A growing global movement that addresses one of the world’s most pressing concerns, sustainability is taking the world by storm. Renewable energy in Rwanda, in particular, has improved the country in several ways.
Rwanda, known for its picturesque landscapes, presently has significant economic challenges. As of 2023, 56.5% of the population lives below the international poverty line. Some reasons for this poverty include the 1994 genocide as well as an overall limited access to education and health care. Many Rwandans unfortunately do not have access to essential resources and services.
Despite these challenges, however, renewable energy is Rwanda’s silver lining. Using natural resources like sunlight and wind, renewable energy can bring about positive change to Rwanda’s poverty problem. Rwanda generated 62.3% of its power via renewable means, and the nation has created means to fight poverty in three main ways using these sustainable energy solutions.
Job Creation
One of the main reasons for unemployment (which, in turn, leads to poverty) in Rwanda is the 1994, which, according to the International Labor Organization, “impaired all socio-economic activities in Rwanda.” The country seems to have had a difficult time bouncing back in terms of employment. In 2022, in fact, the World Bank claims that around 13% of Rwandan’s workforce was unemployed.
Of course, employees are required to set up renewable energy power plants. This creates jobs and fights unemployment, one of the three stages in the vicious circle of poverty. Jobs could include technical workers, such as engineers and electricians, and would require roles such as project managers, as well as other professionals relevant to renewable energy.
Several components are necessary for renewable energy plants, including solar panels. These high-end components have to be produced, creating jobs as a result. For example, the Global Green Growth Institute’s executive summary of one such renewable energy initiative stated that it would create 31,000 direct jobs. Creating jobs and increasing employment is therefore one major way to combat poverty while fighting for renewable energy in Rwanda.
Energy Cost Reduction
The price that the average impoverished family pays for energy is also important to keep in mind. Switching to renewable energy can, in many scenarios, lower the financial burden faced by many lower-class households.
Renewable energy in Rwanda is no exception. At first, it seems counterintuitive that something as expensive to create as solar panels is more economically viable than using fossil fuels. Although most renewable power plants, such as solar, wind and geothermal, have high initial costs, their high efficiency makes them far superior to fossil fuels in the long run.
In addition, unlike fossil fuel consumption, renewable energy taps into free resources like sunlight and wind, while mining and transporting fossil fuels can have high prices. According to scientifically conducted models through computer simulations, renewable energy is cheaper when compared to traditional forms of energy. The cost of renewable energy in Rwanda is a major reason for its success in alleviating poverty
Basic Service Accessibility Improvement
Renewable energy in Rwanda has improved access to basic services for impoverished communities. Reliable electricity, for many impoverished people in Rwanda, is a lifeline that has been extended thanks to the advent of renewable energy. Basic services like electricity, step by step, will improve this accessibility further and will make Rwanda develop faster than it already is.
Electricity has spurred many Rwandan businesses. For example, Mbonimana Jean Pierre began a lucrative welding business when his home village of Bweyeye connected to electricity. According to the World Bank, “on average, he makes more than 150.000 RwFr per month (around $165), far more than he used to earn in the city, but more importantly, he is with his family.”
Although this access to electricity was not directly a result of renewable energy, one can argue that it often leads to a large amount of power needed to supply such ventures. This beautiful story exemplifies how positive development in basic services such as electricity can lead to thriving businesses and significant strides against poverty.
The Link Between Renewable Energy and Poverty Reduction
It is not a secret that renewable energy can help fight against poverty. In fact, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lists pursuing a “green economy” as one of the main priorities of Rwanda’s economic transformation. Overall, renewable energy in Rwanda, a mission that has already begun, is an underrated hero in helping in the fight against global poverty. Not only does renewable development create jobs and spur industrial production, but it also reduces the cost of energy for many impoverished people, all while improving access to basic services like electricity.
In Rwanda, renewable energy serves not only as a solution to the world’s environmental challenges but also as a means to fight against poverty. As Rwanda uses free resources like wind and sunlight to light up homes and power industries, the nation certainly has a bright future in store.
– Advait K. Mishra
Photo: Flickr
Partnerships for Global Poverty Alleviation
Ongoing trends in the fight against poverty highlight the significance of collaborative global initiatives. Governments, international organizations and the corporate sector are working together to tackle the multifaceted challenges associated with poverty. This unified approach enhances the effectiveness of poverty alleviation efforts.
The Borgen Project supports these joint activities as part of its commitment to fighting global poverty through the passage of foreign aid laws.
The following is a deep dive into the relevance of global collaborations, alongside efforts that are helping to alleviate poverty. These partnerships for global poverty alleviation show the potential of collective action in mobilizing resources and skills to address one of our time’s most important concerns.
