Updates on SDG 8 in Lebanon: Employment and Gender Equality

SDG 8 in LebanonLebanon is currently facing a severe crisis. COVID-19 and the Beirut Port Explosion have worsened years of political and economic mismanagement. The country is now in a financial downturn that the World Bank has described as “the worst since the mid-19th Century.”

As a result, many Lebanese and Syrian Refugee women are unable to find enough decent work to meet their basic needs. However, via important interventions such as Cash for Work programs development organizations are collaborating with the government to provide important funds to empower them and secure their futures. 

What Are the Issues in Lebanon?

Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) calls for countries to “promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.” SDG 8 is crucial because through decent work governments can eradicate poverty and help address social issues like gender inequality. However, because of prevailing sociocultural norms that have been worsened by the crisis, many women in Lebanon suffer labor market marginalization and cannot access decent work to support their needs. For example, traditional gender norms dictate that women should be responsible for childcare and domestic work.

Syrian migrants and refugees also experience oppression, as many of them, under the oppressive kafala system, must live with their employers with no legal protections. As a result, they regularly suffer from exploitation and abuse. As indicated by the latest reports on SDG 8 in Lebanon, the unemployment rate among women could rise. This, in turn, puts an increasing number of women at risk of experiencing poverty.

Potential Solutions: Cash for Work

In recent years, the U.N. in partnership with NGOs and national governments has sought to address the work issues in Lebanon by advocating for economic empowerment. Economic empowerment is critical to achieving poverty reduction, gender equality and the country’s sustainable development goals more broadly. As part of economic empowerment, the central tool for making this happen is the idea of Cash for Work (CfW). CfW interventions play a crucial role. They create chances to enhance the economy by giving people short-term job opportunities. Moreover, these programs provide valuable on-the-job learning and skill development, improving one’s chances of finding employment in the future.

In times of crisis, these interventions are also effective at delivering humanitarian aid and supporting local authorities where they provide basic key services such as urban waste management and road maintenance. 

Why Are Cash-For-Work Programs Effective in Helping Women?

Specifically, cash-for-work programs are good at helping marginalized women in Lebanon because well-devised and gender-sensitive CfW interventions can provide a valuable opportunity to overcome the traditional sociocultural barriers to employment that many women face. For example, according to updates on SDG 8 in Lebanon from the Economic Development Policy Unit, many women have been excluded from the labor market because they are expected to take care of domestic tasks like childcare.

However, through flexible CfW programs, women work when it suits them and earn money based on their productive output rather than by a traditional hourly rate. Moreover, aside from providing them with vital entrepreneurial skills and useful business acumen, CfW can also empower them with a stable currency like the US Dollars. This can significantly boost a household’s income due to the devaluation of the Lebanese Pound. 

Efforts From Organizations

In updates on SDG 8 in Lebanon from UNICEF, the restaurant industry shows CfW in effect. UNICEF, in collaboration with the German Development Bank and the Government of Norway, is funding CfW programs in Lebanon. These initiatives are equipping young Lebanese women with professional cooking skills. These programs are essential as they provide these women with valuable skills, enhancing their employability and enabling them to earn income to meet their basic needs. For instance, Iman, a 21-year-old participant, shared that a CfW program at a local restaurant not only granted her access to employment in a traditionally male-dominated field but also equipped her with the knowledge and skills to prepare specialty Lebanese food items like Labneh and aged cheese. Importantly, this experience empowered her, giving her the freedom and knowledge to consider future self-employment or starting her own business.

Looking Ahead

Therefore, while the restoration of Lebanon’s economy looks to be a slow and painful one, updates on SDG 8 in Lebanon suggest there are reasons to be positive. As has been shown, newly formed partnerships between non-governmental organizations and national governments can provide the necessary training and cash benefits to ensure that vulnerable groups disproportionately affected by the ongoing crisis get the specialist support they require. It is through innovative CfW programs such as those in the Lebanese restaurant industry that women can obtain decent work and help the country progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8.

– Cameron Mason
Photo: Unsplash

3 Ways the NGO SAI Improves Venezuelan Lives

NGO SAIIn Venezuela, many challenges persist, mainly political instability and hyperinflation. These issues have hurt most Venezuelans, resulting in many other challenges. Extreme poverty is common, affecting three out of every four citizens, and if citizens aren’t in extreme poverty, they are on the brink. Many daily struggles Venezuelans face include inadequate health care infrastructure, limited food access and economic instability.

