A 2023 Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH) report reveals that 78% of Cubans have stopped eating some meals, indicating undeniable hunger in Cuba. With nine in 10 Cubans barely earning “enough to survive,” and 62% struggling to buy essential goods. The Food Monitor Program and community projects address the crisis globally and provide on-the-ground support.
Ration Books to Market Choices
Since the 1962 Cuban Revolution, the government has subsidized a universal monthly food supply, which it distributes through libreta, a ration book. From 2021, more than 11 million Cubans are registered for this vital support.
Over time, the libreta has faced reductions, sustaining 85% of individuals in the OCDH report for 10 days or less. In December 2023, President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed intentions to phase out staples like rice and sugar, redirecting support to the most vulnerable.
Other options include Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) stores, agricultural markets or the black market. In MLC stores, transactions must occur in foreign currency. The aim is to capture remittances from abroad to pay for food imports. However, this practice has widened the disparity between those with access to remittances — either from relatives abroad or through work in the COVID-19-impacted tourism sector — and those solely reliant on local salaries.
Nonetheless, MLC stores face shortages. The majority turn to the competitively priced black market, usually associated with illegal activity. In Cuba, this is where street vendors address the gaps in food and other household goods.
The Economic Impact
“The Special Period” economic crisis followed the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, a significant supporter of Cuba. Historically, Cuba’s agricultural sector relied on large-scale monocultures, for the exports of sugar, tobacco, citrus and coffee. The Soviet Union supported Cuba by purchasing a share of its sugar and importing 63% of its food. After the Soviet Union’s collapse, an economic downturn resulted in drastic reductions in state-subsidized rations and triggered widespread hunger in Cuba.
To address this, Cuba imported rice from Vietnam and sold sugar to China. Subsequently, Cuba became heavily reliant on imports, constituting between 70% and 80% of its food supply in 2024, with minimal efforts to boost domestic production.
In 2024, the economy is in a decline reminiscent of the suffering, scarcity and hunger in Cuba during The Special Period. Sugar cane production in Cuba dropped from 816,000 tons in 2020-21 to 480,000 tons in 2021-22, with an overall 35% decrease between 2019 and 2023.
As of October 2023, food imports decreased to $1.6 billion. The current scenario reveals vulnerabilities in Cuba’s food security, as political relations and heavy reliance on food imports, including those for animals, expose the entire system to geopolitical challenges. Cuba is not producing or importing.
Substitutions, Shortages and Shifts in Daily Diet
The Food Monitor Program provides an analysis of the quality and availability of essential items in the Cuban diet, offering insight into the current culinary landscape of May-June 2023.
The government usually prioritizes milk for vulnerable groups, but it was recently removed from the libreta and replaced with concentrated milk powder. The increased price of beans has led households to consider excluding this vital protein. Coffee, integral to Cuban identity, has experienced setbacks in production. Rice, typically consumed in two meals a day and featured in various Cuban dishes, is experiencing shortages.
Many beloved food items in the daily Cuban diet have been substituted with cheaper but less nutritious alternatives. Sometimes, bread is used as a substitute for rice during lunch and dinner. However, the product has undergone substitutions with unpopular alternative flour like corn, pumpkin and sweet potato, according to the Food Monitor Program. Eggs, valued for versatility, affordability and availability, offer a protein alternative to meat but have become as inaccessible as pork or fish. The short supply of sunflower oil and other fats has impacted the ability to cook.
Resilience Amid Shortages
In response to the crises, individual and community-based mutual aid initiatives like the Quisicuaba project, a community-led soup kitchen in central Havana registered in 1992, are feeding the hungry. With the support of on-island cultural and community groups, foreign donations and private gifts, Quisicuaba Cabildo served breakfast, lunch and dinner daily to 4,000 people in January 2024.
The group’s leader emphasizes inclusivity: “We feed anyone who arrives … there are no conditions. We don’t ask how much they make, and we charge nothing,” Reuters reports. The project also provides a delivery service to those who cannot reach the kitchen.
Numerous smaller-scale projects and individual acts of aid have sprouted across the country. The Breath Of Life Humanitarian Project delivered Christmas dinners to 44 homeless individuals in Havana in 2023. Similarly, comedian Limay Blanco generously offered dinner to more than 300 people. In Guanabo, a bar owner organized a New Year’s Eve dinner for 180 low-income elderly and children.
These actions showcase the resilience and determination of Cuban communities in the face of food shortages. Acknowledging the vital need for global support in tackling hunger in Cuba, the demonstrated adaptability, solidarity, and resilience among Cubans offer compelling examples of collaborative assistance for shaping a more sustainable and food-secure future.
