At the beginning of May 2023, heavy rainfall across East Africa led to flash flooding across the region, most destructively in Rwanda and Uganda. At least 130 people died because of extreme weather in Rwanda, while the chaos displaced entire villages. As a small but mountainous and landlocked region, Rwanda has a very dense population, increasing the number of those affected by the disaster.
Extreme Weather Changes
Rwanda and surrounding nations frequently suffer from the consequences of extreme weather changes. In 2019, 265 people died and tens of thousands had to leave their homes after two months of continuous rainfall. This event affected 2 million people across Kenya, Somalia, Burundi, Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda, Djibouti and Ethiopia.
Then in May 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic was tearing through communities across the world, Rwanda suffered 65 deaths and Kenya at least 194 after yet another period of heavy rainfall. More recently, in April 2023, at least 14 people died in southern Ethiopia, when a similar pattern of heavy rain triggered floods and landslides. Alongside fatalities, this destroyed crucial livestock and devastated numerous homes. Now, only a month later, a climate disaster once again struck Rwanda and its neighbors.
Damage in the Region
Damage by the extreme rainfall and consequential flash-flooding has not only led to the loss of lives but also the destruction of more than 5,000 homes, 17 roads, 26 bridges and an entire hospital, according to DW. West Africa experienced similar levels of rainfall, with several storms occurring across parts of Sierra Leone. The flash flooding that followed washed numerous cars and tore buildings apart. A collapsing wall killed six people and another 10 died when a house collapsed during a landslide.
The loss of crops and livestock completely disrupted livelihoods because many people rely on farming to provide food for their families. In an agricultural-based economy that employs 65% of the population, the erosion of land is hugely consequential for the Rwandan people. Extreme weather in Rwanda is not only responsible for the destruction of the environment but also the biodiversity. According to DW, every year, torrential rain causes a loss of almost 600 million tons of soil with the impact being most severe on sloping croplands, which can lead to famine.
The Role of Climate Change
The increasing “frequency and intensity” of extreme weather in Rwanda and across Africa is one of the reasons for a breakdown of the climate, most notably the rate at which the planet is getting hotter, according to The Guardian. Deputy regional director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Africa, Richard Munang agreed, stating that rising temperatures are causing the number of natural disasters to rapidly increase. According to Munang, the planet has warmed to 1.1 degrees Celsius. But even worse, Africa is warming up at double the speed of the rest of the world, DW reports.
In a UNDP report, disasters brought about as a direct result of climate change between 2000 and 2023 have increased by 134%. As a region vulnerable to floods and landslides, Rwanda is a country particularly susceptible to the consequences of the planet getting alarmingly warmer. Because of its inability to adapt to these extreme weather conditions, recovery from such events is even more challenging.
Described as “one of the most climate-impacted nations on Earth,” according to DW, Rwanda has suffered significant fatalities and hundreds of people have been displaced because of flooding and landslides. There is a direct link, therefore, between the rate of global warming and the increasing frequency of extreme weather in Rwanda. Some have proposed relocating vulnerable communities to areas less prone to floods, but whilst this may help in the short term, it does not address the severe issue of climate change, which is only getting worse with time.
Relief Efforts Within Rwanda
After the most recent episode of rainfall and flooding, the Government of Rwanda has implemented a major relief effort, with provisions for temporary shelter, emergency supplies, clean water and health care services. Rwandan Prime Minister, Edouard Ngirente, led a delegation comprising several cabinet ministers and the Inspector General of Police, with which he visited affected regions. In doing so, he reassured residents of government support and relief efforts. In the immediate aftermath, the government established a command center in an attempt to coordinate the response effort and distribute household items such as bedding and clothes.
According to Rwanda’s minister in charge of emergency management, Marie-Solange Kayisire, relief efforts began straight away where volunteers helped bury victims and provided supplies to those who lost their homes, The Guardian reports.
Green Gicumbi Project and the Red Cross
Located in the highlands of Northern Rwanda, the Green Gicumbi Project works among communities to put flood and drought resistance measures in place. In doing so, it has built terraces and storage for water during periods of drought, and this is “rapidly transforming the landscape,” according to DW. Moreover, after funding from the Paris Climate Agreement’s Green Climate Fund, the Rwandan Government was able to transform an arid wasteland into a climate-resilient agricultural region.