United Nations Development Program
The United Nations (U.N.) is a key player in global diplomacy, with 193 member states. The public continues to see it as a central hub for addressing various international issues.
To tackle issues like global poverty, the U.N. approved the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), representing the common global commitment to addressing 14 aspects of global poverty, including education, health care and job opportunities.
Present in more than 170 nations and territories, the efforts of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have been essential to meeting the challenge of the SDGs.
In addition, the Human Development Index (HDI) which gauges a nation’s overall progress using metrics like life expectancy, education and per capita income, was developed largely due to the influence of UNDP. Many nations’ HDI scores have improved as a result of UNDP’s activities.
In 2022, the U.N. conducted an impact assessment of the SDGs through more than 3,000 scientific studies. The findings indicated that the goals had a substantial impact on political discourse, possibly influenced by the efforts of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
SDGs have had a special ability to connect people with a common goal of eradicating global poverty, and the UNDP has been instrumental in this effort, succeeding in mobilizing $3.8 billion in SDG bonds, raising $1.6 billion to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and giving 71 million people access to essential services in 36 countries. These figures indicate why this is one of the most significant partnerships for global poverty alleviation.
World Vision
Founded in 1950, World Vision is a prominent international humanitarian organization dedicated to alleviating poverty. Operating in nearly 100 countries, World Vision focuses on issues such as child well-being, education, health and economic development. Based on 2022 data, World Vision has sponsored 3.2 million children and helped 3 million people gain access to water.
By quickly responding to emergencies, the organization has been able to “[help] more than 30 million people affected by emergencies,” which ranged from “conflict to cyclones.” World Vision has had a significant influence by changing the lives of vulnerable children and communities, pushing them to pursue a brighter future.
Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
Africa is widely recognized for its stunning landscapes and diverse cultures. However, the economic development across the continent lags behind. Among the 46 countries labeled as least developed by the U.N., a significant 33 are from Africa. This poses unique challenges for the region’s progress.
African countries have realized this gap in development and have made admirable progress through several key partnerships. One of these, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), prioritizes small-scale farmers in order to increase agricultural productivity, develop value chains and improve market access.
The organization’s motto emphasizes sustainable growth for Africa’s food systems, a commitment it continues working to uphold. So far, the Alliance has attracted more than $140 million in investments, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to this goal.
By investing in large-scale agriculture, AGRA is able to cut potential losses while encouraging local farmers and providing them with upward mobility. This strategy gives underprivileged African communities the tools they need to end the vicious cycle of poverty.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Vaccines play a crucial role in fighting health-related poverty and preventing diseases such as polio, tetanus, and influenza.
Since 2000, Gavi, in collaboration with organizations like UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), has prevented more than 17 million disease-related deaths and vaccinated more than 1.8 billion people. More than half of these individuals are children, and they come from 73 different nations. This not only saves lives but also contributes to reducing poverty by boosting economic productivity in these countries.
Looking Ahead
The struggle against worldwide poverty is a multifaceted challenge, intricately woven with the relationships between governments and the private sector. The interconnected dimensions of this issue require collaborative efforts, and the alliances spotlighted so far suggest a significant stride toward making global poverty eradication more attainable for governments and citizens alike.
–Advait K. Mishra
Photo: Wikimedia
Child Marriage and Women’s Rights in Burkina Faso
The Impact
The consequences of child marriage reverberate throughout the lives of girls and young women in Burkina Faso. A lack of education is one of the most common outcomes. As the adolescent birth rate is 132.3 per 1,000 women aged 15–19, girls who marry early are more likely to drop out of school to raise their children.
Furthermore, the health implications of these rights violations for girls cannot be overlooked. Burkina Faso has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world, with one in every twenty-two women succumbing to pregnancy-related causes. By simply providing education to these girls surrounding sex education, alongside improved health care programs in place, these deaths could be dramatically reduced. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that empower girls and women to make informed choices about their lives, their health and their futures.
A Glimmer of Hope
That being said, despite these shocking statistics, Burkina Faso as a nation does recognize the need for change, and recent developments demonstrate this. As of February 2020, the Burkina Faso government had announced its dedication to eradicating early, non consensual marriage for girls by raising the legal age of marriage to 18 and ensuring that in Burkina Faso’s criminal code, forced marriage is clearly outlawed.
A year later, in July 2021, Burkina Faso also committed to a five-year journey of action to improve gender equality by 2026 by investing $40 million into the development of legal as well as social change to end not only child marriage but gender-based violence, female genital mutilation and more. These efforts demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting the rights of girls and women throughout the country.
Impact: Success Stories and Empowering Change
In Burkina Faso, where conflict disrupts education and pressures some families into early marriages, stories of resilience and hope emerge.
