Youth unemployment in Nigeria is a critical issue that continues to impact the country’s economy and social stability. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. As of 2023, Nigeria’s population stands at an impressive 223,804,632 individuals. Unemployment in Nigeria is affecting individuals of all ages and having profound impacts on the economy and national security.
There are more than 80 million young people struggling with unemployment, out of a total youth population of 151 million. This statistic not only reveals the scale of the issue, but also positions Nigeria as having one of the highest rates of youth unemployment globally. The high level of unemployment presents challenges for the country, as it leads to social instability, economic stagnation and threatens national security.
Large Population
One reason for the youth unemployment in Nigeria is the country’s large population. This means that there are more people looking for work than there are available job opportunities, resulting in a high unemployment rate.
Additionally, Nigeria’s economy has fallen into recession in recent years, making it difficult for companies to create new jobs. The recession has forced many businesses to reduce their workforce, making it even more challenging for people to find jobs, according to Legit. The combination of a large population and a struggling economy has led to high levels of unemployment in Nigeria.
The Lack of Quality Education
The lack of education and training in Nigeria is a significant factor in the high rate of youth unemployment in the country. With more than 10.5 million children out of school, Nigeria has the highest rate of out-of-school children in the world. This not only affects the current education of children but also their future employment opportunities.
The education crisis disproportionately affects certain marginalized groups such as “girls, children with disabilities, those from the poorest households, those in street situations and children in geographically distant areas,” according to UNICEF.
Furthermore, a large percentage of children who attend primary school do not continue on to attend secondary school, leading to a significant portion of Nigerian children not receiving a complete education. UNICEF reports that 50% of Nigerian children did not attend secondary school in 2021, highlighting the continued challenges in providing quality education for all children in the country.
Government Corruption
Government corruption in Nigeria is a systemic issue that has plagued the country for decades. Corruption practices within the government have had far-reaching consequences, with youth unemployment being one of the most significant outcomes. One of the ways in which this contributes to youth unemployment in Nigeria is through the mismanagement of public funds, resulting in the lack of investment in youth development, which has a direct impact on the unemployment rate among young Nigerians.
Furthermore, nepotism often dictates who gets hired for available positions, with connections and bribes playing a more significant role than qualifications and merit. This unfair system not only perpetuates inequality but also limits the opportunities for talented and motivated youth to enter the workforce and contribute to the country’s economic growth. Overall, the prevalence of government corruption in Nigeria has created a vicious cycle where young people are unable to access quality education, training and employment opportunities, leading to high levels of youth unemployment.
Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan
The federal government launched the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan (NIYEAP), a strategy that aims to address the issue of youth unemployment in the country. The plan aims to provide job opportunities for young Nigerians through various initiatives such as skills training, entrepreneurship programs and public works projects.
The goal of NIYEAP is to reduce the high levels of youth unemployment in Nigeria and harness the potential of the country’s young population to drive economic growth and development. The plan also aims to address the social and economic challenges faced by young people, such as poverty, lack of access to education and training and limited opportunities for meaningful employment. By focusing on creating sustainable employment opportunities for young Nigerians, NIYEAP seeks to empower them to become active participants in the country’s economic and social development.
Nigerian Learning Passport
The Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP) is another initiative launched by the Nigerian government and UNICEF in 2022. This program focuses on providing Nigerian citizens with access to quality education and certifications through a digital platform. The platform offers a wide range of online courses from various institutions, allowing individuals to enhance their skills and knowledge in different fields.
By earning certifications through the NLP, users can showcase their expertise to potential employers and advance their careers. This platform serves as a valuable resource for lifelong learning and continuous education in Nigeria. UNICEF hopes to provide continuous education to 12 million learners by 2025.
As the youth population continues to grow in Nigeria, addressing youth unemployment must remain a top priority for policymakers. Failure to take decisive action risks undermining the country’s economic development and social stability and denying young people the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute positively to society.
