration Management Office include health care, education, social welfare, employment and housing. Other efforts have also been made to deploy services developed to protect vulnerable populations, such as initiatives for family reunification, child protection and aiding victims of human trafficking.
A Comprehensive Approach to Integration
Colombia has managed the Venezuelan exodus in three phases. Initially, in 2015, the country focused on humanitarian efforts for Colombian returnees and incoming Venezuelan migrants. It then shifted to a sustainable strategy aimed at ensuring migrants’ access to essential social services. The third phase involved a comprehensive, long-term approach, emphasizing mass regularization along with social and economic integration of Venezuelan migrants. Moreover, a key element of Colombia’s most recent phase is the Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan Migrants (ETPV) launched in 2021. ETPV grants migrants permits to stay and work in Colombia for up to 10 years. The permits facilitate their integration into the host country and offer an escape from vulnerability and poverty.
Effective Migrant Integration Strategies in Colombia
Colombia’s clear and enduring regularization procedures enhance migrant integration. They drive positive development outcomes, leading to higher wages and employment rates. The adaptation of institutional frameworks, such as the Presidential Border and Migration Management Office, streamlines integration efforts at both national and local levels. Colombia’s ongoing response to the Venezuelan exodus establishes a significant standard for success that other countries might adopt.
– Ani Gonzalez Ward
Photo: Flickr
Women in Mission: Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
LWML’S History
In 1942, amid the difficulties of World War II, more than 100 women from 15 districts of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod gathered in Chicago, Illinois, to establish the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML). This significant meeting laid the foundation for a group committed to fostering mission work and supporting global missions by gathering funds. They drafted a constitution, coined the organization’s name, initiated projects and set up a publishing committee for books, magazines and programs. They aimed to enhance mission awareness among women and raise funds for global mission work, making LWML an official auxiliary of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Mission Grants
LWML holds a national convention every two years, where delegates from each district vote on mission grants to support for the next biennium. These projects, originating both within the U.S. and internationally, are selected with a financial goal in mind, aimed to be met over the two years. Moreover, this process ensures LWML’s continued funding and support for a wide range of mission projects around the world, reflecting its commitment to global outreach and support. Here are some examples of the missions that were chosen for the 2023-2025 mission year:
Encouraging Women to Action
LWML members receive a Mites box designed specifically for the organization, they are encouraged to contribute any amount, even small daily pocket change. These boxes, collected within LCMS churches, support national mission grants. The organization provides monthly updates on the Mite offerings through its website. In addition, the LWML created the Young Woman Representative (YWR) program to attract more women. This initiative allows districts to sponsor young women at national conventions, offering them a firsthand experience of the organization’s impact.
Heart to Heart: Sisters of All Nations
The LWML has launched the Heart to Heart program to foster relationships among women from diverse cultural backgrounds, enhancing the diversity in mission work. In addition, this initiative aims to prevent the isolation of women from different cultures or those who speak different languages, fostering stronger fellowship and more effective mission work. Moreover, the Heart to Heart Program includes participants from various countries, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and leveraging varied gifts in serving the organization’s multicultural missions.
Looking Ahead
The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) continues to forge pathways of hope and service across the globe, guided by a steadfast commitment to faith-driven action. Through innovative programs like “Heart to Heart” and impactful mission grants, LWML empowers communities from Haiti to Kenya, ensuring that the spirit of giving and service transcends borders and cultural divides.
Furthermore, as the organization looks to the future, its ongoing mission to nurture, support and inspire women in their faith and service endeavors promises to bring about transformative changes, enriching lives and spreading hope wherever there is need.
– Heather Gisi
Photo: Unsplash
Mental Health Crisis in Irish Travelers Community
This historic and culturally rich population continues to face some of the worst discrimination and poverty of any ethnic group in Europe. Their ongoing struggle, in turn, has engendered a widespread mental health crisis among Travelers groups. In a 2021 report conducted by an Irish parliamentary committee, it was found that 11% of all Travelers die from suicide and have a suicide rate six times higher than their stationary counterparts.
Life expectancy among the Travelers community is up to 15 years shorter than that of the wider population and only 3% live past age 65. These statistics, compounded with an alarming 80% unemployment rate, societal discrimination and lack of education, make the mental health struggles of Irish Travelers a glaring issue that has only been more thoroughly addressed in recent times.