At the Sainte Maria Goretti shelter, a beacon of hope, over one hundred young women have sought refuge, each with a determination to rekindle their dreams. Sister Veronique, a guardian at the shelter, has been witness to their incredible journeys. “Some have faced violence, while others endured hardships that would daunt the bravest,” she shared. Veronique takes care of girls like Evelyne, 16, whose grandfather planned to force her to marry an older man after an attack on their village caused them to flee.
“I overheard his intentions and made the courageous choice to find refuge here,” said Evelyne. “I’m still a child, and on top of that, I want to study,” she emphasized. While Evelyne’s parents eventually located her at the shelter, social worker support and their recognition of Evelyne’s passion for learning convinced them to let her continue her education.
These stories radiate the indomitable spirit of young girls in Burkina Faso, who, even in the face of adversity, stand resolute in their pursuit of education and dreams. Their journeys embody the transformative power of enabling girls to make choices that shape their own lives and futures, encapsulating the promise and hope for women’s rights in Burkina Faso.
A Hopeful Path Forward
In Burkina Faso, the battle against child marriage is ongoing, but there is a glimmer of hope that lights the way for women’s rights in Burkina Faso. The prevalence of this harmful practice is gradually decreasing as legal reforms and awareness campaigns gain momentum. While there is much work ahead, the path forward is clear: By breaking the cycle of child marriage, we not only empower individual girls but also pave the way for an entire generation to rise, thrive and shape a brighter future for women’s rights in Burkina Faso.
– Phoebe Abrahams
Photo: Flickr
5 Brands Fighting Global Poverty
Airbnb
Airbnb began fighting global poverty in 2017, and since then it has been providing emergency accommodation for people around the world. The Airbnb Open Homes program works by allowing Airbnb hosts to offer their properties to those in need on a temporary basis. While the program mainly aims to provide shelter for refugees and displaced people during emergencies, it also provides accommodation for relief workers who are offering help in struggling areas. Since its beginning, The Open Homes program has helped over 100,000 people find shelter. Recently, Airbnb has also announced the start of Airbnb.org, a nonprofit organization that aids housing provisions in times of crisis. It plans to take control of Airbnb’s Open Homes program, using Airbnb’s technology and resources to further power this long-running program.
KFC
KFC is currently the World Food Program’s (WFP) largest corporate partner. Each year, KFC engages millions of employees and consumers in its Add Hope initiative, a project that is also the WFP’s largest international consumer outreach project. Since Add Hope began 14 years ago, KFC has supplied 30 million nutritious meals to children in South Africa.
By leveraging its global presence with in-store donations and special fundraising events, the company has made a meaningful difference for families and children suffering from hunger. In cooperation with WFP, KFC has helped raise funding for over 460 million school meals in more than 50 countries, and the partnership has generated over 1 billion media impressions.
Whole Foods
Whole Planet Foundation is a nonprofit organization started by Whole Foods Market, and it dedicates its movement to alleviating poverty through empowerment. The main goal of the project is to provide microloans to people in poverty, especially in areas where Whole Food’s sources its produce.
The foundation began in 2005, when Whole Food’s stores dedicated 5% of its nationwide earnings that day as seed money for the project, and since then the project has gone on to disburse up to $107 million in microloans.
The loans have a 98% repayment rate, and all the repaid money is put towards future loans for small businesses. With the average first loan only being $181, Whole Planet Foundation has helped over 1 million people in poverty provide for themselves through their own business, supporting a sustainable route out of poverty.
Starbucks
Starbucks purchases about 3% of the world’s coffee, and they also account for a large amount of support in the industry. The Starbucks Foundation is an organization that supports people both at home and abroad. By donating grants to existing nonprofit organizations, The Starbucks Foundation helps communities to thrive, from your local stores down the street to coffee farmers outside of America. Since its start in 2005, the foundation has invested more than $25 million in coffee- and tea-growing communities across the world. In 2022, Starbucks also committed to helping 1 million women in the coffee, tea and cocoa-growing industries, ensuring they support workers with fair pay.
PepsiCo
Collaborating with local and international organizations, nonprofit organizations, and employees around the globe, the PepsiCo Foundation is on a mission to promote food security, provide safe water, encourage economic opportunity and strengthen the community. The PepsiCo Foundation dedicated a total of $62 million towards its goals in 2022, and it has reached millions of people worldwide. Since 2009, the foundation’s programs and partners have distributed more than 270 million meals. Since 2006, they helped 3 million people gain access to safe water by 2015.
In recent years, great strides have been made in fighting global poverty, but the battle continues. Approximately 719 million people still sustain on less than $2.15 per day. From a daily cup of coffee to a cheeky chicken dinner, people can support change no matter how big or small.