The Red Cross also aided relief efforts following the floods, with photographs showing local farmers perched on steep hillsides digging through the mud in an attempt to find those buried in their homes.
Looking forward
Despite the devastating impact of extreme weather events in Rwanda and East Africa, there are positive signs of resilience and relief efforts. The Rwandan government has swiftly responded with a major relief effort, providing temporary shelter, emergency supplies, clean water and health care services to affected communities. Projects like the Green Gicumbi Project, focusing on flood and drought resistance measures, and the support from organizations like the Red Cross are also making a difference in building climate resilience and aiding recovery efforts. While there is still room for progress and additional alleviatory measure, these initiatives highlight the determination and resourcefulness of the Rwandan people in the face of climate-related challenges.
– Bethan Marsden
Photo: flickr
Substance Abuse Among Refugees
Refugees and other immigrants are at higher risk for substance abuse due to the poverty they experience, regardless of the region they come from. More than 100 million people worldwide are displaced and 85% live in developing host countries that already struggle with high poverty rates. This reality puts refugees, especially the young, at a greater risk of developing substance use disorders.
Poverty as a Risk Factor
Poverty is one of the greatest risk factors for substance use and addiction. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), poverty and belonging to a disadvantaged community make young people more vulnerable to substance abuse and mental health issues.
Researcher and UNODC adviser Maria Melchior confirms that people’s development of substance use issues and mental health disorders usually begins during childhood, and those from less advantaged backgrounds are at a higher risk. These individuals often struggle with substance use issues throughout parenthood, negatively affecting their children and causing them to develop similar habits.
Substance Use Prevalence
Studies have revealed elevated levels of substance abuse rates among refugees, given the high rates of poverty in refugee groups. A 2021 study on refugee youths in Serbia found that among the respondents, over a quarter regularly smoked tobacco, 13% consumed alcohol and many others tried marijuana, LSD, various forms of cocaine and other substances. The study also found that nearly half of the respondents demonstrated significant difficulties in peer relations and about 30% demonstrated emotional distress and issues of conduct.
High rates of substance use and addiction can be found among refugees in developed countries as well. Due in large part to abuse, trauma and mental health challenges, many refugees cope by turning to alcohol and/or illicit drugs. For example, in the United States, more than one-third of Burmese refugees were found to have consumed alcohol in hazardous amounts, with similarly high rates among Ugandan and Nepalese male refugees as well.
Similar issues persist in Germany, a country that leads all developed countries in the number of refugees hosted. A study on refugees in Germany found that living conditions for refugees generally were dominant in refugees’ substance use habits and the availability of certain drugs. The data conveys the impression that most refugees who misuse substances live in refugee shelters. Along with living conditions, social relations with peers and families were also identified as important factors.
Prevention and Treatment
Experts have hope for potential solutions to substance abuse among refugee communities. A 2018 report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) suggests that community-based, peer-led programs and training healthcare workers in substance use treatment may be effective in low-resource and refugee settings. While more research is needed, similar approaches have proven to be successful in fighting diseases like HIV.
One successful program is Strong Families, which was launched in 2010 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The program aims to support caregivers in becoming better parents and strengthen positive family interactions. It helps families develop communication strategies around the issue of substance abuse to prevent coercive parenting. This approach was initially implemented in four Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh and is now being used in 22 countries.
Some of the results from this program have been very promising. For example, a 2020 study found that a Strong Families pilot program implemented in Afghanistan had a 93.1% retention rate and resulted in a 5% increase in the behavioral, emotional and social issues among enrolled children after several weeks. Parents in the program also demonstrated notable improvements in parenting skills.
Looking Ahead
While poverty and substance abuse demonstrate a strong correlation, there is hope for addressing these challenges, particularly among vulnerable populations such as refugees. Research and programs highlight the importance of early intervention and community-based approaches. Initiatives like the Strong Families program provide support to caregivers, empowering them to become better parents and fostering positive family dynamics. These efforts have shown promising results in improving parenting skills and the well-being of enrolled children. By focusing on prevention and treatment, there is potential to break the cycle of poverty and substance abuse, providing a brighter future for individuals and communities worldwide.