Causes
One of the primary origins of this mental health crisis is the negotiation Travelers must have between assuming their cultural identity and adhering to settled Irish societal norms. This complex and often unbalanced dynamic is exacerbated by legislative measures that impinge upon Travelers and their traditional lifestyle. This includes making it illegal for Travelers to camp on land where they have been for generations and forcing them to rest in halting sites and purpose-built residential accommodations for travelers. Furthermore, economic shifts have rendered traditional Traveler employment scarce, heightening stress and anxiety within the community.
There have even been cases of physical segregation being put into effect, such as walls to separate Travelers from settled people, further symbolizing their social marginalization and actively deepening the population’s feelings of exclusion. Furthermore, pervasive prejudice and discrimination against Travelers persists and profoundly impacts the mental well-being of this group.
The complex and systemic marginalization of this indigenous Irish population by their government and their settled counterparts demands further attention. It calls for a more excellent representation of Travelers in legislative spaces where they can actively challenge the discriminatory practices they are facing.
Efforts
Recognizing the disparities Travelers face, the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, along with other government officials and the Health Service Executive (HSE), unveiled the National Travelers Health Action Plan (NTHAP) 2022-2027. This initiative marks a significant step towards addressing the mental health crisis the Irish Travelers population faces.
In line with the broader objectives of enhancing healthcare accessibility, the plan underscores the importance of preventive measures, promoting healthcare and fostering collaborative engagement with Traveler communities. The comprehensive inclusion of various mental health interventions and robust monitoring mechanisms within the NTHAP can address the vulnerability and risks that Travelers encounter in their efforts to maintain their traditional way of life for hundreds of years.
Final Remark
Through sustained collaboration and investment, the NTHAP represents a landmark initiative fostering mental health resilience and inclusivity within the Travelers community. By addressing systemic factors perpetuating mental health challenges, the plan heralds a future of improved outcomes and greater societal equity for Irish Travelers.
– Ani Gonzalez Ward
Photo: Pexels
Tuberculosis in Kenya
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognizes common symptoms of TB include prologued cough with blood, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever and night sweats. In recognition of the 32% undiagnosed and untreated TB patients in Kenya reported in 2023, the Ministry of Health launched the 2023/24 – 2027/28 National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB, Leprosy and Lung Health. This program aims to put an end to the devastating impact of TB on Kenya’s communities.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors treat tuberculosis with antibiotics. In Kenya, the primary antibiotics improving TB patients’ health are isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol and streptomycin. Patients must take these medications daily for four to six months. WHO advises anyone experiencing symptoms of TB to seek medical attention immediately.
Ministry of Health Support to End Tuberculosis
During its launch, Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, emphasized the 2023/24-2027/28 National Strategic Plan’s commitment to a people-centered approach in addressing tuberculosis in Kenya. In her February 2024 speech to the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, Mary announced the start of a community-centered Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative, to deploy 100,000 Community Health Promoters. This initiative aims to enhance household screenings proactively and strengthen the government’s battle against TB. Furthermore, the program seeks to eliminate TB, leprosy and other lung complications by 2030.
Facilitating Gender Responsive Policies
The Division of National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Lung Disease Program (DNTLD-P) has collaborated with the LIGHT consortium since 2020 to enhance the Kenyan government’s efforts in addressing gender discrimination among TB patients. This partnership aims to fill gaps identified in Kenya’s previous NSP for 2019-2023, which lacked initiatives targeting gender-specific barriers to TB care and treatment.
The government has evaluated gender-equality approaches to ensure TB patients in Kenya receive fair treatment, regardless of gender. LIGHT, a global health research program, focuses on supporting TB treatment policies and practices in Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria and Uganda, with an emphasis on gender inclusivity. Its research demonstrates that improved access to TB care for men has decreased TB-related deaths, curbed transmission within communities and reduced the financial strain of TB treatment in Kenya. In response to LIGHT’s policy enhancement efforts, the NSP for 2023/24–2027/28 outlines specific initiatives aimed at assisting male TB patients in Kenya through the following targeted implementations:
A Healthier Kenya
Initiatives like the NSP for TB and the LIGHT consortium’s efforts illuminate the path toward ending tuberculosis by fostering inclusivity and community support. These strategies are poised to transform health and tuberculosis care in Kenya and signal a promising future where access to treatment transcends gender barriers, enabling a united fight against this persistent disease.
– Kasia Flisiuk
Photo: Flickr
Facts You Did Not Know about Period Poverty in the CAR
Limited Access To Menstrual Products
Limited access to menstrual products in the CAR exacerbates challenges faced by women and girls, hindering their ability to manage their menstrual health effectively. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day in 2014, highlighting the dire consequences of stigma, poverty and inadequate access to essential services such as toilets and water on menstrual health and hygiene for women and girls.