– Ben Miley-Smith
Photo: Flickr
Drug Rehabilitation in Brazil and How the Government Is Tackling It
Psychoactive Drugs and Access To Help
The use of psychoactive drugs is becoming more common in all treatment centers, leading to challenges in recovery and an increased likelihood of relapse. This has led to studies to better understand the most effective ways of reaching individuals struggling with such addiction. Fortunately, some authors have discovered that economic position played a significant role in the issue. Those in poverty have less access to education and are still determining how to help themselves. The Brazilian public health system, in the past, has neglected those in poverty, restricting access to treatment facilities for individuals with limited financial resources. Considering these shortcomings, drug rehabilitation in Brazil is now more accessible in urban areas, where mental health services have been increasing since 2008. Rural areas still lag, but the advancement in urban areas is a good start for facilitating drug rehabilitation in Brazil.
Alcohol Abuse Help
In terms of alcohol abuse, Brazil has taken great strides. The Brazilian health care system has tackled the problem via three programs. First is the “Family Health Strategy,” which utilizes the services of community health workers to engage in outreach activities and home visits. Second is the “CAPS” program, which provides outpatient clinics catering to individuals requiring mental health services. A specialized staff team comprising “nurses, social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists” operate these clinics. The team is well-equipped to provide comprehensive and customized care to patients with varying mental health needs. The third is a novel program devised to assist individuals who have recently undergone addiction treatment in obtaining employment through post-treatment care. The primary objective of the program is to facilitate employment opportunities for individuals who have previously struggled with addiction by addressing any barriers or challenges that may impede their progress.
Use of Religion To Help
This approach provides an opportunity to establish connections with like-minded individuals, engage in volunteer work, receive personalized psychological care and obtain financial support early on. By incorporating religion into drug rehabilitation programs, a more comprehensive range of resources and support systems become accessible, thereby increasing the likelihood of long-term recovery and overall well-being. In addition, this approach fosters an atmosphere that acknowledges personal potential and encourages camaraderie among individuals, all while offering unwavering and impartial support. The effectiveness of spiritual therapy ultimately rests on the willingness of those seeking help to embrace it.
Conclusion
The aspects above underscore the effectiveness of drug rehabilitation programs in Brazil, which have proven to be a valuable resource for many underprivileged individuals seeking support and assistance. It is hoped that such efforts will continue unabated, not only in Brazil but also in other countries facing comparable challenges.
– Jordan Cunningham
Photo: Unsplash
Digital Health in Developing Nations: The Pioneering WHO Initiative
GIDH: A Network Spearheaded by WHO
The GIDH operates as a network overseen by the WHO, providing a vital platform for consolidating global standards, disseminating best practices and facilitating essential resources. This strategic collaboration is pivotal in accelerating the transformation of digital health systems in developing nations. The WHO serves as a secretariat for the initiative. Reaffirms its commitment to aiding countries in enhancing their health care capacities and ensuring access to quality digital health solutions.
The Evolution of Digital Health and COVID-19’s Impact
The digital health domain has significantly transformed since the WHO endorsed e-health in 2005. More than 120 members of the WHO have established national digital health policies or strategies, marking a worldwide trend toward integrating technology within the health care sector.
Before the outbreak of COVID-19, the field of digital health was steadily progressing. Telemedicine has shown significant potential in improving health care delivery and alleviating poverty in developing countries. Studies have indicated that telemedicine can effectively address health care needs in regions with limited resources and hard-to-reach populations. By offering remote medical services, telemedicine can ease the burden on overtaxed health care systems and relieve those most affected by health care costs.
In Africa, telemedicine is crucial for delivering health care to isolated villages without access to traditional medical facilities. It promotes social transformation and mobility while significantly enhancing the treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases and supporting health infrastructure. Adoption of telemedicine in these regions can alleviate poverty among vulnerable groups.
In this context, the pandemic accelerated widespread adoption and integration into health care systems worldwide. This period has highlighted the crucial need for robust digital health infrastructures, emphasizing effective governance, well-developed policy frameworks and a proficient workforce that adapts and maintains digital health technologies.
During the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting in August, participants emphasized the vital role of digital health in developing nations and across various national health care systems. For instance, the Health Minister of Saudi Arabia highlighted the significant contribution of telemedicine and the potential of innovative technologies like artificial intelligence in health care. The Indonesian representative discussed efforts to establish health databases, which are crucial for digitizing health records. Brazil’s Health Minister also underscored the importance of digital health in achieving universal health coverage, focusing on data protection and ensuring equitable access.
Goals and Focus of the GIDH
The GIDH is committed to achieving measurable outcomes through:
The Transformative Potential of Digital Health
The role of digital health initiatives in enhancing health care outcomes is gaining significant recognition, especially in achieving Universal Health Coverage and meeting Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. These digital interventions encompass a wide array of applications, ranging from aiding individuals in managing their health to assisting health care providers in upholding exemplary standards of care. Moreover, they are pivotal in fortifying health care systems by enhancing supply chain management and optimizing workforce efficiency.