– Jodie Donovan
Photo: Flickr
Poverty in North Korea: Everything You Need To Know About It
Current Picture
The Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has not published economic information, so researchers must find creative ways to understand the nation. New technology allows estimations of GDP and poverty based on night light using satellite imagery. Estimates of poverty in North Korea average around 60%.
Various factors, primarily internal and some external, contribute to North Korea’s poverty. One of the leading causes is the Kim dynasty’s communist government, which prioritizes military spending over the good of its people. This emphasis on preserving power by cloaking North Korea and building military might have resulted in a severely underdeveloped economy dependent on Chinese support for electricity, water and other crucial resources.
Additionally, North Korea’s economy has been further weakened by international sanctions, with countries like the U.S., denying its people to trade with North Korea. However, this does not have a significant impact anyway, as there is little chance of trade entering the country. Everything must pass through the government’s bureaucracy before it is legally permitted to operate, which makes it difficult to provide humanitarian aid or goods and services to those most affected. Even when given the go-ahead to trade, spying will still occur with systems like Red-Star, which takes regular and random screenshots of text messages and recordings of phone calls.
However, this government is not the one that is most impacted by the policies it employs. Most of the challenging circumstances provided by the state affect North Korea’s population alone. There is a great deal of suffering due to widespread malnutrition, a lack of access to health care and inadequate (above-ground) infrastructure that is not used for military purposes. Chronic food shortages are a harsh reality for many North Koreans who struggle to provide for their families. According to the UN, a startling 40% of the world’s population is malnourished.
Being malnourished does not just mean they’re starving; it also means their immune system is failing, putting them at risk of death. Of course, the bourgeoisie may eat as much as they like, which gave birth to the insult ‘Kim Fatty III’, now banned in China — another communist regime but with a more liberal approach to the economy.
Furthermore, it is difficult for aid groups to function effectively in North Korea due to the regime’s secrecy and state mandates. The efforts to lessen its citizens’ suffering are hampered by this lack of transparency and micromanagement from the dictatorship: Everything you do must be approved by the state.
Organizations Making a Difference
Despite the difficulties, a few organizations are making a valiant effort to combat poverty in North Korea. The Eugene Bell Foundation is one such group that focuses on helping North Koreans in need of medical care and tuberculosis treatment. Due to the critically underdeveloped above-ground infrastructure, North Korea has one of the highest tuberculosis rates in the world. The Eugene Bell Foundation has significantly improved the nation’s health care outcomes. The Foundation has reduced the chances of dying from the disease by providing treatment to anywhere from 500–1,500 patients per year, a number that would be much higher if the North Korean Government would be honest about how serious the problem is.
Another example is the World Food Program (WFP), which sees that 18% of all children in North Korea are stunned (cannot grow due to malnourishment). The WFP’s efforts are vital in alleviating hunger and malnutrition in the country, albeit under challenging circumstances. They have heroically provided monthly nutrition packages specialized for protein, vitamins and fats to around a million children, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
The Future
Undoubtedly, the path ahead will be challenging, as political unrest and diplomatic challenges continue to impede humanitarian efforts in North Korea. These organizations continue to be dedicated to their goals and work to improve the lives of those affected by tyrannous government and poverty. All of this is in stark contrast to the open market representative democracy to its south: South Korea, which is richer, more advanced and the top destination for North Koreans seeking to escape.
To conclude, North Korea’s poverty is a pervasive issue with multiple root causes. The suffering of the North Korean people is a result of the oppressive regime and a lack of transparency as well as international sanctions. However, organizations like the World Food Program and the Eugene Bell Foundation are working nonstop to deliver critical assistance to the most vulnerable.
It is important to remember the millions of North Koreans who continue to live in poverty and squalor on the Korean Peninsula. The issue of North Korea’s poverty goes beyond geopolitics and touches on fundamental human rights and dignity. The international community must continue to be dedicated to identifying solutions and helping those in need.
– Sean Boehm
Photo: Unsplash
Reducing Poverty in Egypt & Organizations to Support
The Current Crisis
Currently, Egypt’s inflation rates are at 33%, with the cost of basic goods soaring higher. The World Bank’s data files estimated that in 2019, 29.7% of Egyptians were living near or below the poverty line.
Director of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, Timothy E. Kaldas stated that “there was a very large part of the population above that line, and undoubtedly many of them have since fallen below it. As inflation continues to grow, more are falling below the poverty line.”
As measured in a research report in 2023, some of the poverty comes from increased cash assistance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, due to grain shortages for bread.
This, as well as austerity measures taken ($12 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund in 2016) following reliance on loans for government operations and mega infrastructure projects, plummeted the country into its current financial state.