– Beatrice Adewumi
Photo: Unsplash
Youth Unemployment in Nigeria
There are more than 80 million young people struggling with unemployment, out of a total youth population of 151 million. This statistic not only reveals the scale of the issue, but also positions Nigeria as having one of the highest rates of youth unemployment globally. The high level of unemployment presents challenges for the country, as it leads to social instability, economic stagnation and threatens national security.
Large Population
One reason for the youth unemployment in Nigeria is the country’s large population. This means that there are more people looking for work than there are available job opportunities, resulting in a high unemployment rate.
Additionally, Nigeria’s economy has fallen into recession in recent years, making it difficult for companies to create new jobs. The recession has forced many businesses to reduce their workforce, making it even more challenging for people to find jobs, according to Legit. The combination of a large population and a struggling economy has led to high levels of unemployment in Nigeria.
The Lack of Quality Education
The lack of education and training in Nigeria is a significant factor in the high rate of youth unemployment in the country. With more than 10.5 million children out of school, Nigeria has the highest rate of out-of-school children in the world. This not only affects the current education of children but also their future employment opportunities.
The education crisis disproportionately affects certain marginalized groups such as “girls, children with disabilities, those from the poorest households, those in street situations and children in geographically distant areas,” according to UNICEF.
Furthermore, a large percentage of children who attend primary school do not continue on to attend secondary school, leading to a significant portion of Nigerian children not receiving a complete education. UNICEF reports that 50% of Nigerian children did not attend secondary school in 2021, highlighting the continued challenges in providing quality education for all children in the country.
Government Corruption
Government corruption in Nigeria is a systemic issue that has plagued the country for decades. Corruption practices within the government have had far-reaching consequences, with youth unemployment being one of the most significant outcomes. One of the ways in which this contributes to youth unemployment in Nigeria is through the mismanagement of public funds, resulting in the lack of investment in youth development, which has a direct impact on the unemployment rate among young Nigerians.
Furthermore, nepotism often dictates who gets hired for available positions, with connections and bribes playing a more significant role than qualifications and merit. This unfair system not only perpetuates inequality but also limits the opportunities for talented and motivated youth to enter the workforce and contribute to the country’s economic growth. Overall, the prevalence of government corruption in Nigeria has created a vicious cycle where young people are unable to access quality education, training and employment opportunities, leading to high levels of youth unemployment.
Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan
The federal government launched the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan (NIYEAP), a strategy that aims to address the issue of youth unemployment in the country. The plan aims to provide job opportunities for young Nigerians through various initiatives such as skills training, entrepreneurship programs and public works projects.
The goal of NIYEAP is to reduce the high levels of youth unemployment in Nigeria and harness the potential of the country’s young population to drive economic growth and development. The plan also aims to address the social and economic challenges faced by young people, such as poverty, lack of access to education and training and limited opportunities for meaningful employment. By focusing on creating sustainable employment opportunities for young Nigerians, NIYEAP seeks to empower them to become active participants in the country’s economic and social development.
Nigerian Learning Passport
The Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP) is another initiative launched by the Nigerian government and UNICEF in 2022. This program focuses on providing Nigerian citizens with access to quality education and certifications through a digital platform. The platform offers a wide range of online courses from various institutions, allowing individuals to enhance their skills and knowledge in different fields.
By earning certifications through the NLP, users can showcase their expertise to potential employers and advance their careers. This platform serves as a valuable resource for lifelong learning and continuous education in Nigeria. UNICEF hopes to provide continuous education to 12 million learners by 2025.
As the youth population continues to grow in Nigeria, addressing youth unemployment must remain a top priority for policymakers. Failure to take decisive action risks undermining the country’s economic development and social stability and denying young people the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute positively to society.