Many products are scarce in the country, including necessities like essential medicines, clean water and affordable food. Approximately 76% of Venezuela’s population lives on $1.90 per day. This economic climate has led an estimated 5 million citizens to relocate.

The South American Initiative (SAI), a non-governmental organization (NGO), is doing much groundwork for the Venezuelan community. SAI’s mission is to help assist the country’s Venezuela’s vulnerable, including mothers, orphans, children, seniors and even dogs.

Addressing Health Care Challenges

SAI’s commitment to the Venezuelan people is to provide adequate health care. Over the past three months, SAI has provided more than 800 citizens with medical care through their free clinics. The services include specialized care in gynecology and obstetrics, EKGs, ultrasounds, nutrition counseling, regular monthly checkups and medicines. SAI’s mission to help the community continues as they have partnered with five orphanages since 2022. The orphanages receive their health care services, too. 

Alleviating Hunger

Unfortunately, many Venezuelans have to deal with hunger, particularly orphans and children. The Venezuelan government’s funding for children and orphans is shrinking due to hyperinflation and reallocation of funds. The NGO SAI has taken the initiative from November 2022 to February 2023 to provide food deliveries to orphanages. In those three months, they delivered 9,850 meals to children in need nationwide. These meals provide the nutritional requirements and assortment to meet daily dietary needs. Like food, SAI has also provided essential medicines and vitamins to boost children’s health. SAI’s adaptability remains vital as they have had challenges from the lockdowns and rising prices to deliver the meals. However, SAI has continued doing meal deliveries despite roadblocks.

Compassion for Canines

SAI’s mission extends not only to humans but also to animals’ lives. In the first quarter of this year, the organization distributed over 4,000 pounds of dog food at their SAI A&G Sanctuary, with an additional 1,000 pounds provided to neighboring shelters. The SAI A&G Sanctuary, in partnership with allied shelters, is on a mission to rescue malnourished, sick and abandoned dogs from the streets of Venezuela. These rescued dogs often arrive with parasites, malnutrition and other severe medical conditions. SAI provides many services for these dogs, such as food, clean water, vaccinations, spaying/neutering and medications. 

Venezuela is a country that needs hope, and the South American Initiative (SAI) provides it. Their commitment to alleviating the suffering of Venezuelans, both human and animal, offers relief for the population.

– Ariana Wauer
Photo: Unsplash

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USAID Programs in Iraq

USAID Programs in Iraq
Since 2003, Iraq has experienced displacement of its population and instability due to domestic and regional conflict. In January 2014, with the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) beginning to seize control of parts of Iraq, the conflict and displacement worsened, until ISIS was defeated in March 2019. The Ministry of Planning at the World Bank reports the poverty rate of Iraq at 24.8% in 2021. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programs in Iraq, with funding received from the United States government, have played a pivotal role in improving the governance system, expanding economic opportunities, providing life-saving humanitarian assistance and promoting religious and ethnic pluralism to the citizens of Iraq. 

The Good News

As of September 2022, despite 1.2 million Iraqis remaining internally displaced and 5 million internally displaced population returning home, Iraq generously hosts 300,000 refugees and asylum-seekers. With Iraqis returning home, support from international organizations like the USAID has helped Iraq see positive growth in all aspects of society. USAID in collaboration with the Government of Iraq (GOI), provincial and local governments, and local communities has established a combination of short-, medium- and long-term efforts to stabilize areas that were formerly occupied by ISIS. 

The following is a brief that focuses on two of the many important USAID programs in Iraq initiatives whose overall objective is to pull households and communities out of poverty and to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance for the people of Iraq. 

Job Creation and Economic Diversification

According to USAID, job-creating initiatives and economic diversification in Iraq’s public and private sectors are vital for creating economic opportunity, helping households and communities out of poverty and long-term economic growth. Iraq is one of the most oil-dependent countries in the world. The over-reliance of its GDP on oil-related growth (7% in 2022 has stagnated the growth of its non-oil sectors such as agribusiness, service delivery processes (for example, technology and trade) and the industrial sector. Thus, USAID in collaboration with the GOI, economic and civil society leaders and vulnerable communities has set up projects and also funded initiatives like the Middle East and North Africa Investment Initiative (MENA II) to increase food production, improve water supply and ensure sustainable water and energy usage. 