A Milestone in Global Health Efforts
The G20 Health Working Group witnessed a historic moment with the inception of GIDH, showcasing a collective commitment by G20 nations toward a common health goal. This initiative, especially crucial amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to promote collaboration, exchange of knowledge and the establishment of robust digital health infrastructures. It aligns with the overarching objective of improving health services delivery, significantly advancing global health cooperation and innovation, particularly in developing nations.
– Matilde Liboni
Photo: Pexels
Supporting North Korean Defectors: 5 South Korean Charities
Unfortunately, North Koreans caught engaging in activities deemed illegal, face imprisonment or even execution in public. Since the death of Kim Il-Sung from 1994 to 1998, a period referred to as “The Arduous March,” many citizens have suffered from malnutrition and health issues.
The Journey of North Korean Defectors
Many North Koreans face a daunting choice to defect in pursuit of a better life, risking immediate death if caught using secret escape routes. Hence, some resort to bribing brokers for assistance in crossing the Yalu River, yet even with such help, evading capture along the border remains uncertain.
Furthermore, those who escape to South Korea and seek asylum consider themselves fortunate, yet they encounter challenges adjusting to an unfamiliar environment. Defectors gain the freedom to listen to music, watch movies and make life choices not dictated by their previous government. However, navigating these changes proves difficult and stressful, particularly for individuals who flee alone, without the support of family or friends.
Following are five South Korean charities that focus on aiding North Korean defectors in starting anew.
Hanawon
A prominent resettlement center for North Korean defectors, often compared to a mix between a halfway house and a trade school, opened its doors in 1999 with funding from Korea’s Ministry of Unification. At Hanawon, defectors undergo a 12-week program where they learn essential skills like using ATMs and navigating banks, grocery stores and public transport. Raised in an atheistic environment where religious materials were banned to ensure allegiance to their leader, North Korean defectors at Hanawon receive visits from volunteers across various faiths—Buddhist, Catholic, Christian—who introduce them to religious beliefs and practices, offering services for those interested in exploring newfound religious freedom.
Teach North Korean Refugees (TNKR)
Moreover, a Seoul-based nongovernmental organization specializes in teaching English to North Koreans. Teach North Korean Refugees commits to aiding refugees through one-on-one tutoring, speech competitions and mentoring for employment and educational opportunities. Consequently, it equips North Korean refugees with the skills to thrive in any setting where English is the primary language.
People for Successful Corean Reunification (PSCORE)
A nonprofit, nongovernmental organization located in Seoul actively promotes human rights in North Korea. It offers English classes and tutoring programs for North Korean defectors, emphasizing its global mission to advocate for North Korean human rights. The organization states, “Our global mission revolves around advocacy for North Korean human rights, with a core focus on empowerment through education and tutoring programs.”
Liberty in North Korea
An international nongovernmental organization focuses on aiding North Korean refugees in adjusting to their new lives. Liberty in North Korea achieves success in its resettlement program by fostering self-efficacy. The organization pairs newly arrived North Korean refugees with resettled North Koreans as role models. These mentors offer advice and encouragement on managing stress and trauma, providing relatable support from someone who has faced similar challenges, thus facilitating growth and adaptation.
Saejowi
A nonreligious, nonprofit organization in South Korea specializes in refugee counseling licensing and documenting the medical needs of North Korean refugees. Reports indicate that “90% of North Korean refugees arrive with untreated physical illnesses and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).” However, Saejowi supports North Korean refugees who wish to become counselors for their peers by offering classes to develop and practice counseling skills. Consequently, more than 220 counselors have received licenses, enabling them to provide counseling to fellow refugees.
Looking Ahead
These five South Korean charities are diligently working to help North Korean defectors adjust to their new lives, emphasizing self-care and the importance of recognizing their worth. These organizations assist defectors in discovering their passions and deciding on future pursuits. In addition, by offering safety and protection, South Korean charities support defectors through the process of change, acknowledging that while change can be exhilarating, it can also be daunting.
– Nevin Guler
Photo: Unsplash
Innovations Against Poverty: Prosperity Through Cooperation
It enables the development of creative solutions for unique challenges and fosters large-scale collaboration among diverse stakeholders to address global problems. As a World Bank official emphasized in 2015, “Without collaboration that is both broad and deep, we have little hope of ending extreme poverty by 2030 and to boost shared prosperity.”
The Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) Challenge Fund
The program aims to carefully select innovative projects for their potential to benefit large numbers of people living in poverty and their scalability. It challenges private sector companies in the agriculture, energy, wash and ICT sectors across Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda and Zambia to innovate products.
Acting as a risk-sharing mechanism, the fund effectively supports innovative producers, offering them economic protections otherwise unavailable. This approach assists companies that fall between the cracks of microfinance and commercial lending. The top proposals receive up to €200,000 in funding per company.