– Beatrice Adewumi
Photo: Unsplash
Mental Health in Angola
Angola’s Health Care Challenges
Limited funding, inadequate mental health care policies, shortages of health care personnel and deficient training of health care workers are some of the health care challenges in Angola. In terms of health care facilities, there are approximately 3,000 people per facility, indicating a strain on accessibility. Moreover, with only 1.01 beds available per 1,000 patients, there’s a concerning shortage of hospital beds.
The physician-to-patient ratio stands at 0.3 per 1,000 patients, equivalent to around 14,000 physicians, which falls below the World Health Organization’s recommended level. Similarly, the nurse-to-patient ratio is 1.1 per 1,000 patients, suggesting further strain on health care resources. These statistics highlight the urgent need to address funding limitations, reform mental health care policies and invest in health care personnel and training to ensure adequate health care provision for the population.
Further, Angola’s 2023 budget allocated 23% of all government expenditures to the social sector, with health care receiving approximately 7%. However, it falls short of supporting the health care needs of 34.5 million people. For the health development plan to be effective, current statistics and comprehensive data could be utilized to upgrade existing priorities. Comprehensive data would include current population growth, distribution of population, infrastructure needs, financial models and human resources that would upgrade priorities.
Programs Tackling Mental Health in Angola
Mental health illnesses are a present-day concern in Angola. However, several programs are being initiated by both the Angola government and nonprofits to address mental health challenges in Angola.
– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Unsplash
How Mangroves in Pakistan Are Helping Local Communities
Mangroves as Natural Protectors
Before the mangrove expansion, severe flooding and monsoons in the Sindh region displaced 8 million people and caused financial losses of up to $30 billion. Fortunately, mangroves naturally function as protective barriers against storms, cyclones and floods. This trait inevitably adds a layer of protection, helping to mitigate serious destruction in many communities.
Economic and Ecological Benefits
In Sindh province, up to 100,000 people work in fisheries and the expansion of mangroves in Pakistan has led to a healthier and more diverse habitat for fish and shrimp, enhancing food and employment security. Many locals have seen improved seafood yields, attributing the increase in crab, shrimp and fish to the expansion of mangroves. This growth has also boosted community welfare by creating jobs and community projects. Locals find employment in planting and transporting mangrove saplings and protecting these planted areas from damage.
The proactive restoration of mangroves in Sindh, Pakistan, is set to bolster ecological resilience, with the expanded forests acting as vital carbon sinks. This initiative, aligning with global climate action goals, not only supports local biodiversity but also integrates community development with environmental conservation, thereby positioning the region as a leader in ecological restoration efforts.
Community Empowerment
Local women and young people can also earn money by supplying, growing and providing their mangrove seeds to developers and government agencies, creating valuable income sources for many households living below the poverty line. The expansion of mangroves in Pakistan has proven successful, with the area of mangrove forests increasing from approximately 184 square miles in 1990 to 565 square miles in 2020. Moreover, this growth has helped local communities lessen the impact of natural disasters, secure sustainable income and employment and protect food sources.
Looking Forward
The expansion of mangrove forests in Sindh represents a beacon of environmental and economic renewal. As these ecosystems thrive, they continue to provide essential protection against natural disasters and bolster local economies through fisheries. Community engagement in mangrove restoration not only empowers residents but also instills a sense of stewardship over natural resources. The ongoing efforts to restore mangrove areas are expected to further enhance biodiversity and ecological stability in the region. Each new mangrove planted is a step toward a more sustainable and resilient future for the Sindh communities.
– Zaynab Yusuf
Photo: Unsplash
Career Building Initiatives for Working Women in Kazakhstan
The most notable disparity for working women in Kazakhstan is their participation in domestic labor. A study by the World Bank notes that “women in Kazakhstan spent 19% of their day and men spent 6.3% of their day on unpaid work.” This means that working women in Kazakhstan spend approximately three times more energy and time on domestic tasks in addition to their paid jobs than their male counterparts.