Stories From Egyptian Citizens
This rise in poverty rates led to higher levels of social deprivation, as exhibited by an average 9.7% drop in general consumption of goods and services, with less spending on items like education, health care and culture. Even those in the middle class in Egypt have to hunt for second jobs and skip meals to endure the rapidly rising costs.
Though working full-time as a professional graphic designer, Ahmed Fawzi told The Guardian that he needs to search for a second job. As a father of three, he is scraping to make sure that he can support his family with a monthly salary of 5,000 Egyptian pounds ($162). He stated, “It feels like the economic crisis is literally squeezing me. Prices are going up every day and there’s no solution to it.”
The Support Available
CAPMAS (Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics) stated that though Egypt is at the lowest rate of poverty in 20 years, the country is still deeply suffering. Yet there are support initiatives in place to make sure that poverty in Egypt is reduced. In 2022, the International Monetary Fund did provide Egypt with $3 billion, dictating that the government spend it on their citizens, allowing support for 20 million of those in poverty.
How They Are Aiding Poverty in Egypt
But is there support beyond financial means? The emotional strain that the major cost-of-living crisis has put on Egyptians is listened to and supported by organizations alike. CAPMAS said that the organization is “cultivating the fruits” of the economic reforms from projects like Karama supporting the country.
Established in 2005, Karama is a beneficiary program that names itself a “social safety net project that promotes Egyptian women empowerment.’’ Aiming to reduce poverty in Egypt, it helps poor women and children and those with disabilities by providing both conditional and unconditional cash transfers. Focusing on food insecurities, education and health care, Karama is still a successful front to aid poverty in Egypt, increasing emotional prosperity.
UNICEF, in recent months and years, has held regular conferences to address the global poverty rates, including Egypt’s. In September 2023, they focused on speaking with Congress to address health rights for children. 2021 saw UNICEF hold a conference where they discussed an “evidence-informed development agenda for Egypt.”
Egypt has partnered with international beneficiaries to reduce their ongoing poverty. While it is still widespread in the nation, the mission to end poverty in Egypt is progressing, and there are support networks for those living in poverty daily. Assisting vulnerable groups across Egypt through international charities and financial aid gives them a voice and promotes international funding for underdeveloped countries in crisis.
– Anastasia Brown
Photo: Flickr
Progress in Renewable Energy in Rwanda
Rwanda, known for its picturesque landscapes, presently has significant economic challenges. As of 2023, 56.5% of the population lives below the international poverty line. Some reasons for this poverty include the 1994 genocide as well as an overall limited access to education and health care. Many Rwandans unfortunately do not have access to essential resources and services.
Despite these challenges, however, renewable energy is Rwanda’s silver lining. Using natural resources like sunlight and wind, renewable energy can bring about positive change to Rwanda’s poverty problem. Rwanda generated 62.3% of its power via renewable means, and the nation has created means to fight poverty in three main ways using these sustainable energy solutions.
Job Creation
One of the main reasons for unemployment (which, in turn, leads to poverty) in Rwanda is the 1994, which, according to the International Labor Organization, “impaired all socio-economic activities in Rwanda.” The country seems to have had a difficult time bouncing back in terms of employment. In 2022, in fact, the World Bank claims that around 13% of Rwandan’s workforce was unemployed.
Of course, employees are required to set up renewable energy power plants. This creates jobs and fights unemployment, one of the three stages in the vicious circle of poverty. Jobs could include technical workers, such as engineers and electricians, and would require roles such as project managers, as well as other professionals relevant to renewable energy.
Several components are necessary for renewable energy plants, including solar panels. These high-end components have to be produced, creating jobs as a result. For example, the Global Green Growth Institute’s executive summary of one such renewable energy initiative stated that it would create 31,000 direct jobs. Creating jobs and increasing employment is therefore one major way to combat poverty while fighting for renewable energy in Rwanda.
Energy Cost Reduction
The price that the average impoverished family pays for energy is also important to keep in mind. Switching to renewable energy can, in many scenarios, lower the financial burden faced by many lower-class households.
Renewable energy in Rwanda is no exception. At first, it seems counterintuitive that something as expensive to create as solar panels is more economically viable than using fossil fuels. Although most renewable power plants, such as solar, wind and geothermal, have high initial costs, their high efficiency makes them far superior to fossil fuels in the long run.