The implementation of USAID programs in Iraq that focus on economic diversification has resulted in tremendous growth and a reduction in extreme poverty for the marginalized and displaced populations. These programs have also boosted the participation of women in Iraq’s workforce thereby, making an attempt to address gender-based violence and patriarchal norms — two issues starkly visible in Iraq. 

Since 2020, USAID programs have provided more than 10,000 entrepreneurs with business support services, of which approximately 50% of the entrepreneurs were women. In addition, USAID provided about 3,000 business grants and loans. This resulted in an increase in business revenue by 65%. According to USAID reports, the huge success of these programs has attracted $41 million in private investments to expand local businesses in technology, trade and the industrial sector.

Humanitarian Assistance for Producing Self-Reliant Citizens

For a nation riddled with conflict for more than a decade, USAID has targeted a substantial amount of funds, $3 billion, towards providing humanitarian assistance to the citizens of Iraq. These funds have been targeted towards the most vulnerable and hardest-to-reach people. USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance reports a positive trend in access to safe drinking water, improved health and hygiene supplies, meeting food and shelter needs and meeting critical nutritional needs. In addition, according to USAID, the funds have also helped in the prevention and quick response to gender-based violence and increasing access to psychological support. This support is particularly important for a country responding to natural disasters and complex crises. 

A Promising Future 

The programs and funds provided by USAID have come a long way in improving the economic condition and ensuring quality and dignified basic living conditions for the citizens of Iraq. USAID, through its programs and aid, paves the way for long-term development and the journey of self-reliance for the citizens of Iraq. This is an essential step. And, while there is still room for improvement, the country and its citizens’ commitment to solving the large human and economic capital needs bode positive signs for the future.

– Anshu Saha
Photo: Flickr

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Everything to Know About Hunger in Haiti

Hunger in Haiti
Throughout history, misfortune has plagued Haiti. Just between 2010 and today, natural disasters and political instability have rendered it the poorest country in the Americas. As a result, the issue of hunger in Haiti has carried an overbearing toll on the country, only worsening in recent years. Political instability, natural disasters and subsequent gang violence and economic difficulties have made hunger a central threat to the livelihood of the Haitian population, and a crucial focus of relief agencies. 

Decades of Instability 

In the past 10 years alone, Haiti has struggled with at least four major political and natural disasters. Between 2000 and 2019, Haiti was the third country most affected by extreme weather patterns. Most notably, the 2010 earthquake and 2016 hurricane resulted in countless casualties and the destruction of infrastructure. Politically, the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise has triggered a period of instability. As a result, gang activity has been at a high, seeing a surge in violence with negative spillover effects. Gangs have taken control over ports in the capital of Port-au-Prince, as well as agricultural areas, resulting in widespread hunger.

Economic Fall Out

Severe inflation has resulted in an exponential rise in hunger in Haiti. As Haiti is a country that is highly dependent on food imports given its agricultural struggles, inflation levels are volatile and particularly contingent on the global economy. Currently, inflation levels stand at 44%. This means that food prices are virtually unaffordable for much of the population, with the price of a food basket increasing by 88% in 2023 alone. The combination of gangs controlling ports and food-producing areas with the spike in food prices has left many in Haiti with limited options for survival.

Hunger Statistics

Haiti has one of the highest food insecurity levels in the world. As of 2021, its Human Development Index places it at 163 out of 191 countries. The past year has seen individuals continue to struggle at emergency levels. Almost 5 million people, half of the population, are in hunger and 1.8 million of them face severe starvation. Children are at particular risk, with 22% of Haiti’s children being malnourished, 10% underweight and 66% anemic. Experiencing hunger from such a young age places children in particularly vulnerable positions to a variety of health troubles that they are likely to experience into adulthood. 