Combating Gender Stereotypes in Kazakhstan
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) notes that gender stereotyping persists among Kazakh citizens. For instance, men are more likely to seek higher education, especially technical and vocational education, as women remain associated with the domestic sphere. Cultural norms in Kazakhstan are generally positive toward gender equality, however, women are less likely to be seen as political and business leaders. Instead, there is a widespread expectation of women to assume roles associated with family.
The Kazakhstan Country Gender Assessment urges Kazakhstan to implement strategies to diversify the workforce and make jobs more accessible to women. It highlights gender equality in diverse sectors as an important theme to be mainstreamed into initiatives to build regional knowledge platforms. Furthermore, it encourages the country to implement initiatives such as raising awareness on gender equality, career or leadership advising services for female students and empowering female perspectives, especially on a government level.
Operation Mercy’s Comprehensive Approach
Several initiatives aim to create opportunities for working women in Kazakhstan. A notable program that promotes female empowerment is Operation Mercy, founded in 1991. It advocates the Self Help Approach, which encourages women to cultivate self-worth on an individual and community level. In addition, it specifically focuses on impoverished communities and relationship building on an interpersonal, community and faith-based level, providing education services through academic establishments. The operation’s ongoing programs cover taboo topics, such as STDs, unwanted pregnancy and trafficking, all of which disproportionately affect young women. By providing this information, Operation Mercy motivates young Kazakh women to prioritize their well-being, enabling them to focus on their careers and futures. Each year, the organization serves more than 2,000 students.
Skill-Building for Women in STEM
In Astana, a skill-building marathon organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) specifically targeted women in STEM, hosting 37 women with science education backgrounds. The Skillathon aimed at demonstrating to participants how to develop soft skills for career advancement and promote research. The seminars began by raising awareness around the importance of dismantling prejudice and stereotypes in the STEM field and empowering women to showcase their knowledge and skills, leading by example for future generations. In addition, the initiative led sessions to sharpen technical skills, like communication, commercialization of scientific projects and systems thinking.
Gender Equity in Renewable Energy
Efforts by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to promote gender equity in Kazakhstan’s renewable energy sector addresses the low participation rate of women, which stands at a mere quarter of the workforce. Recognizing the historical gender imbalance, USAID has initiated training events, site visits and networking opportunities aimed at breaking down barriers for women in this field. Furthermore, USAID’s introduction of internship opportunities in 2019 is a strategic move to create more inclusive employment prospects within the energy sector.
Looking Forward
As Kazakhstan continues to address gender disparities in the workforce, initiatives like Operation Mercy, the UNDP Skillathon, and USAID’s focus on renewable energy offer promising pathways toward greater equality and empowerment for women. These efforts, aimed at breaking down barriers and promoting female participation across diverse sectors, lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable future.
– Anna Williams
Photo: Flickr
Practical Action Addresses Youth Unemployment in Kenya
RAY: A Beacon of Hope for Kenyan Youth
Centered in West Kenya, the RAY project seeks to provide young individuals with training in regenerative agriculture and business management, empowering them to pursue job opportunities. It aims to reduce the high rate of youth unemployment in Kenya. While the expansion of agricultural opportunities has great potential for creating dignified jobs and income, young people in the country face significant challenges due to limited access to land and the skills necessary for succeeding in agribusiness.
Practical Action reports that four out of 10 young Kenyans are unemployed. Of this, women comprise six out of every 10 unemployed youth. To fight this, Practical Action’s RAY project has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to offer unemployed Kenyan youth employment opportunities. In addition, this partnership provides access to critical resources such as finance, land and markets, aiming to enhance job prospects and reduce poverty.
Collaborative Efforts
In its earlier project in Kenya, Transforming Rural Economies and Youth Livelihoods (TREYL) from 2019 to 2022, Practical Action helped 6,000 young people, 46% of whom were women, to enter agribusiness. Its main goal is to transform agriculture in Western Kenya into an appealing and sustainable source of employment for the youth. Practical Action seeks to offer unemployed Kenyan youth a new perspective on rural economics. It tackling the obstacles they encounter in accessing job opportunities. Beyond equipping young people with essential skills to boost their employment prospects, Practical Action is working to forge strong partnerships with county governments.