In addition, unlike fossil fuel consumption, renewable energy taps into free resources like sunlight and wind, while mining and transporting fossil fuels can have high prices. According to scientifically conducted models through computer simulations, renewable energy is cheaper when compared to traditional forms of energy. The cost of renewable energy in Rwanda is a major reason for its success in alleviating poverty
Basic Service Accessibility Improvement
Renewable energy in Rwanda has improved access to basic services for impoverished communities. Reliable electricity, for many impoverished people in Rwanda, is a lifeline that has been extended thanks to the advent of renewable energy. Basic services like electricity, step by step, will improve this accessibility further and will make Rwanda develop faster than it already is.
Electricity has spurred many Rwandan businesses. For example, Mbonimana Jean Pierre began a lucrative welding business when his home village of Bweyeye connected to electricity. According to the World Bank, “on average, he makes more than 150.000 RwFr per month (around $165), far more than he used to earn in the city, but more importantly, he is with his family.”
Although this access to electricity was not directly a result of renewable energy, one can argue that it often leads to a large amount of power needed to supply such ventures. This beautiful story exemplifies how positive development in basic services such as electricity can lead to thriving businesses and significant strides against poverty.
The Link Between Renewable Energy and Poverty Reduction
It is not a secret that renewable energy can help fight against poverty. In fact, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lists pursuing a “green economy” as one of the main priorities of Rwanda’s economic transformation. Overall, renewable energy in Rwanda, a mission that has already begun, is an underrated hero in helping in the fight against global poverty. Not only does renewable development create jobs and spur industrial production, but it also reduces the cost of energy for many impoverished people, all while improving access to basic services like electricity.
In Rwanda, renewable energy serves not only as a solution to the world’s environmental challenges but also as a means to fight against poverty. As Rwanda uses free resources like wind and sunlight to light up homes and power industries, the nation certainly has a bright future in store.
– Advait K. Mishra
Photo: Flickr
Africa Announces Strategy for Renewable Energy in Guinea
What is Renewable Energy?
Why is Renewable Energy in Guinea Important?
Other countries may use Guinea as an example to see how effective the use of renewable energy is as a source of power. The amount of rivers Guinea has makes it a prime candidate for testing new sources of energy like hydropower. In fact, during the year 2015, the Kaleta Dam came online and along with the Kaleta Dam also came a strategy. The Guinean Government decided to restructure their power infrastructure, starting with new power lines and utilities. The dam more than doubled the amount of power to where distribution and transmission of the energy was more readily available.
Guinea could share some of its energy with other neighboring countries as well. Guinea also uses solar energy in a project called 82 MW Solar, which is a project funded by investors from Germany. The project will help Guinea reach its goal of producing 30% of its energy from more sustainable sources.
Solutions
In 2015, the Electrify Africa Act institutionalized power in Africa. Power Africa is a market-driven U.S. government-led public-private partner devoted to doubling access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa. Power Africa provides tools and resources to private sector entities so they may conduct and facilitate business in sub-Saharan Africa. The goal of Power Africa, according to the website, is to advance inclusive low-carbon economic growth. Power Africa has support from 12 interagency partners such as USAID and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Included also is the U.S. African Development Foundation, which takes donations as well.
How Does Renewable Energy in Guinea Reduce the Country’s Poverty Issues?
According to the IEA (International Energy Agency), only 17% of the population in Guinea has access to electricity. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 66.2% of the population in Guinea is poor, along with an additional 16.4% of the population classified as being vulnerable to multidimensional poverty. However, using hydropower and different sources of energy besides fossil fuels can help bring in more jobs. In fact, for every 1,000 workers the coal and gas industries employ, there are 5,000 jobs in the renewable energy fields. This means that not only will clean energy provide more electricity and reduce energy poverty, but it will also increase how many jobs there are in Guinea.
How Can Countries Prosper From Renewable Energy in Guinea?
The many natural resources from Guinea are important. One of Guinea’s prime exports is gold, a mineral that can be used for medical and electronic devices for defense and even traded for money. The country is also rich in iron and diamond minerals used to make jewelry and steel. The growth of this country and its resources can be a huge help to other developing countries and help reduce poverty. The growth of this country can help foster the economic growth of another country, giving rise to better relations among all countries.
– Marvin Lowery
Photo: Flickr
The State of Hunger and Food Insecurity in Thailand
The State of Food Insecurity
Every country aims to achieve food security and eradicate hunger. However, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has observed a growing severity of global food shortages since 2014, resulting from a loss of natural resources due to changing weather patterns and natural disasters. This has had a detrimental impact on agricultural production and food security.
A steep rise in food prices has also increased the number of people facing food insecurity. In fact, according to the World Bank, it takes only a 1% increase in food prices to push an additional 10 million people into extreme poverty.
Nutrition in Thailand
The problem of hunger in Thailand has significantly worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the National Statistical Office surveyed households in Thailand on the impacts of COVID-19. Results indicated the pandemic caused multiple food-related challenges within households, including inadequate consumption of nutritious food and limited food variety. Lower-income households suffered more serious consequences due to increased unemployment and consequent loss of income.