– Adam Cvik
Photo: Flickr
The Philanthropic Work of 5 Former Presidents
What’s Next?
These former U.S. presidents continue to make a positive impact on the international community long after leaving office. Through various initiatives and organizations, they address global challenges and strive to create a better world. From the Carter Center’s work in refugee resettlement and malaria prevention to the Clinton Foundation’s extensive efforts in disaster relief and education, these leaders leverage their influence to bring about positive change. The dedication of these former presidents serves as an inspiration, highlighting the potential for ongoing leadership and advocacy to shape a brighter future on a global scale.
– Josh Sobchak
Photo: Flickr
Hunger Crisis in Nigeria
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that approximately 25 million Nigerians are experiencing a hunger epidemic. The ongoing conflict in northeastern Nigeria, alongside a population boom, has exceeded the capacity for food production and economic development. The northeast region of Nigeria relies on agriculture and subsistence farming. Nonetheless, they face difficulties in harvesting their crops due to several factors.
Climate Crisis
Severe climate conditions have negatively impacted Nigeria’s food supply chain. Nigeria experiences intense and erratic rainfall, which is a recurring problem. In 2022, flooding damaged approximately 676,000 acres of agricultural land, contributing to rising levels of hunger and malnutrition, per the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Food production and agriculture have declined due to flooding, landslides and soil erosion. With high food prices, the limited supply remains unaffordable for most individuals. Additionally, water pollution exacerbates the situation, posing a threat to the environment and the health of local populations.
Armed Conflict and Violence
In Nigeria’s northeast, security concerns have resulted in violence between farming communities and herders, causing significant disruptions to the local food supply. The conflict and drought have prevented many farmers from growing crops, making it challenging for Nigerians to make ends meet and further straining the economy.
Gender Inequality
Gender inequality is a contributing factor to food insecurity in Nigeria. Women lack access to necessary resources and services to provide food security for their families, increasing food insecurity. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), reducing gender disparities would lead to higher economic growth, more efficient economic operations and a more stable economic environment.
Poverty
Poverty in Nigeria is primarily due to unemployment. The lack of job opportunities leaves many individuals without the means to support themselves and their families. Additionally, the deficient education system exacerbates the issue of the hunger epidemic threatening Nigerians.
Corruption at governmental levels has prevented investment in job creation and education initiatives, thereby worsening the poverty problem. This has resulted in stagnant economic growth and an increased income gap between the rich and the poor. The financial crisis has caused a decline in living standards for Nigerians.
Current Efforts and Solutions
Through its Nutrition & Health Programs, Action Against Hunger managed to reach 1.8 million people. Using its innovative program, “Porridge Moms,” homeless women and refugees learned how to prepare nutritious meals for their children, thereby preventing malnutrition. As part of the effort to prevent and treat malnutrition, approximately 822,000 pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children under 5 years of age got access to water, sanitation and hygiene programs.
The Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) has been actively implementing an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to prepare the country for natural hazards and climate risks. Furthermore, the ESMP has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental management and aimed to achieve greater ecological compliance.
As a result of the ESMP, agricultural lands previously degraded have been restored for agricultural purposes, leading to increased productivity and reduced hunger. Despite the negative impacts of climate change on farming land, vegetation and forests, the restoration process has led to the introduction of innovative employment methods.
Food vouchers and cash transfers are part of Save the Children’s support program to help families recover and settle. Several food system exchanges have been initiated by the Nigerian government in order to maintain weather information on a timely basis. Furthermore, the government aims to implement the Social Protection Law to identify and assist disaster victims.
What’s Next?
Initiatives that aid vulnerable populations improve market access and subsidize agriculture could accelerate progress in the fight against food insecurity in Nigeria. Additionally, promoting sustainable agricultural practices carry the potential to increase food production and reduce hunger.
– Simran Raghav
Photo: Flickr
The Impact of Deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire
Deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire
In Côte d’Ivoire, people cleared vast areas of forest for agriculture and timber extraction dating back to the colonial period. Nonetheless, population growth and an expanded desire for land and resources led to a sharp escalation in the extent of deforestation that occurred in the latter half of the 20th century.
Deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire has several factors, including illegal cocoa farming, agricultural expansion and logging for wood and charcoal. According to Global Forest Watch (GFW), the country, in 2010, had natural forest coverage of 13.9Mha, and this accounted for 43% of its total land area. However, by 2021, it experienced a loss of 182kha of natural forest.
The consequences of deforestation in the country are far-reaching, ranging from soil erosion to biodiversity loss and climate change. In addition, deforestation negatively affects the livelihoods of rural communities that rely on forests for their lives. Deforestation has led to water scarcity, lower agricultural productivity and increased poverty, especially for small-scale farmers.
Deforestation and Poverty
In Côte d’Ivoire, one-quarter of the population lives below the national poverty line. In 2017, the Earthworm Organization interviewed 755 people from 66 villages in the Cavally Reserve to investigate the causes of illegal cocoa farming. According to these interviews, many locals (86%) earn insufficient income to meet their basic needs; the primary reasons for the illegal cultivation of cocoa included a lack of alternative employment opportunities and extreme poverty.
Stopping Deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire
Reports suggest that halting deforestation and poverty in Côte d’Ivoire requires a multi-pronged approach. One of the critical solutions is to promote sustainable land use practices that protect the forest while improving the livelihoods of rural communities. Integrating trees into agricultural systems through agroforestry could be a critical solution to halting deforestation and poverty in the country.
other suggestions involve addressing the root causes of deforestation, such as weak forest governance, illegal logging and land grabbing. International cooperation and finance are also crucial for assisting sustainable forest management in Côte d’Ivoire. This entails encouraging ethical investment and trade, lowering the demand for non-sustainable goods and funding assisted conservation initiatives, according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Looking Ahead
In 2020, the Green Climate Fund approved an $11.8 million project by the FAO to promote zero-deforestation cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate change by stopping agriculture-related deforestation, improving productivity, conserving biodiversity, replenishing forest cover and improving the livelihood of the farmers. Around 7,550 farmers and 2 million smallholder producers will benefit directly. Additionally, around 600,000 smallholder producers will benefit indirectly.
Nestlé is also enhancing its environmentally responsible strategy to combat deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire. The Ivorian subsidiary of the company plans to strengthen its supply chain for cocoa in the country to guarantee the sustainability of the forests by training local farmers on agricultural practices and agroforestry. It also plans to distribute more than one million indigenous and fruit trees to make farms more climate resilient.
– Amber Kim
Photo: Flickr
Revitalizing Haiti with Agroecology
Haiti’s Problems
The political landscape in the country has been tumultuous. After years of dictatorship since the late 1950s which drained Haiti economically, it had its first democratically elected leaders in the 1990s. Nonetheless, prevalent corruption and multiple coupes prevented the national government from bringing positive change to Haiti. More recently, in 2021, the country’s former president Jovenel Moïse was assassinated. Gang-related violence has also been a threat in many parts of the country.
On top of these struggles, Haiti is vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The World Bank reports that “more than 96% of the population is exposed to these types of shocks.” A devastating earthquake struck the country in 2010, killing 220,000 people and causing significant damage. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, “at $8 billion, basic reconstruction costs surpassed the country’s annual GDP.” In 2021, an earthquake struck the country and caused more than 2,000 deaths.
All these challenges have contributed to a rise in poverty in Haiti. According to the World Bank, the nation had a Gross National Income (GNI) of $1,420 in 2021. This was the lowest in the LAC region which had an average GNI of $15,092 around the same period. The World Bank’s reports suggest that Haiti’s economy has been in decline since 2019.
Past Aid
Haiti has received aid from the global community in times of need. For example, the U.S. has been providing much of its aid through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In January 2023, USAID pledged $56.5 million to fight the current cholera outbreak in Haiti. Also, since 2010, the U.S. has provided more than $5.6 billion to support the country.
The European Union also assists Haiti in times of vulnerability, and this was the case during the 2010 and 2021 earthquakes. Since 1994, the EU has spent €471.5 million in aid to Haiti. Other organizations like the British Red Cross also provide vital support during natural disasters.
While these efforts have evidently helped Haiti achieve results in difficult times, the issues of poverty and food insecurity still remain in the country.