The ongoing collaborations aim to enhance opportunities and connections between employed youth and their suppliers. Furthermore, Practical Action’s partner, the Mastercard Foundation, offers vital networking opportunities for young people in Africa, to overcome socio-economic challenges. Since its launch in 2012, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has helped more than 45,000 young Africans gain access to education.
Reducing Poverty Through Agribusiness
Practical Action employs several key strategies to achieve its goal. The strategies are as follows:
Focused and Positive Future
Practical Action’s 2023 Annual Report states that by 2025, the charity aims to positively impact 20 million people by reducing poverty through various employability projects. In Kenya, the project involves current farmers as mentors. These mentors work to guide young people toward finding career paths in the agricultural sector. The objective is for trained youths to become the next generation of mentors, contributing to the reduction of youth unemployment in Kenya.
– Kasia Flisiuk
Photo: Flickr
Elderly Poverty in the United Arab Emirates
Lower Social Subsidy
Consequently, having a below pensionable income with lower social subsidy is financially constraining. These individuals are entitled to a subsidy of AED 1,095 which is less than their counterparts of average individuals who have a subsidy of AED 2,190, according to the Dubai School of Government 2013 policy brief. The recent governmental initiatives include the 2019 federal law. It grants the Emirati senior citizens rights such as the right to protection from violence and abuse, the right to social and medical care, the right to an enabling environment, housing, education and work, etc.
Additionally, the law covers penalties and fines for the mistreatment of the elderly and the social subsidy has been revised to AED 4,400. However, this excludes financially constrained individuals, according to the Dubai School of Government. To make matters worse, recently the pensionable salary has been increased, which further limits the benefits the elderly can access.
Under Family Care
Nevertheless, none of this prevents financial abuse. This abuse is more common than any other type of abuse and has resulted in elderly poverty in the United Arab Emirates. The older population lives a poorer quality of life than the normal standard, according to the Dubai School of Government. Inheritance issues prevail widely with children disputing over their parents’ wealth especially when the parents are illiterate or suffer from health conditions like dementia. Courts grant custody of the parents to the children which allows the children full access to their parents’ funds. Unfortunately, this occurs while the parents end up with no financial autonomy, the Dubai School of Government reports.
Furthermore, elderly abuse is common in poor families who cannot afford to take care of the elderly family members. They may also lack proper education in doing so. Moreover, due to work circumstances, the elderly members are home alone which leads to further negligence.
Reforms
Regarding financial abuse, more laws and procedures are necessary to protect the financial security of the elderly, says the Dubai School of Government. This could include improvements in the legal framework that limits guardians from accessing certain information about their wards. The Dubai School of Government states that enrolling in educational programs should be mandatory for the elderly to learn about self-reliance, vigilance and medical precautions that they need to adhere to.
With this in mind, a social startup Senior First has taken the initiative to cater to the elderly. It provides access to health and safety services that are cheap and offer discounts through a phone application. Many of these are government services that many elderly people do not know about. Among them is the TAMM Van. This is a transport service available at all locations with a 50% reduction in taxi fares.
Massarah Card offers discounts in the fields of medicine, banking and other services. In addition to the government entity, private enterprises like the telecommunication services of Du and Etisalat in collaboration with the government provide 50% and 60% discounts on phone plans.
Improving the Public Nursing Homes
The government can increase the number of public nursing homes by allocating one to every emirate instead of one for the whole country. On the other hand, it could subsidize private nursing homes, according to the Dubai School of Government. The government attempted to solve this in the form of the Thukher Card which provides discounts at private clinics, nursing homes and testing laboratories, according to Senior First.
Notably, elderly poverty in the United Arab Emirates is a concern despite the lack of coverage of the issue. A deficiency of coverage has led to a lack of public awareness which results in the persistence of this issue. Hence, prioritizing this age group is a must to not only eradicate their poverty but also prevent it from happening again.