The Challenge Fund is financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). It aims to support ambitious entrepreneurs overcome a lack of capital to innovate. The fund works via an announcement that the fund is looking for proposals for the best solution to a pre-defined development problem that is not addressed by market forces.
Competitors are assessed against each other. The businesses that best fill several pre-set criteria are given a grant to implement their ideas. Following the first round of investments in companies from the four countries, more than 1.5 million people were calculated to have benefitted from improved access to basic goods and services, as well as more than 500,000 benefitting from cost savings and income, with knock-on effects for the wider communities.
The multi-stakeholder partnership approach plays a crucial role in reducing poverty. It brings together innovators, NGOs and investors, each contributing unique skills and experiences. Numerous instances document the success of this process through the Innovations Against Poverty program.
Agriculture: Afriseed
The IAP program demonstrates its effectiveness through the financing of Afriseed. IAP not only provides initial funding but also helps entrepreneurs build relationships with local financiers. With an IAP grant exceeding €300,000, Afriseed expanded its legume production. It engaged more smallholder farmers and aimed to enlarge its market share in Southern Africa. Consequently, smallholder farmers enjoyed better access to quality seeds, higher crop yields and incomes, better integration into value chains and new market connections.
Sustainable Business: Raising Gabdho Foundation (RGF)
RGF, a social enterprise, provides clean cooking solutions and energy-efficient products. Through its collaboration with the IAP, RGF launched a new factory in June 2023 to develop effective ways to reduce air pollution from production. This partnership has already led to more than a doubling of the enterprise’s bio-briquette production capacity, with potential for even more expansion.
Furthermore, RGF introduced its Zeed Energy brand in Uganda, serving as a community marketplace for clean energy products. As the business expands, it will create more jobs, increase local revenue and benefit the environment by reducing the carbon footprint and promoting more sustainable practices among consumers and producers.
The initial opportunity presented to RGF has grown and grown into something with huge potential. RGF aims to establish a waste collection system to secure the biomass needed for briquette production. The foundation also aims to expand its sales routes beyond the capital city.
Looking Ahead
When we challenge creative individuals and small companies to innovate, the results can be transformative. Supporting anti-poverty innovations through targeted ventures that unite stakeholders seeking profit with workers aiming to improve their living conditions enhances the well-being of entire communities.
An independent impact assessment measured the success of the IAP. It revealed customers experienced better quality of life and access to new products and services. Additionally, 80% of female customers generating income from these offerings reported improved decision-making power over their earnings.
Incentivizing innovations against poverty among various stakeholders yields widespread and significant benefits for local communities. Encouraging and initiating creative solutions to persistent poverty-related issues across the developing world is well-supported by evidence.
– Arshiya Eslamdoust
Photo: Pixabay
Nutrition Education in Mali’s School Systems
Root Causes of the Lack of Nutrition Education in Mali
One fundamental issue lies in the limited allocation of resources toward educational programs focused on nutrition. More funding is needed to ensure the implementation of comprehensive curricula that integrate nutrition education seamlessly into the school system. In the Sahel countries, the nutritional status of children under five remains concerning. Additionally, the low rainfall in 2017 may make things worse during the lean season.
About 1.6 million children in the Sahel experienced severe acute malnutrition in 2018, a 50% rise over the previous significant nutrition crisis that occurred there in 2012. Since 2020, there has been a rise in the number of underprivileged children by at least 1.5 million. Consequently, about five million children in Mali critically need humanitarian aid, including access to adequate water, health, nutrition, education and protection services.
Additionally, a lack of trained educators exacerbates the problem, as only a few have the knowledge and skills necessary to teach nutrition concepts to students. Money is needed to support medical services, such as the purchase of fuel to keep vaccines cold and more humanitarian goods like life-saving medications for malnourished children, as well as to give emergency food aid to those in need.
Moreover, amid cultural problems and domestic conflicts, schools may not prioritize nutrition education in Mali, leading to the neglect of formal schooling structures. The United Nations (U.N.) confirmed 1,024 grave violations of children’s rights in the nation in 2022, including the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and groups, as well as killing and maiming.
Current Picture
More than 1,700 schools have had to close due to conflict and resource shortages, depriving at least half a million students of an education. Nearly 25% of Malians experience moderate to severe food insecurity as a result of domestic conflict. In the meantime, more than 2,500 people, primarily children, are at risk of starvation in the crisis-affected district of Menaka for the first time in the nation.
Mali faces a significant health care challenge, with approximately 2,780 physicians, translating to just 0.12 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants, far below the global standard of 1.70 physicians per 1,000 inhabitants. Despite the constitutional guarantee of the right to proper health, Mali allocates only about 2.9% of its GDP to health care, contributing to a high incidence of various diseases. Moreover, the limited health care resources are disproportionately concentrated in the capital, Bamako, where more than 4,000 health care workers strive to maintain the well-being of 1.8 million people.