A World Bank study from 2020 revealed that 6.2 million people in Thailand–or 9% of the total population–lack adequate nutrition. This is a result of rising food costs, as well as a lack of nutritional knowledge. Poor understanding of nutrition is often more prevalent in lower-income households and contributes to unhealthy dietary habits and food preparations that do not adhere to nutritional principles.
The Rise of Food Banks to Tackle Hunger
Food banks are steadily growing in popularity across the globe. The Global Foodbanking Network (GFN) found that the number of people using food banks has doubled since the pandemic. In 2022, more than 32 million people used food banks across 50 developing countries. Many communities in Thailand have also turned to food banks as a solution to combat hunger, with the additional benefit of reducing the environmental consequences of food waste.
According to the Pollution Control Department, nearly 70% of Thailand’s total rubbish consists of food waste. The Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS) originated in 2016 to eradicate hunger through the redistribution of surplus food to communities in need such as orphanages and shelters. It is one of the oldest food banking initiatives in Thailand, working in Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and many other areas.
SOS also runs other programs to help combat hunger. The Rescue Kitchen Program works with community kitchens to turn surplus food into warm and nutritious food that is served to undernourished communities. The Remote Community Food Program employs military and volunteer networks to transport food across mountainous terrains, supplying food to isolated rural communities. The Healthy School Lunch Program promotes food security and nutrition for malnourished children at school, providing them with fresh vegetables for school lunches.
SOS has had a significant impact on reducing food insecurity and hunger in Thailand, having served nearly 30 million meals to more than 3,000 communities. The SOS foundation has also rescued around 6.8 million kilograms of surplus food. This is equivalent to about 17,282 tons of CO2 if the food were instead wasted in landfills.
Taking Action to Combat Hunger in Thailand
Food banks show promise in reducing hunger in Thailand by redirecting surplus food toward lower-income and vulnerable communities. Food banks have been so effective because of how embedded they are within local communities. To facilitate change, the government must transform the food system – starting at the community level. Prompt action must be taken to facilitate food access and security in Thailand for a lasting impact on hunger.
– Stephanie Chan
Photo: Flickr
Aid Groups Support Maternal and Child Health in Afghanistan
Three aid groups in particular, The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), are taking action to keep mothers and children from suffering and dying from preventable causes.
Crisis for Child Health in Afghanistan
UNICEF recognizes that Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a baby, child or mother. Afghanistan has one of the highest infant mortality rates, and thousands of Afghani women die every year due to preventable pregnancy-related causes. According to the 2020 Human Development Report released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Afghanistan ranked 169 on the gender inequality index.
Access to health care remains low for women. Between 2000 and 2015, only 59% of women received natal care from a skilled health care provider, and only 53% of births were protected against neonatal tetanus — a life-threatening, vaccine-preventable bacterial infection in newborns that is typically caused by non-sterile instruments and an unclean environment during the birth process. Of those babies that make it past the first critical months of development, less than half are fully vaccinated between the ages of 12 and 23 months.
Malnutrition is another critical risk factor for infants and young children. Only 16% of children between the ages of 6 and 23 months meet minimal dietary standards, contributing to high levels of malnutrition-related developmental issues. About 10% of young children suffer from childhood wasting, where the weight or height is less than two standard deviations from the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards. The percentage of underweight children is 41%, and child stunting, a condition where a child is too short for their age due to chronic and recurrent malnutrition, affects 41% of Afghani children.
UNICEF’s Work to Save Maternal and Child Health in Afghanistan
UNICEF is working with existing health care facilities to expand services and reach children and mothers in remote villages who could not otherwise afford to travel and receive the lifesaving health services they need. By providing training and essential equipment for newborn care, deploying mobile health care outreach teams to these rural and isolated communities, and supporting specialized maternity waiting homes and rooms, UNICEF hopes to empower existing health facilities to support Afghanistan’s most vulnerable and impoverished women and children.
UNICEF also works with the Ministry of Public Health, developing and rolling out standardized national guidelines for newborn care in an effort to reduce preventable illnesses and deaths in newborns. This includes providing zinc and rehydration solution co-packs for treatment of diarrhea, a widespread and preventable cause of illness and death in infants and children.
MSF’s Efforts
Since MSF began its work in Afghanistan in 1981, they have built seven health facilities and clinics in the region. MSF staff has assisted in more than 42,800 births, including more than 2,100 cesarean sections, and has admitted more than 9,100 children into their facilities for inpatient feeding programs in an effort to combat the effects of severe malnutrition. While these efforts have had an incredible impact on the lives of impoverished and malnourished Afghans, more work is necessary.