Agroecology in Haiti
Agriculture is a major part of Haitian people’s lives, with around 30% of Haiti’s workforce depending on it. In response to this, organizations such as Partenariat pour le Développement Local (PDL) are exploring agroecology as a potential solution to poverty and food insecurity.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), “agroecology is an integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of food and agricultural systems.” It explores the interconnectedness of the various elements of an ecosystem and utilizes it to increase agricultural productivity.
The Haiti Center for Agroecology (HCA) aims to utilize this unique aspect of agroecology to boost the agricultural productivity of local subsistence farmers. The HCA believes that industrial agriculture and mass production can push nations like Haiti into depending on international support. For this reason, the organization works toward educating and supporting farmers through the principles of agroecology, while strengthening the local economy and environment. It offers various on-site research and educational opportunities that focus on improving food security and self-reliance.
As an NGO and member of Groundswell International, PDL plays a significant role in advocating for agroecology in Haiti. Groundswell International is a coalition of organizations promoting agroecology in the Americas, Africa and Asia. PDL’s mission includes empowering local communities and farmers to sustain themselves.
Haiti Agroecology Reports and Policies
A report by the Economic of Land Degradation (ELD) states that PDL endorses “the 13 agroecological principles consolidated by the international High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition in July 2019, based on the 10 elements proposed by the FAO in 2018, as well as the gradual transformation of agri-food systems from farm to wider societal levels.”
Since government programs that support agriculture in Haiti are minimal, PDL aims to decrease the reliance of local farmers on external support by creating farmer communities and associations and teaching them self-reliance.
Typically, PDL organizes up to 15 people into small groups called gwoupman. Each group comprises people working toward shared interests. Having multiple gwoupman within a village allows farmers to share agroecological concepts and resolve any issues by themselves. In essence, gwoupman groups enable easy connection or communication between communities across several villages.
The ELD Initiative released a policy brief based on a study in which PDL and Groundswell International took part. It showed that embracing agroecology leads to increased productivity, water retention, carbon sequestration and food security, along with reduced topsoil loss and mudslides.
The study revealed the economic benefits of agroecology over conventional farming. According to the study, conventional farmers make only half as much income as farmers that implement agroecology.
What’s Next?
Several studies have shown that agroecology can help in alleviating food insecurity in Haiti. While the country’s poverty issues persist, organizations like PDL and Groundswell International continue to make progress in getting local farmers to adopt agroecology. With more progress, there may yet be hope for economic prosperity in the future.
– Siddhant Bhatnagar
Photo: Flickr
BlueOrchard: Transforming lives Through Impact Investing
Impact Investing
Impact investing is a form of investing that seeks to create measurable social and environmental impact and financial profit. While traditional forms of investing often focus only on increasing profits, impact investing strives to inspire positive change in the world while also producing financial returns for investors. Impact investing takes many different forms. These include investing in microfinance institutions that provide small loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries, investing in renewable energy projects to fight climate change, investing in affordable housing companies, investing in education providers and much more.
Making a Difference
BlueOrchard’s mission is to promote financial inclusion for neglected communities and environments while simultaneously providing financial returns for investors by linking them to entrepreneurs around the world. One of the major impacts of this goal is poverty alleviation. BlueOrchard invests in a wide range of projects including providing loans to small businesses, renewable energy projects and educational centers.
BlueOrchard’s primary impact investments focus on supporting microfinance institutions (MFIs) that provide small loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries. These loans can help people
kickstart or expand their businesses, which can create a sustainable livelihood for those living in abject poverty. BlueOrchard has invested in many MFIs around the world, including the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) microfinance program which targets reducing poverty and water sanitation projects and FINCA Impact Finance which focuses on helping women in Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa and Eurasia.
Investments
It has also invested in MFIs that target diminishing gender disparities such as Japan’s ASEAN Women’s Empowerment Fund and Sonata Finance in India. This initiative provides loans to disadvantaged women across India. BlueOrchard also invests in education projects, and one example is the Regional Education Finance Fund for Africa (REFFA) which aims to improve access to primary, secondary and higher education across Africa.