Solutions Addressing Lack of Nutrition Education in Mali
Conclusion
The lack of nutrition education in Mali exacerbates the chronic malnutrition crisis, impacting more than 26% of children. Limited resources and a shortage of trained educators hinder the integration of nutrition education into school curricula, perpetuating the cycle of poor health and underdevelopment. However, several organizations, including WFP, are working to address Mali’s lack of nutrition education.
– Mahima Bhat
Photo: Flickr
Cash-For-Work Transforming Lives of Syrian Refugees in Jordan
A Closer Look at Cash for Work Initiatives
Meticulously designing cash-for-work programs serves a dual purpose: aiding refugee communities by integrating them into the workforce and contributing positively to the local economy. Refugees take on various roles, from essential waste management tasks to teaching positions, each specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the camp’s inhabitants. A notable project within the Zaatari camp saw refugees actively involved in constructing durable shelters, effectively transitioning their living conditions from temporary tents to more stable and permanent homes. This project gave refugees valuable construction skills and instilled a sense of accomplishment and community contribution.
Quantifying Impact: A Data-Driven Perspective
The success of these programs is more than merely anecdotal; compelling data and statistics support it. In 2021, the government and UNHCR released figures indicating that they granted a record-breaking 62,000 work permits to Syrians, marking the highest yearly figure since it was introduced. The financial injection is significant, but the psychological and social benefits extend beyond monetary measures.
For instance, Etidal, the primary caregiver of her severely diabetic husband, gained the ability to support her family financially through a volunteering opportunity with CARE International.
Over time, she transitioned into a hydroponics trainer, preparing others for similar opportunities. She expressed, “Through my job in the camp, I became the sole financial supporter of my beautiful family.”
Comprehensive Benefits and Psychological Impacts
The programs offer multifaceted benefits, significantly impacting participants’ mental health and community cohesion. Engaging in meaningful work allows refugees to regain a sense of normalcy, control and pride in their lives, combating the despair and idleness that can pervade camp life. These jobs fulfill immediate financial needs and foster a productive environment where refugees can contribute and feel valued by their community.
Despite their evident success, cash-for-work programs encounter challenges. Critics caution against potential risks, such as creating dependency or inadvertently distorting local labor markets. Furthermore, maintaining consistent funding and effectively scaling these initiatives to meet growing demands without compromising quality or sustainability remains an ongoing battle.
Conclusion: A Model for Humanitarian Aid
Cash-for-work programs in Syrian refugee camps exemplify humanitarian aid prioritizing dignity, empowerment and active community engagement. These initiatives provide immediate financial relief and pave the way for long-term development and self-sufficiency. By interweaving direct aid with strategic development efforts, these programs support refugee populations in reclaiming autonomy and preparing for a hopeful future.
As the world grapples with unprecedented displacement levels, success stories from Jordan’s refugee camps serve as a powerful testament to the potential of innovative, work-based solutions in humanitarian crises. These programs illuminate the path toward a more sustainable and dignified approach to refugee aid, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for global responses to displacement and poverty.
– Hana Al-Khodairi
Photo: Flickr
How Wind Power in Nicaragua Is Alleviating Poverty
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), nearly 25% of people in Nicaragua live in poverty, making it one of the poorest nations in Latin America. Furthermore, nearly 65% of the population works in agriculture— an unreliable industry due to the country being prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and droughts.
Unfortunately in 2022, Nicaragua was hit by Hurricane Julia, which drove poverty in vulnerable areas up to 40%. Hazardous weather and the lack of jobs outside of farming means that much of the population is at a high risk of experiencing poverty.
The Potential of Wind Energy
With its strategic geographical location, Nicaragua boasts impressive wind resources, especially along its Pacific coast. According to EV Wind, the country has an average wind speed of 9 meters per second, making it an excellent location for wind farming. In fact, the wind farms have become vital contributors to the national energy grid— two farms, Amayo and Eolo, both located in the Rivas region, contribute massively to the country’s supply of energy.
According to data from Power Technology, the farms collectively offset nearly 300,000t of carbon dioxide emissions annually, aiding the country’s goal of generating 91% of its energy from renewable sources by 2027. The World Bank Group reported that the Eolo wind farm alone produces 7% of Nicaragua’s annual energy demand. By creating energy locally, the farms help to reduce the average marginal costs of generation, reducing the energy cost to the population.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
One of the immediate impacts of the investment into wind power in Nicaragua is the creation of employment opportunities. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis reported that since 2008, the employment rate has increased from 59% to 62% in 2022.
The country experienced a higher rate of 63% in 2017 and dipped to 60.5% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The construction, operation and maintenance of wind farms have generated jobs across various skill levels, providing income to local communities.