Help is on the Way

The United Nations has identified Haiti as one of the most pressing hunger “hotspots” in the world Despite the levels of hunger in Haiti, UN relief agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP) have plans in place to aid the country. The biggest food safety net in the country is in the form of school feeding plans, with approximately 300,000 children being fed a day in more than 1,000 schools. WFP has also provided emergency food assistance to more than 150,000 people, as well as cash transfers to allow for independent allocation of resources. On top of these more direct aid efforts, WFP collaborates with communities to develop emergency preparedness and new farming techniques that will allow for long-term resilience in the face of such uncertain times.

Despite the scale of this aid, funding and donations are crucial to its maintenance. Donations and an upscale of attention from governments around the world are central to developing these funds. For 2023, the WFP is helping 1.47 million people through its various aid techniques. So far, as a part of those techniques, the WFP’s emergency assistance has helped countless people on the verge of starvation. In 2022, the WFP delivered food to 723,000 people, as well as transferred $22.9 million in cash to those in need.

In addition to emergency assistance, resilience programs were successfully implemented. Such programs included road and canal building, as well as tree planting. In total, these resilience programs reached 113,000 people, and strive to reach more in the coming year. Reaching funding goals has been crucial to these successes and in the future can dramatically improve levels of hunger in Haiti, saving even more lives than before.

– Lucie Dumont
Photo: Flickr

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5 Things You Should Know About the SAFE Act

SAFE ActAccording to the World Health Organization, in 2021, 828 million people were impacted by global hunger. The Securing Allies Food in Emergencies (SAFE) Act — which is currently being voted on in the Senate — will work to address global hunger and food insecurity. Here are five things to know about the SAFE Act (S.436).

  1. The SAFE Act was created in response to the food crisis in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. According to the New York Times, Russian attacks on Ukraine “cripple[d] the grain terminals where wheat and corn are loaded onto ships,” resulting in a Ukrainian food crisis. The SAFE Act was created to aid Ukraine as well as areas that rely upon Ukrainian and Russian goods. 
  2. The SAFE Act will also aid countries supported by the United Nations World Food Program. The United Nations World Food Program is “the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.” Unfortunately, this program greatly relies upon importing goods from Ukraine. The SAFE Act would provide support to the countries that rely upon this program to ensure that they are still able to receive the help they need. 
  3. It has bipartisan support. The SAFE Act currently has political support from both of the major American political parties. It was introduced in the Senate by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Senator Jim Risch (R-ID). 
  4. The SAFE Act will provide assistance to the millions of people living in poverty who are impacted by global hunger and food insecurity. In the words of The Hunger Project, “poverty causes hunger.” While not all people living in poverty are hungry, nearly all people dealing with the impacts of global hunger live in poverty. This means that a piece of legislation such as the SAFE Act has the potential to greatly help those living in poverty. 
  5. Food insecurity negatively impacts children’s education. Many children in countries impacted by global hunger and food insecurity have a difficult time in school as hunger inhibits their ability to concentrate. Sometimes, hunger leaves students with no choice but to withdraw from school, which can negatively affect their life outcomes. 

Looking Ahead

Putting the SAFE Act into law is not the only step being taken to fight back against global hunger. Several nonprofit organizations have similar goals. Founded in 1979, Action Against Hunger is an organization dedicated to taking action to stop global hunger. 

They do this through detecting and treating undernutrition and malnutrition in a variety of countries, working with local health workers to teach parents and caregivers about breastfeeding and nutrition and providing mental health support to those suffering from the negative mental health effects of food insecurity. Some of Action Against Hunger’s key milestones include halving the world’s undernourished population over the last 30 years and expanding its outreach to over 50 countries. From legislation such as the SAFE Act to organizations such as Action Against Hunger, hopefully, global hunger will come to an end one day.

– Nicole Alexander
Photo: Flickr

Growing Wealth Inequality Behind Typhoon Doksuri

Typhoon DoksuriTyphoon Doksuri had a catastrophic impact on several key rice-producing regions in Asia. The five provinces and cities in North China that suffered the hardest hit by the rainstorm, together produced 164,999 million tons of grain in 2022, comprising 24% of the country’s total production. Not to mention the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, which were also affected by the storm. As a result of the massive amount of farmland damaged by Typhoon Doksuri, a severe shortage in the global rice supply comes along.