Climate finance is another target area for BlueOrchard. It has created a climate insurance fund called InsuResilience Investment Fund (IIF) that has benefitted impoverished populations most vulnerable to weather volatility and climate change in developing countries. The organization also invests in renewable energy projects in India, helping to provide clean and affordable energy products, such as solar-powered sustainable lighting, that can stimulate social and economic development in the country.
By covering such a vast array of investment projects, BlueOrchard contributes to helping the United Nations meet 16 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Impact of BlueOrchard’s Investments
BlueOrchard’s impact investments have had a monumental impact on global poverty reduction. As of June 2021, the organization had provided financial services to more than 39 million people around the world. It has helped create and sustain more than 156 million jobs and has provided climate insurance to 25 million people. The organization has impacted some of the world’s most vulnerable populations including impoverished people, displaced people and refugees.
BlueOrchard is a leading global impact investment firm that is making a remarkable difference in the fight against poverty around the world. Through its investments in multiple sustainable development sectors including agriculture, gender inequality and renewable energy, it continues to demonstrate that financial profit and global change are not mutually exclusive ideas and can merge to create lasting change.
– Aemal Nafis
Photo: Flickr
Renewable Energy in the Fight Against Poverty in Finland
Finland’s Energy Sources
The predominance of renewable energy in Finland has its roots in the country’s lack of available fossil fuels. Of the energy sources used in 2021, coal made up just 6.2% of Finland’s energy consumption and 4.5% of its electricity production. By contrast, Finland had 19.5% of its electricity production in bioenergy while wood-based fuels accounted for 29.7% of the country’s consumption.
Finland also has an extensive reserve of nuclear energy, which provides 32.9% of the country’s electricity production. This led to Finland having a total renewable energy consumption of 45.76% in 2019. This percentage for Finland is impressive when compared to the 10.42% for the U.S. in the same year.
Finland’s national climate policy aims to reduce the national usage of carbon fuels and make the country carbon-neutral by 2035, with emission reduction targets planned well into 2050. Though Finland has had energy relations with Russia for a long time, the war in Ukraine has forced Finland to consider other alternatives and invest in renewable energy sources such as wind power.
Increasing Energy Efficiency in Finland
As of 2020, 733 million people across the world did not have electricity, and 2.4 billion still use cooking systems that contribute to environmental pollution. The lack of modern energy affordability, noted as energy poverty by the U.N.’s 7th Sustainable Development Goal, affects many low-income countries. Though Finland has an energy poverty rate of 1.9%, and an energy surplus initiated a drop in the price of electricity by 75% in April, the issue of energy poverty is one Finland has taken the initiative to combat. One such recent movement is the Finnish Energy Observatory (FEnO) established in September 2022. FEnO focuses on climate change-related energy issues, with the goal of making a transition to clean energy for all. To do this, it focuses on monitoring key resources on energy challenges in the country, having open discussions with experts in the field and assisting the public and private sectors in Finland.
Another initiative was the ASSIST Project, which started in 2017 and finished in 2020. ASSIST focused its efforts on incorporating consumers into the energy market and designing policies to push against energy issues. A major focus of this was training Home Energy Advisers to provide energy partners and consumers with advice on better energy efficiency. ASSIST has also pushed for efforts to put more vulnerable consumers at ease with the costs of energy efficiency. Within ASSIST’s pilot phase, Finland’s energy savings increased by 3.9%.
In addition, Finland’s recent developments in the field of wind power resulted in the building of 437 wind turbines over the course of 2022. The recent constructions have provided €2.9 billion in investments for Finland, a huge benefit for the country’s economy.
Where Finland Can Go Next
Given the ongoing efforts, renewable energy is on a fast track to being the most prominent energy source in Finland. There are still problems to address, such as issues keeping people from living above the poverty line. However, Finland continues to show that it has the resources and dedication to tackle these issues head-on.
– Kenneth Berends
Photo: Flickr
Extreme Weather in Rwanda: Floods and Landslides Affect the Region
Extreme Weather Changes
Rwanda and surrounding nations frequently suffer from the consequences of extreme weather changes. In 2019, 265 people died and tens of thousands had to leave their homes after two months of continuous rainfall. This event affected 2 million people across Kenya, Somalia, Burundi, Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda, Djibouti and Ethiopia.