According to Wind Power International, the construction of the Eolo wind farm generated about 400 jobs, alongside 40 full-time positions that oversee ongoing operations. As these projects expand, so does the demand for a skilled workforce, further boosting Nicaragua’s economy and providing a pathway out of poverty for many.
Access to Clean Energy
One of the significant challenges faced by impoverished communities is the lack of access to reliable and affordable energy. The focus on wind power in Nicaragua plays a crucial role in overcoming this hurdle. The National Electric Transmission Company (ENATREL) published data stating in 2022, nearly 71% of Nicaragua’s energy came from renewable sources, including wind power, hydropower and geothermal power.
Furthermore, by diversifying its energy mix, the country is not only ensuring a more stable and resilient power supply but is also working toward making electricity more accessible to remote and underserved areas. The integration of wind power into Nicaragua’s energy grid has contributed to a reduction in the cost of electricity, making it more affordable for households and businesses alike.
However, CEIC Data reported that in 2008, Nicaragua’s household energy price was at an all-time high of $0.300 per kWh and experienced a record low of $0.220 in 2021. This data directly correlates with the installation of wind farm projects in the country, proving its hand in making electricity more accessible. This, in turn, stimulates economic activities, creating a positive cycle of growth that directly impacts poverty reduction.
International Collaboration and Investment
Nicaragua’s journey into wind power has attracted attention and support from the international community. Collaborations with foreign investors, NGOs and development agencies have facilitated the financing and implementation of ambitious wind energy projects.
For example, the OPEC Fund for International Development reported in 2020 that it had provided $25 million toward Phase I and II of the Caribbean Coast Rural Electrification Process. The project aims to provide reliable electricity to more than 300,000 people in remote areas of Nicaragua.
Moreover, this support not only brings in the necessary funds but also contributes to knowledge transfer and technology exchange, enhancing Nicaragua’s capabilities in sustainable energy development. Nicaragua’s bold steps toward harnessing wind power are transforming the nation’s energy landscape and, more importantly, the lives of its people.
In addition, the commitment to sustainable development, job creation and community empowerment exemplifies the potential of renewable energy as a catalyst for poverty alleviation. As the winds of change continue to blow, Nicaragua stands as a shining example of how strategic investments in clean energy can create a more equitable and prosperous future for a nation grappling with the challenges of poverty.
– Lauren McKenna
Photo: Flickr
Everything You Need To Know about Hunger in Cuba
Ration Books to Market Choices
Since the 1962 Cuban Revolution, the government has subsidized a universal monthly food supply, which it distributes through libreta, a ration book. From 2021, more than 11 million Cubans are registered for this vital support.
Over time, the libreta has faced reductions, sustaining 85% of individuals in the OCDH report for 10 days or less. In December 2023, President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed intentions to phase out staples like rice and sugar, redirecting support to the most vulnerable.
Other options include Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) stores, agricultural markets or the black market. In MLC stores, transactions must occur in foreign currency. The aim is to capture remittances from abroad to pay for food imports. However, this practice has widened the disparity between those with access to remittances — either from relatives abroad or through work in the COVID-19-impacted tourism sector — and those solely reliant on local salaries.
Nonetheless, MLC stores face shortages. The majority turn to the competitively priced black market, usually associated with illegal activity. In Cuba, this is where street vendors address the gaps in food and other household goods.
The Economic Impact
“The Special Period” economic crisis followed the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, a significant supporter of Cuba. Historically, Cuba’s agricultural sector relied on large-scale monocultures, for the exports of sugar, tobacco, citrus and coffee. The Soviet Union supported Cuba by purchasing a share of its sugar and importing 63% of its food. After the Soviet Union’s collapse, an economic downturn resulted in drastic reductions in state-subsidized rations and triggered widespread hunger in Cuba.
To address this, Cuba imported rice from Vietnam and sold sugar to China. Subsequently, Cuba became heavily reliant on imports, constituting between 70% and 80% of its food supply in 2024, with minimal efforts to boost domestic production.
In 2024, the economy is in a decline reminiscent of the suffering, scarcity and hunger in Cuba during The Special Period. Sugar cane production in Cuba dropped from 816,000 tons in 2020-21 to 480,000 tons in 2021-22, with an overall 35% decrease between 2019 and 2023.
As of October 2023, food imports decreased to $1.6 billion. The current scenario reveals vulnerabilities in Cuba’s food security, as political relations and heavy reliance on food imports, including those for animals, expose the entire system to geopolitical challenges. Cuba is not producing or importing.
Substitutions, Shortages and Shifts in Daily Diet
The Food Monitor Program provides an analysis of the quality and availability of essential items in the Cuban diet, offering insight into the current culinary landscape of May-June 2023.