Affections Worldwide

The increase in the price of rice will not have a serious impact on most developed countries, but for the many developing countries that rely on imported rice to meet the needs of their own populations, it will be a deep blow to their already developing economies, exacerbating a series of already severe Poverty. 

The continued surge in food prices on the international market often triggers large-scale social unrest and the risk of terrorism in some West Asian and North African countries, because these countries generally have low food self-sufficiency rates and rely extraordinarily on imports to solve the problem of food, with food imports accounting for more than 10% of the total imports of trade in goods in almost all of these countries, even in high-income oil-exporting countries such as Saudi Arabia are no exception, often times exceeding 20 and even 40%.

Export Bans

A lot of developing countries such as India and China are intensifying efforts to boost their agricultural self-sufficiency amidst growing geopolitical tensions and the Ukraine war. Agricultural departments are urging farmers to cultivate more soybeans, seeking to decrease their dependency on imports. 

Concurrently, Beijing has implemented stringent measures to promote food self-sufficiency, including reclaiming arable land and investing in domestic seed breeding for enhanced crop performance. However, China faces challenges in achieving food security. The nation witnessed a decline in its summer harvest for the first time since 2018, attributed to adverse weather conditions caused by Typhoon Doksuri in Henan, a key wheat-producing region. Moreover, natural disasters have impacted over 10 million acres of farmland, an increase from the previous year.

More Crises

Rice production in the Philippines is under severe pressure from multiple challenges. Events such as Super Typhoon Dusuari have adversely affected rice production, causing significant agricultural losses and spiking global food prices, respectively. Imports, which used to be a reliable backup, are now facing new obstacles, such as India’s ban on non-basmati white rice exports.

Despite substantial funding from the Department of Agriculture, rice cultivation continues to lag behind, and many farmers are trapped in a cycle of debt and lack access to formal banking services. In addition, the Philippines is situated in the typhoon belt and often suffers from agricultural and infrastructure damage caused by storms. Some have suggested shifting resources from rice to more profitable crops, such as vegetables or coffee, or even reducing rice production, which lacks large-scale profitability. 

As food prices rise and hunger increases, the country faces the challenge of balancing adequate compensation for farmers with affordable food prices for consumers. As global uncertainties, such as the climate crisis, increase, the Philippines must prioritize food sustainability in order to avoid facing a worrisome hunger crisis.

– Jiayi Liu
Photo: Flickr

Addressing the Link Between Disability and Poverty in Azerbaijan

Disability and Poverty in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan, a country with deep historical roots and a challenging past, has been grappling with the complex issues of disability and poverty. The intersection of disability and poverty in Azerbaijan presents a particularly pressing concern. However, rather than dwelling on the challenges, it is essential to focus on the positive steps that are being taken to address these issues. Azerbaijan’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and social progress not only sets it as a regional exemplar but also positions the nation on the global stage as a model of forward-thinking social development.

A Historical Perspective

Azerbaijan, a nation with a rich historical tapestry and a determined vision for its future, grapples with two interconnected challenges: disability and poverty. The roots of Azerbaijan’s poverty problem are entrenched in its Soviet-era status as a non-subsidized republic, causing economic challenges that persist to this day. The aftermath of gaining independence in 1992-1994 saw the nation contending with multiple obstacles, including military conflicts, resulting in territorial losses and the displacement of more than 1 million Azerbaijanis. Economic underutilization, destructive budget policies and a precarious political situation hindered meaningful reforms and foreign investment, culminating in enduring poverty.

The Current Situation of Disability and Poverty in Azerbaijan

Simultaneously, Azerbaijan shoulders the responsibility of caring for approximately 560,000 people with disabilities, constituting 5.6% of the population, with about 10% of them being children. The prevalence of disability, though relatively low due to the country’s youthful demographics, tends to increase with age, often tied to chronic diseases and mental health issues. Azerbaijan has acknowledged this challenge and shown commitment to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing changes in legislation, enhanced disability assessment systems, improved access to education and public services for disabled children, and increased public infrastructure accessibility.

In a January 2023 KEKA survey, a local sustainable development organization in Azerbaijan, it was revealed that 80% of respondents with disabilities were unemployed and actively seeking employment. Shockingly, one in 10 individuals with disabilities had never attempted to apply for a job. The survey, which included 100 respondents with various types and severity of disabilities, also examined their educational backgrounds and income.  