Then in May 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic was tearing through communities across the world, Rwanda suffered 65 deaths and Kenya at least 194 after yet another period of heavy rainfall. More recently, in April 2023, at least 14 people died in southern Ethiopia, when a similar pattern of heavy rain triggered floods and landslides. Alongside fatalities, this destroyed crucial livestock and devastated numerous homes. Now, only a month later, a climate disaster once again struck Rwanda and its neighbors.
Damage in the Region
Damage by the extreme rainfall and consequential flash-flooding has not only led to the loss of lives but also the destruction of more than 5,000 homes, 17 roads, 26 bridges and an entire hospital, according to DW. West Africa experienced similar levels of rainfall, with several storms occurring across parts of Sierra Leone. The flash flooding that followed washed numerous cars and tore buildings apart. A collapsing wall killed six people and another 10 died when a house collapsed during a landslide.
The loss of crops and livestock completely disrupted livelihoods because many people rely on farming to provide food for their families. In an agricultural-based economy that employs 65% of the population, the erosion of land is hugely consequential for the Rwandan people. Extreme weather in Rwanda is not only responsible for the destruction of the environment but also the biodiversity. According to DW, every year, torrential rain causes a loss of almost 600 million tons of soil with the impact being most severe on sloping croplands, which can lead to famine.
The Role of Climate Change
The increasing “frequency and intensity” of extreme weather in Rwanda and across Africa is one of the reasons for a breakdown of the climate, most notably the rate at which the planet is getting hotter, according to The Guardian. Deputy regional director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Africa, Richard Munang agreed, stating that rising temperatures are causing the number of natural disasters to rapidly increase. According to Munang, the planet has warmed to 1.1 degrees Celsius. But even worse, Africa is warming up at double the speed of the rest of the world, DW reports.
In a UNDP report, disasters brought about as a direct result of climate change between 2000 and 2023 have increased by 134%. As a region vulnerable to floods and landslides, Rwanda is a country particularly susceptible to the consequences of the planet getting alarmingly warmer. Because of its inability to adapt to these extreme weather conditions, recovery from such events is even more challenging.
Described as “one of the most climate-impacted nations on Earth,” according to DW, Rwanda has suffered significant fatalities and hundreds of people have been displaced because of flooding and landslides. There is a direct link, therefore, between the rate of global warming and the increasing frequency of extreme weather in Rwanda. Some have proposed relocating vulnerable communities to areas less prone to floods, but whilst this may help in the short term, it does not address the severe issue of climate change, which is only getting worse with time.
Relief Efforts Within Rwanda
After the most recent episode of rainfall and flooding, the Government of Rwanda has implemented a major relief effort, with provisions for temporary shelter, emergency supplies, clean water and health care services. Rwandan Prime Minister, Edouard Ngirente, led a delegation comprising several cabinet ministers and the Inspector General of Police, with which he visited affected regions. In doing so, he reassured residents of government support and relief efforts. In the immediate aftermath, the government established a command center in an attempt to coordinate the response effort and distribute household items such as bedding and clothes.
According to Rwanda’s minister in charge of emergency management, Marie-Solange Kayisire, relief efforts began straight away where volunteers helped bury victims and provided supplies to those who lost their homes, The Guardian reports.
Green Gicumbi Project and the Red Cross
Located in the highlands of Northern Rwanda, the Green Gicumbi Project works among communities to put flood and drought resistance measures in place. In doing so, it has built terraces and storage for water during periods of drought, and this is “rapidly transforming the landscape,” according to DW. Moreover, after funding from the Paris Climate Agreement’s Green Climate Fund, the Rwandan Government was able to transform an arid wasteland into a climate-resilient agricultural region.
The Red Cross also aided relief efforts following the floods, with photographs showing local farmers perched on steep hillsides digging through the mud in an attempt to find those buried in their homes.
Looking forward
Despite the devastating impact of extreme weather events in Rwanda and East Africa, there are positive signs of resilience and relief efforts. The Rwandan government has swiftly responded with a major relief effort, providing temporary shelter, emergency supplies, clean water and health care services to affected communities. Projects like the Green Gicumbi Project, focusing on flood and drought resistance measures, and the support from organizations like the Red Cross are also making a difference in building climate resilience and aiding recovery efforts. While there is still room for progress and additional alleviatory measure, these initiatives highlight the determination and resourcefulness of the Rwandan people in the face of climate-related challenges.