– Hafsa Dijoo
Photo: Flickr
5 Young Leaders making strides in combating global poverty
Kelvin Doe – Sierra Leone
Kelvin Doe is an acclaimed young engineer from Sierra Leone. From the age of 10, Doe would scour trash and discarded materials to find parts to use for his innovative projects. He taught himself how to make items such as lights, generators and radios and even went on to create his radio station. He took on the stage name DJ Focus and used his radio station to share music and news about issues such as youth engagement. In addition, he is the founder of the Kelvin Doe Foundation, an NGO with the mission to “provide creative spaces, to nurture communities, ignite a culture of innovation, and inspire civic engagement.” Even with limited resources, Doe was able to utilize materials at his disposal and facilitate change in his community through his work.
Jose Adolfo Quisocala Condori – Peru
At just 7 years old, Jose Adolfo Quisocala Condori founded a bank that changed the trajectory of many kids in his community. Condori wanted to help eradicate poverty in his community while also protecting the environment, with this in mind he started a groundbreaking initiative called the Children’s Eco-Bank. The initiative incentivized students to recycle materials for monetary rewards that would be deposited into their bank accounts. The children’s Eco-Bank stands as a Beacon of Hope showcasing the remarkable impact that even the youngest individuals can have in fostering economic resilience and social change within their communities.
Webster Makombe – Zimbabwe
Webster Makombe is a global youth leader who focuses on improving nutrition and food security challenges. He began his activism career when he was working as a junior parliament member in high school. Through his activism, he dedicates time to lobbying and advocating for nutrition improvement in his home country of Zimbabwe and across the world. Makombe works closely with the movement Scaling up Nutrition, which works on furthering awareness and knowledge about food and nutrition issues. Now studying at the University of Zimbabwe, he focuses on human rights and global health law to deepen its understanding and drive meaningful change in the field
Kehkashan Basu – India/Canada
Kehkashan Basu is a “champion of women’s and children’s rights.” At the age of 12, she founded the Green Hope Foundation, an organization that works in 28 different countries to empower young people and women globally. The foundation aims to combine grassroots advocacy with policy reform to encourage education, development and sustainability for marginalized communities. Basu is a designated United Nations human rights champion and the youngest person to ever be designated as Global Coordinator for the U.N. Environment Program Major Group of Children and Youth. Through her unwavering support for global advocacy, Basu has shown what hard work and dedication can accomplish.
Jaden Lawen – Canada/Lebanon
Jaden Lawen was 17 years old when an explosion devastated his native city of Beirut, Lebanon. Thousands of miles away, in Ontario, Canada he found out about the drasticity of the situation through pictures and videos from friends who experienced the effects of the explosion, many of whom in hospitals. Moved to do something to help the catastrophe, he began the organization Halifax to Beirut with Love to spread awareness and raise funds. Through this Lawen was able to raise more than $100,000 which the Red Cross later distributed to the citizens. Lawen’s dedication to helping his community helped change thousands of lives, including those of his own family and friends.
Helping Shape Global Communities
Despite facing adversity, young leaders have proved time and time again that they can enact meaningful change throughout the world. Through initiatives that deal with economics, charity and advocacy these five young leaders are only some of many who are helping shape global communities. These young leaders enable the world to see what a future might look like if communities can mobilize their youth and inspire younger generations to make change.