Particularly affected are the poorest, ethnic minorities, refugees and individuals with disabilities. Although menstrual materials are widespread, ranging from 81% to 100% across most countries surveyed, some rely on inadequate substitutes like paper or nothing. Additionally, access to private spaces for washing and changing varies greatly, with significant disparities between rural and urban areas and ethnic groups facing even more critical challenges and limitations in emergency settings.
The Educational Barriers
CAR significantly impedes educational opportunities for young women. One in four miss school due to substandard facilities for menstruation and a lack of menstrual education. This absence of proper menstrual hygiene management not only hampers students’ education but also perpetuates the stigma and shame surrounding menstruation.
Health Implications
The deficient management of menstrual hygiene poses significant health risks for young women. Insufficient menstrual hygiene increases the likelihood of infections and reproductive health issues, potentially leading to long-term health complications. Furthermore, poor menstrual hygiene can contribute to social stigma and discrimination, exacerbating the mental and emotional well-being challenges faced by young women.
Cultural taboos surrounding menstruation persist in the CAR, exacerbating challenges for women and girls. The enduring stigma attached to this issue fosters silence, further complicating the establishment of effective policies concerning menstrual health.
Additionally, economic disparities worsen period poverty, particularly affecting women and girls from low-income households. Affording menstrual products becomes a challenge, perpetuating a cycle of poverty that obstructs their opportunities for advancement.
NGO Interventions and Future Prospects
Nonprofit organizations (NGOs) actively assist girls and women in the CAR who face challenges due to period poverty. NGOs like Days for Girls are at the forefront, educating about menstrual health, distributing hygiene products and challenging stigmatizing beliefs surrounding menstruation.
Period poverty in the CAR is a multifaceted challenge demanding attention, awareness and unified action. Despite progress, sustained efforts and partnerships with local communities and the government are essential for lasting change.
– Jayde Andrews
Photo: Flickr
Poverty in Ghana: Challenges and Solutions
Agricultural Reliance and Poverty in Ghana
In Ghana, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reports indicate significant nutritional deficiencies among children. It highlights that one in five children experience stunted growth, while two-thirds of those aged 6 months to 2 years lack sufficient nutrition. Malnutrition compromises their immunity, increases susceptibility to infections, impacts brain development and can be fatal. Hence, the World Food Program (WFP) partners with Ghana’s government to bolster food security and nutrition, mitigate malnutrition and improve the food system. This initiative is vital, as the visible undernourishment of many Ghanaian children underscores poverty’s profound effect on youth.
Thinkers Fighting Extreme Poverty
Rory Stewart and Peter Singer
Peter Singer is an Australian utilitarian philosopher and activist fighting extreme poverty. He founded “The Life You Can Save” and is one of the most vital public voices arguing for GiveDirectly. Rory Stewart is a British politician and advisor to GiveDirectly as of January 2024. These influential advocates fighting against extreme poverty promote a highly successful Unconditional Cash Transfer program in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. They frequently appear on popular podcasts, speak with journalists and lecture at conferences.
GiveDirectly’s research page highlights the benefits of the program. Research from independent sources like GiveWell, The World Bank, MIT and the University of Chicago finds that UCTs effectively reduce poverty, are not wasted, allow individuals and families to spend money on things they need and improve nearly all measurable aspects of life. Additionally, UCTs have positively impacted several measurable aspects of life, including health, education, employment and economic circumstances.
Will MacAskill & Tony Ord
Will MacAskill and Tony Ord are philosophers, activists and thinkers fighting extreme poverty. Born in Scotland, MacAskill is an Oxford’s Global Priorities Institute member. Ord, an Australian, is also at Oxford as a Senior Research Fellow. The men co-founded Effective Altruism, a movement that uses science to help others most effectively.
They also co-founded Giving What We Can, a pledge to donate 10% of one’s annual pre-tax income or 2.5% of one’s yearly net worth (whichever is larger) to the world’s most effective charities. Effective Altruism is estimated to have raised more than $1 billion between 2014-2022, with most going to global health.
Rob Wiblin
Rob Wiblin is the Head of Research for 80,000 Hours and hosts its podcast. One of the main topics he supports on the podcast is the fight against poverty through Effective Altruism. He frequently interviews thinkers who are working to combat extreme poverty, such as Holden Karnovsky, the founder of GiveWell and Open Philanthropy; Alexander Berger, the Global Health and Well-being Program Lead at Open Philanthropy; EA activist Benjamin Todd and EA co-founders MacAskill and Ord. The 80,000 Hours podcast has 16.5 thousand subscribers and 2.3 million views on YouTube.