– Bethan Marsden
Photo: flickr
Improving Children’s Learning in Ghana
In 1970, Ghana’s educational system was among the most highly developed in Africa. The Ministry of Education (MOE) predicted that all untrained teachers would be removed from the educational system by 1975. Gross enrollment ratios increased significantly, as 60% of primary school teachers received training. However, the country’s economy declined dramatically in the late 1970s, leading to a near collapse of the educational system. The following is an overview of children’s learning in Ghana.
Education in Ghana
The quality of education in Ghana faces significant challenges that impact children’s learning. Almost 80% of children lack basic literacy and numeracy skills. A particularly negative issue is the poor delivery of education across the nation, impacting mostly public schools in rural areas. New research urges immediate action to increase access for all children and improve the reading, writing and math skills of primary school pupils.
Solutions for Improving Children’s Learning
In October 2020, the MOE launched a report that offered an in-depth analysis of fundamental learning in Ghana’s primary education. The report, titled “Spotlight on Basic Education Completion and Foundational Learning: Ghana,” is one of five reports and a continental report in Africa. It was produced in collaboration with the Global Education Monitoring Report of UNESCO and the Association for the Development of Education in Africa. This project offers an analysis of the current state of fundamental education and identifies important solutions for improving children’s learning in Ghana, including:
Looking Ahead
The report has made significant progress in providing accessible and high-quality education in Ghana. Estimates show that 77% of children now complete primary school. The country implemented ambitious reforms, such as making senior high school free for all students. It also introduced the “One Teacher, One Laptop” initiative, where school staff received laptops from the government. In 2003, more than $500 million of donor funding went to Ghana’s educational system. From 1986 to 1994, the World Bank helped fund school infrastructure and the provision of textbooks. It also provided additional funding to cover expenses for head teachers’ housing. Despite the challenges that Ghanaian students face in their education, the Ministry of Education commits to prioritizing the aforementioned five main policy areas to improve children’s learning in Ghana.
– Lilit Natalia Manoukian
Photo: Flickr
HIV/AIDS in the Philippines is continuing to spread
Reasons for the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines
On the Road
The Government of the Philippines has had mixed results in controlling HIV. On the positive side, in December 2022, the Philippine Department of Health launched the 7th AIDS Medium Term Plan (AMTP) to contribute to the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. With the aim of reducing the inequalities that lead to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines by 2025, the strategy will take urgent actions to provide more basic HIV services to the public, including reproductive health services, free HIV testing, treatment centers and education campaigns about HIV. On the other hand, the Philippines government has received criticism for some policies and regulations that have hampered efforts to control the spread of the disease.
Many international development agencies and NGOs actively participate in this fight. Among these organizations are the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). These organizations continue to enhance the skills and knowledge of Filipino medical workers and improve treatment services to better serve people living with HIV. In December 2020, the United States pledged Php875 million within two years to aid HIV prevention and treatment. USAID will execute this program with the goal of assisting the Philippines government in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. These targets include ensuring that 95% of HIV patients are aware of their status, 95% of those individuals receive treatment and 95% of those receiving treatment attain viral suppression. Nevertheless, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, funding for the UNAIDS response has stalled, with an expected shortfall of $8 billion which could result in a serious impact on the Asia-Pacific region, especially the Philippines.
Looking Ahead
Efforts are underway in the Philippines to combat the alarming rise in HIV cases, with both government initiatives and support from international organizations. The launch of the 7th AIDS Medium Term Plan (AMTP) by the Philippine Department of Health demonstrates a commitment to reducing inequalities and providing crucial HIV services to the public. Additionally, international development agencies like UNAIDS and USAID are actively involved in enhancing medical workers’ skills, improving treatment services, and providing financial support. While challenges remain, these collaborative efforts offer hope for a future where the spread of HIV/AIDS is under control and the well-being of affected individuals is prioritized.
– Mingjun Hou
Photo: Unsplash