– Adrita Quabili
Photo: Unsplash
Solidarity Economy an Effective Remedy for Poverty
Solidarity economies feature cooperative governance, democratic decision-making in economics, sustainable production methods and a commitment to human rights protection. Although solidarity economy primarily refers to a network of local cooperatives and fair trade companies operating under a strict ethical code, it also encompasses a broader economic model. Some organizations and governments have highlighted its potential for policy implementation. It is viewed as a response to 21st-century challenges and a means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A Response to Globalization and Inequality
Solidarity economic organizations emerged as a counterpoint to the shortcomings of globalization. They challenge its status as the sole path to development. These grassroots organizations, mainly in developing countries, have criticized the exploitation of natural resources for profit and the structural flaws that push people into low-skill, low-wage jobs. In addition, they lament the loss of cultural identity and knowledge due to the homogenization of society. The solidarity economy aims to address poverty and the inequalities driving it, such as regional disparities and social exclusion, by offering an alternative model that seeks to restore balance.
The Impact of COVID-19
Solidarity economies gained prominence after the COVID-19 pandemic. With businesses closing, billions were left without income, dependent on state initiatives or their savings. Solidarity economic organizations worldwide stepped up, showcasing the impact of a model centered on social needs. As the immediate effects of the pandemic receded, the long-term impact on global poverty emerged clearly. The pandemic also exacerbated inequalities; between 2019 and 2021, the income of the wealthiest quintile dropped by 0.9%, while that of the poorest quintile fell by 3%.
A Focus on India
India’s rapidly expanding economy contributed to a decrease in multidimensional poverty from 29% to 11% over nine years. While this appears as a significant achievement on paper, contrasting views question the authenticity of this impressive trajectory as the statistics suggest. Critics specifically target the methodology for calculating multidimensional poverty. They argue that the categories constituting the multidimensional aspect and the revenue baselines might have political motivations.
In India, high levels of inequality persist across the population. The wealthiest 10% control 80% of the country’s wealth. Structural inequalities continue, with rural areas nearly twice as likely to experience poverty as urban areas. Despite the official illegality of discrimination based on the caste system, it remains a significant factor in income distribution, along with the tribal system. The Dalit caste and Adivasis tribe, historically regarded as untouchables, live in marginalized rural communities and often hold low-paying jobs. Currently, members of lower castes and tribes represent five out of six people living in multidimensional poverty in India.
The Deccan Development Society
The Deccan Development Society was founded more than two decades ago, working in about 75 villages of Tanangala province, it aimed to unite 5,000 women from the Dalit caste living in extreme poverty to improve their living conditions. At the heart of their efforts lie solidarity economy principles and poverty alleviation through the communities’ self-reliant operations. These communities prioritize democratic processes, focusing on food and resource sustainability. They empower women from lower castes to engage in economic decision-making, incorporating permaculture, sustainable agriculture and education as key strategies for food security. The society’s autonomous yet collaborative approach to managing agricultural resources has enabled the production of an additional 1,000 meals per family annually.
The Deccan Development Society’s notable success has shown that solidarity economies are effective in mitigating poverty resulting from entrenched systems of inequality. Moreover, by focusing on sustainable and self-sufficient production that aims at well-being, society has reclaimed community agency against the backdrop of caste disparities. In 2019, the society received the United Nations (U.N.) Equator Award, is a distinguished recognition for organizations that combat poverty by sustainably utilizing biodiversity. While much of India faced production challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Deccan Development Society managed to donate 10 kilograms of grains to the region’s relief efforts.
The Future of Solidarity Economy
Organizations advocating for the solidarity economy model, aim to address critical 21st-century challenges in the developing world, such as inequality, poverty and the scarcity of natural resources. The U.N. has established a task force under the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) umbrella to promote and study SSE’s role in achieving the 17 SDGs. Furthermore, the U.N. views SSE as a transformative force with the potential to redefine the implementation of the SDGs, emphasizing self-determination and an economy based on social needs. SSE is considered capable of influencing policy at the national level. Looking ahead, the impact of solidarity economies on poverty reduction could evolve into a global network, amplifying their progressive agenda for broader visibility and support.