Sam Harris
The American philosopher and neuroscientist Sam Harris regularly promotes charities and thinkers fighting extreme poverty on his podcast, Making Sense. He has promoted Giving What We Can, GiveWell and GiveDirectly and has taken the Giving What We Can pledge. His organization, the Waking Up Foundation, was the first business to take the pledge. Harris has interviewed guests such as Stewart, Singer, Steven Pinker, Will McAskill, Ord and Chris Anderson. During Harris’ 2020 podcast with MacAskill, Harris shared that GiveWell expected to receive at least $1 million in donations from his listeners by the end of 2021. Harris also shared that his first podcast with MacAskill resulted in $150,000 in donations to the Against Malaria Foundation.
Steven Pinker
Pinker, a psychologist at Harvard University and public advocate against extreme poverty, global hunger and preventable diseases, highlighted the fight to end extreme poverty in his best-selling 2018 book “Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism and Progress.” Pinker explains why there have been sharp declines in extreme poverty and hunger since the Industrial Revolution, especially in recent decades. He argues that open economies, investment in the developing world and international cooperation can continue to reduce extreme poverty, hunger and disease.
Chris Anderson
Anderson, the Head of TED, uses public appearances, the TED conference and his 2024 book “Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading“ to focus the attention of middle and upper-income people on charitable giving to the extremely impoverished. In the book, Anderson discusses times when generosity has “gone viral” and how positive emotions, creativity and courage can be used to spread generosity.
A 2024 podcast with Harris, Anderson expands on the ideas in his book by arguing that infectious generosity can be applied to a culture of charitable giving by the ultra-wealthy to those living in extreme poverty. In January 2024, Giving What We Can announced that Anderson had taken its pledge.
– Joey T. McFadden
Photo: Flickr
Child Hunger in Brazil – The Sesc Mesa Programme
Sesc Mesa and Its Mission
Sesc Mesa operates more than 95 units nationwide to ensure children in Brazil attend school, nursery or play groups well-nourished. A key depot in Rio de Janeiro serves as a prime example of how organizations like Sesc Mesa address Brazil’s food shortage on a national scale. Covering 400 square feet in Rio’s northern suburbs, the program’s depot recovers unsellable food from supermarkets and collects wonky or otherwise deemed unfit produce from farms, where most of Brazil’s food wastage happens, for supermarkets and restaurants.
Cida Pessoa, program manager for Sesc Mesa in Rio, says, “People want nature to be completely uniform, for carrots to grow in the same way, for papayas to come without spots, for apples to be identical,” leading to vast amounts of perfectly good produce being wasted. This could otherwise help solve Brazil’s undernourishment crisis. After gathering the undesirable produce, Sesc Mesa donates it to soup kitchens, schools, nurseries and other institutions that provide free meals, ensuring daily nourishment for those in need. Due to the program’s success, Sesc Mesa is relocating to a facility 12 times larger. Moreover, this expansion means the potential to feed 12 times more children. With Sesc Mesa feeding 2.1 million people monthly in 2023, the impact of this growth is unmistakable.
Educational Events
Sesc Mesa also organizes educational activities, including courses, classes, seminars and workshops for corporate donors, social institutions and communities. These programs aim to offer information, guidance and training on food hygiene and proper handling. The goal is to maximize the use of foods for preparing safe, healthy and balanced meals for Brazil’s hungry population.
Expanding the Program’s Success
Looking ahead, the efforts to combat child hunger in Brazil by organizations like Sesc Mesa illuminate a path toward a more nourished and prosperous nation. Through its innovative approach to redistributing food waste, it is not only addressing immediate nutritional needs but also fostering a culture of sustainability and care. The potential for international collaboration opens new avenues for expanding its impactful work, moving Brazil closer to eradicating hunger. As Sesc Mesa continues to grow, its model serves as a beacon for other countries grappling with similar issues, showcasing the transformative power of community-driven solutions. Ultimately, the fight against hunger in Brazil is a critical step toward enhancing education, employment and economic vitality in the post-pandemic world.
– Ethan Leyden
Photo: Unsplash
5 Charities Operating in Romania
5 Charities Operating in Romania
Looking Ahead
The efforts of these five charities operating in Romania signal a hopeful future for the country’s most vulnerable children. Through compassionate care, innovative programs and unwavering dedication, these organizations are not just addressing immediate needs but are also laying the groundwork for systemic change. Moreover, they continue to transform lives and challenge the status quo. Their collective impact promises to reshape Romania’s approach to childcare and family support, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive future for all children.
– Nevin Guler
Photo: Flickr