The government usually prioritizes milk for vulnerable groups, but it was recently removed from the libreta and replaced with concentrated milk powder. The increased price of beans has led households to consider excluding this vital protein. Coffee, integral to Cuban identity, has experienced setbacks in production. Rice, typically consumed in two meals a day and featured in various Cuban dishes, is experiencing shortages.
Many beloved food items in the daily Cuban diet have been substituted with cheaper but less nutritious alternatives. Sometimes, bread is used as a substitute for rice during lunch and dinner. However, the product has undergone substitutions with unpopular alternative flour like corn, pumpkin and sweet potato, according to the Food Monitor Program. Eggs, valued for versatility, affordability and availability, offer a protein alternative to meat but have become as inaccessible as pork or fish. The short supply of sunflower oil and other fats has impacted the ability to cook.
Resilience Amid Shortages
In response to the crises, individual and community-based mutual aid initiatives like the Quisicuaba project, a community-led soup kitchen in central Havana registered in 1992, are feeding the hungry. With the support of on-island cultural and community groups, foreign donations and private gifts, Quisicuaba Cabildo served breakfast, lunch and dinner daily to 4,000 people in January 2024.
The group’s leader emphasizes inclusivity: “We feed anyone who arrives … there are no conditions. We don’t ask how much they make, and we charge nothing,” Reuters reports. The project also provides a delivery service to those who cannot reach the kitchen.
Numerous smaller-scale projects and individual acts of aid have sprouted across the country. The Breath Of Life Humanitarian Project delivered Christmas dinners to 44 homeless individuals in Havana in 2023. Similarly, comedian Limay Blanco generously offered dinner to more than 300 people. In Guanabo, a bar owner organized a New Year’s Eve dinner for 180 low-income elderly and children.
These actions showcase the resilience and determination of Cuban communities in the face of food shortages. Acknowledging the vital need for global support in tackling hunger in Cuba, the demonstrated adaptability, solidarity, and resilience among Cubans offer compelling examples of collaborative assistance for shaping a more sustainable and food-secure future.
– Ben Miley-Smith
Photo: Flickr
Higher Education in Venezuela
Venezuela’s Higher Education Crisis
The political unrest in Venezuela has forced people to leave their homes since 2015. Approximately 1,600 professors have left institutions searching for higher-paying positions due to the sharp decline in faculty salaries in 2017. For those who have stayed, the ongoing inflation is a significant hardship. Inflation has rendered it exceedingly challenging for young adults to pursue higher education. Numerous people have felt compelled to abandon college or even high school to assist their parents in supporting their families. The economic downturn has already led many students to relinquish hope for their future.
Those who can afford university need help with the outdated curriculum. A report from Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) and Universidad Metropolitana (UNIMET) conducted in 2017 revealed corruption in the Venezuelan higher education system. In his presentation, UCAD rector Francisco Virtuoso reported that it had been ten years since the Consejo Nacional de Universidades (CNU) allowed universities to revise and renew curricula at the undergraduate or graduate levels. There has been constant meddling in the internal affairs of public universities, for example, in the selection and admission of new students and new professors. Many students have taken strike in light of these affairs.
Providing Aid for Venezuelan Students
The higher education crisis in Venezuela has garnered the attention of various organizations committed to aiding Venezuelan college students and professors. The Institute of International Education (IIE) is a global program supporting threatened and displaced scholars worldwide. In response to the crisis in Venezuela, IIE has stepped up its efforts by assisting college professors and researchers, as reported by Elliot-Meisel in 2020. The institute facilitates the relocation of a $25,000 grant for scholars facing challenging circumstances. These fellowships enable scholars to continue their research or teaching endeavors in Latin America or any chosen location.
IIE has extended its support to Venezuelan students grappling with the crisis, offering 59 grants to assist them. These students are seamlessly transitioned to American educational institutions and receive financial aid from the Emergency Student Fund (ESF), amounting to $3,000-$5,000. This funding helps cover tuition fees, accommodation expenses and the purchase of necessary supplies. Moreover, host institutions go the extra mile by providing work-study opportunities to these students throughout their studies. The United States (U.S.) has emerged as a preferred destination for these fleeing students, with nearly 8,400 opting to pursue their education there during the 2017-2018 academic year.
Despite grappling with corruption and economic turmoil, the Venezuelan government remains resolute in its commitment to keep every university operational, with new ones even being established. Notably, Venezuela boasts the most diverse higher education system in the region. Reports indicate many recent high school graduates enrolling in free programs across various fields. However, the absence of current official figures to substantiate this trend raises concerns and lingering uncertainties surrounding the sustainability and quality of these new educational institutions.
Future of Venezuela’s Students
Venezuelan students demonstrate remarkable resilience in adversity as they pursue education. Among them is Camille Covarrubias, who fled Venezuela during her sophomore year of nursing school amid pervasive corruption in her village. She relocated to the U.S. on a student visa for further studies in 2017. Camille remained undeterred despite the setback of not transferring her previously earned credits. She persevered through the support of college programs, dedicated professors and her peers. As of 2023, she is now advancing toward her master’s degree in nursing.