– Felix Stephens
Photo: Unsplash
Spotlight on Danceaid
Founded in 2009, Danceaid uses slogans such as “dance a little, live a little, save a life” and wants to get everyone involved, from “tiny tots to groovy grannies shaking a leg to make a difference.” DanceAid runs a whole range of dance-based events and activities to raise funds. For example, it runs dance competitions and shows, a “design your own medal hanger” scheme, triathlons and danceathons and has celebrity endorsement from JLS star Aston Merrygold.
The Main Aim of the Charity
The main aims of the charity are education and training, the prevention and relief of poverty, overseas aid and famine relief. It does this by providing finance, human resources, buildings, facilities, open space and aid services. The charity primarily operates throughout England and Wales, the Philippines, South Africa, Syria, Turkey and Ukraine.
Impacts
A key example of Danceaid’s work is in the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. In Manila, children are forced to live and work in the streets from as young as 3 years old and face serious problems such as food insecurity. In August 2013, Danceaid launched a “feeding program,” just after the city had been hit by monsoon floods, leaving the community without food. The charity currently feeds 100 children every day in Manila. A year later, in 2014, it launched a feeding and support program for Manila entitled Mama and Me. This program is for mothers who are so malnourished that they cannot produce breast milk and for babies who are malnourished, underweight and unwell.
Danceaid also runs projects in rural South Africa, with a focus on young people affected by HIV and AIDS. Its preschool for children aged 3 to 6 provides children with food, toys, books, education on topics such as colors, numbers and patterns and language education in both local languages and English. The charity also runs a drop-in center for affected families, which not only provides cooking utensils and food but also basic fuel to cook.
Also in South Africa, Danceaid currently runs a football program for 100 young boys, with under 13, under 15 and senior teams. The funds Danceaid raises get to put toward footballs, football boots, registration fees for players, transport to games and a healthy meal before engaging in the sport. Since Danceaid initiated this program, one of its players has subsequently been elevated to the South African Premiership, indicating its significant success.
– Eva McMonigle
Photo: Pexels
Hydropower in Namibia
Additionally, Namibia has an electrification rate of 50%. However, this doesn’t display the full picture as there is a huge disparity between urban and rural areas. Urban areas have an electrification rate of 72% and the rural regions only have a rate of 21%. With more than 46% of people living in rural areas, many citizens lack options. At the time, there was truly no hope for the Namibia population. However, all hope is not lost. The International Renewable Energy Agency researched the situation of South Africa and Namibia in particular and found that focusing on renewable energy could be the solution to Namibia’s energy poverty. With nearly 21.6% of Namibians unemployed, equipping these workers with the training required could also ease the unemployment rate.
Namibia’s Renewable Energy Initiative
In 2021, the government of Namibia passed the Second Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPPII). The HPPII is a government-powered group of targeted policies aimed at providing enhanced services, boosting the economy, combatting poverty and engendering inclusive growth. The push for this campaign came after the country was found struggling after the pandemic.
This initiative was intended to completely reform the country from how it handled conflict with other countries to how to deliver electricity to its people. The initiative also builds on Namibia’s current energy production while ensuring that the country prioritizes clean, renewable energy.
Currently, Namibia produces most of its energy in a renewable fashion through hydropower. Roughly two-thirds of the country’s energy production comes from hydropower. Specifically, four power stations produce approximately 60% of the country’s energy, leaving the population vulnerable if one shuts down. The current plan is to slowly build more solar and hydropower projects to boost the country’s production and decrease the reliance on any project and other countries for energy.
Namibia has a unique geographical advantage that makes it perfect for solar projects. With a lack of dense areas and an abundance of flat land that receives a lot of sunlight, Namibia can drastically increase its production through the use of solar farms. Additionally, this can bring in many new high-skilled jobs.
Conclusion
While renewable energy in Namibia is still an emerging market, it has the potential to completely shift the narrative of the country. It can provide millions of jobs and lift many people out of poverty while providing clean electricity to the population. By harnessing its unique hydropower and solar advantage, Namibia can meet its energy needs and achieve much more.
– Aman Chaudhary
Photo: Wikimedia Commons