“Sometimes, mothers are so malnourished they can’t produce milk,” said a member of MSF’s medical staff in Herat Regional Hospital. “We see them putting tea in bottles to give to newborn babies—only seven or eight days old — which can be very dangerous.”
How WHO is Helping
In August 2023, WHO released an alert highlighting the importance of increased investment in Afghanistan’s severely under-resourced health care infrastructure. Recognizing the current health emergency in the region, WHO has targeted 7.5 million children and 3.1 million women for health assistance.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated: “The situation in Afghanistan is grave, and the lack of resources and funding to support health workers and facilities is putting countless lives at risk. Women and children are suffering the most.”
– Ann-Jinette Hess
Photo: Flickr
How Ghana Combats NTDs
What Are NTDs?
NTDs are a group of parasitic and bacterial infectious diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that NTDs claim 170,000 lives each year and affect more than 1.58 billion people globally. These diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, Chagas disease and schistosomiasis, pose significant challenges to global health and well-being. Often overlooked and underfunded, NTDs thrive in impoverished and marginalized communities. This exacerbates the cycle of poverty and hinders socio-economic development.
According to WHO, the most prevalent NTDs in Ghana include lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis (Oncho), trachoma, schistosomiasis (SCH), soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), Buruli ulcer, yaws, leprosy, guinea worm, human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), cutaneous leishmaniasis and rabies.
How Do NTDs Affect Poverty in Ghana?
According to the World Bank, the poverty rate in Ghana will likely rise to 34% by 2025. NTDs in Ghana contribute to poverty by reducing productivity and economic potential due to health impacts. This imposes financial burdens through health care expenses and limits long-term prospects. Additionally, the Ghanaian NGO Ghana Health Service observes that NTDs reduce agricultural productivity and income opportunities. This traps communities in a cycle of poverty due to the lack of resources and access to health care, clean water, sanitation and education.
The Ways Ghana Combats NTDs
By adopting a holistic approach that combines policy, partnerships and community engagement, Ghana has made significant strides in reducing the burden of NTDs on its population, ultimately combatting poverty in the process.
National Policy and Commitment
Over the years, government efforts in Ghana have successfully eliminated several specific NTDs, including trachoma, through various strategies. In 2000, Ghana’s Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service first launched a national trachoma elimination program. This initiative successfully employed WHO’s endorsed elimination strategy known as SAFE. This encompasses Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics for infection clearance, promotion of Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement to curtail transmission.
In addition, affected individuals received trichiasis surgery at no cost, underlining Ghana Health Service’s recognition of the economic hardship faced by those with trichiasis and its impact on their future earnings. Commitments in the form of community engagement, school programs, radio messages and environmental enhancements were instrumental in promoting facial cleanliness and fostering lasting change.
Collaborative Partnerships
One significant example of partnerships in Ghana to combat NTDs is the collaboration between the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and NGOs and international entities. The GHS works closely with organizations like the Carter Center, WHO and USAID. In addition, since 2013, these partnerships have been a pillar of mass drug administration. These collaborations provided technical expertise, financial support and resources. They assist the GHS in implementing control and elimination programs for NTDs. For instance, in addressing onchocerciasis in 2013, the GHS collaborated with the African Program for Onchocerciasis Control to implement community-directed treatment with ivermectin.
This approach empowered local community members to distribute ivermectin within their communities, ensuring treatment sustainability. Collaborative partnerships between governmental health services, NGOs and international organizations leverage resources, expertise and coordination to enhance the impact of interventions and contribute to progress in combating NTDs in Ghana.
Community Engagement and Empowerment
Ghana combats NTDs through community engagement and empowerment. This is exemplified through the establishment of Community Drug Distributor (CDD) networks established in the Ministry of Health’s first strategic plan to combat NTDs in 2013. The Ministry of Health renewed this plan in 2021.
These CDD networks train community members to distribute medication and provide health education. CDDs are trusted individuals from the local community who play a vital role in distributing preventive treatment and raising awareness about NTDs. This approach improves access to remote areas, increases treatment compliance and fosters sustainable disease control practices. By actively involving community members, it builds trust, ownership and a sense of self-reliance. Community engagement and empowerment through the CDD networks in Ghana effectively contribute to combating NTDs and raising awareness at the grassroots level.
Looking Forward
Ghana’s multifaceted response has made significant progress, eliminating NTDs such as trachoma and the guinea worm as of 2018. This ultimately showcases that the initiatives to combat NTDs in Ghana are heading in a promising direction.
Nevertheless, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis and soil-transmitted helminths threaten Ghanaians’ health as well as financial security and require continued attention.
– Miriam Schuller
Photo: Flickr