Conclusion
Given the state of the economy and government, the road to improving higher education opportunities for young adults in Venezuela is long and challenging. Students require assistance obtaining essential supplies financial support and ensuring their safety throughout their academic pursuits. Fortunately, there are organizations dedicated to providing aid for Venezuelan students like Camille, who are determined to pursue further education despite the challenges posed by corruption within the Venezuelan school system.
– Heather Gisi
Photo: Pexels
Impacts of Poverty on Refugees in the UK
Though this definition was only globally adopted in 1951, when applied to the history of migration to the U.K., it is apparent that there have always been refugees. Some of these include Irish refugees and European political exiles in the 19th century, Jewish refugees during WWII and refugees fleeing the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq in 2003. Currently, the U.K. is home to approximately 1% of the 27.1 million refugees across the world.
Why Do Refugees Come to the UK?
The U.N. states that “war and ethnic, tribal and religious violence are leading causes” for people to flee their home country. The consequences of war, including civil war, result in many falling into poverty and destitution as infrastructure and personal property are destroyed. For example, the ongoing war in Syria has resulted in extreme poverty for many. A report notes that in 2017, 27% of Syrian housing, 63% of educational facilities and 50% of medical facilities had been destroyed or damaged.
In an interview with The Borgen Project, Jon Beech, Director of Leeds Asylum Seekers’ Support Network (LASSN), points to poverty as a common reason for refugees to flee their home country. He reasons, “War and disruption often lead to people feeling economically like they haven’t got anything to lose and if you’re going to die of poverty in a dangerous place, you might as well die of poverty in a place that’s slightly less dangerous to yourself.”
There are additionally various reasons as to why refugees arrive in the U.K. The British Red Cross writes that the U.K. may seem the easiest place to rebuild life to some. As of 2023, English is the most spoken language globally, with 1.5 billion speakers. For people who have had to leave everything behind, knowledge of the native language seems like a better start to a new life for many. However, often, refugees don’t have a choice over where they are going. If they are facing persecution in their home country, they may be traveling illegally and place their lives in the hands of smugglers who dictate where they will be taken. In 2022, nearly 46,000 people arrived in the U.K. in small boats, suggesting that many had little choice.
What Difficulties Do They Face?
Many refugees in the UK struggle to obtain work. Some of the issues they face are employment gaps on CVs, lack of U.K. work experience, language barriers and cultural differences. Therefore, many refugees cannot attain regulated work, their only chance at escaping poverty. Beech notes that being granted refugee status is only step one in rebuilding a life. Beech stated, “What’s dispiriting is the level of poverty that people experience even when they get to the U.K… the predations of the unregulated labor market and financial services also further entrench people in poverty when they first get here.”
Additionally, Beech points to the current social climate, commenting, “There’s fear and uncertainty now.” Many refugees face racial discrimination and misinformation spreads rapidly online. For example, the popular notion that refugees are taking jobs from British people is misinformed, as the unemployment rate for refugees is three times greater than for the U.K.-born.
The Government’s Role in Supporting Refugees in the UK
In 2023, Human Rights Watch stated that the U.K.’s asylum and immigration system is “marred with serious systematic failures.” One significant issue is the government’s failure to provide housing after 28 days after the refugee status was granted. However, the government has supported Ukrainian refugees arriving in the U.K. as a result of Russia’s invasion.
They introduced various schemes to support refugees, such as the Ukraine Family Scheme. The scheme allows applicants to join families already living in the country. The Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, allows applicants to move to the U.K. if they have a named sponsor in the scheme.
Approximately 174,000 people moved to the U.K. under these schemes as of May 2023. The government later introduced the Ukraine Visa and Extension Scheme, for which 24,500 applications have been granted. The government’s handling of Ukrainian refugees demonstrates that they can support refugees and make the process more accessible.
What Role Do Local People Play in Supporting Refugees?
Charities play a significant role in supporting refugees in the UK. Some, such as the British Red Cross, Refugee Action and Refugee Council, work nationwide and anyone can volunteer to help. Others are more local organizations, such as LASSN.
LASSN was formed in 1999 and initially supported refugees by teaching them English through its English at Home project. The charity runs New to Leeds, a website helping refugees get to know and understand the city. Additionally, it supports Migration Partnership and still focuses on creating a friendly and welcoming community for all refugees.
Volunteering with charities, whether nationwide or local, is how most local people can help. However, Beech points out that there are many other ways in which local people can and do help. He says, “Vote for people who agree with you on matters of migration and if the people who you want to vote for don’t have a clear view of what they’d like to do, tell them what you think because there are lots of politicians who listen to their constituents and what they say.”
– Alice Brayford
Photo: Flickr