Addressing the Interconnected Challenge

By addressing disability and poverty in Azerbaijan inclusively, the country can work towards a more equitable and prosperous society, striving for socioeconomic development that benefits all its citizens. Azerbaijan’s ambitious vision for 2030, outlined in “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development,” places a central focus on creating an inclusive society where all citizens can thrive. The plan emphasizes the importance of an effective and equitable social security system to promote greater inclusivity and ensure the well-being of all members of society. By minimizing poverty, reducing unemployment rates and expanding need-based assistance, the government aims to alleviate hardship for those in need and create additional opportunities for social protection. Stronger protections for the poor and individuals vulnerable to poverty, including those living with disabilities, are at the forefront of this vision.

There is no data about how many people with disabilities are in poverty. The latest official figures show that the national poverty rate decreased from 5.9% in 2021 to 5.5% in 2022. In the first months of 2023, the unemployment rate remained stable at 5.6%. These statistics underscore the government’s commitment to addressing economic disparities and providing employment opportunities for its citizens, including those with disabilities.

Fostering Inclusivity and Empowerment

In line with its commitment to inclusivity and addressing the challenges of disability and poverty in Azerbaijan, the country strives to create accessible social rehabilitation infrastructure for individuals with disabilities. The goal is to empower these individuals to lead fulfilling lives, contributing to society to the best of their abilities. Employment support programs for people with disabilities are set to expand, removing barriers and fostering a more supportive work environment. Furthermore, the plan envisions a comprehensive system of social services tailored to meet the unique needs of socially vulnerable groups. This approach creates equal opportunities for participation in society, reinforcing the belief that inclusivity drives sustainable and holistic growth.

Allocating funds from the state budget for creating accessible environments and transportation options is crucial to cater to the needs of differently-abled individuals, such as wheelchair users and those with visual impairments. Implementing these changes will improve the economic conditions of people with disabilities and allow them to lead fulfilling lives in an accessible society, making meaningful contributions to the economy.

A Bright Future of Inclusivity

In conclusion, the government’s commitment to addressing disability and poverty in Azerbaijan through inclusive policies demonstrates a dedication to the well-being and prosperity of its citizens. By amalgamating efforts to uplift vulnerable segments of the population and striving for a more equitable society, Azerbaijan stands as a beacon of inclusivity and social progress in the region, setting a positive trajectory toward a prosperous and harmonious future. By focusing on poverty reduction, unemployment mitigation and an equitable social security system, Azerbaijan is working towards creating a society where all its citizens can enjoy a prosperous and fulfilling life, leaving no one behind in its journey towards socio-economic development.

– Aydan Talibli
Photo: Unsplash

Google’s Investments into AI in Africa

AI in Africa
Technology is revolutionizing the entire world. Agriculture, education, employment, health and science are all sectors experiencing rapid change thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). With Africa’s population of 1.4 billion inhabitants — 70% of whom aged below 30 — and the significant growth in AI investments, the continent is set to “unlock the next industrial revolution.” Taking this into account, Google has been investing in AI programs in Africa. 

The History of AI in Africa

Although medicine in Africa already used AI in the 1970s, the continent saw the pilot of medical artificial intelligence (MAI) during the mid-1980s. First deployed in Kenya, this type of technology enhanced the quality of interactions between health workers and patients in that the former could give more precise diagnoses to the latter. Ever since, AI has helped detect diseases (cancer, malaria, tuberculosis and water diseases), analyze medical scans, facilitate logistics and oversee medical supply chains. 

In 2019, Google launched its first AI research center based in Accra, Ghana, to improve health care in Africa. AI is not only used for the health of humans but also for that of plants, as crop diseases affect food security in certain regions.

The Google AI Accra team is providing faculty research grants, as well as sponsoring Masters degree programs and related conferences. As the preferred computing medium in the world is mobile, AI is becoming increasingly available on smartphones. Due to price economics, low-performance budget smartphones are relatively popular in Africa. Consequently, for AI to be widely accessible, the design of compact learning machines must be tailored to these smaller devices. 

Google’s Program: AI for Health

In June 2023, the Google for Startups Growth Academy launched AI for Health, an initiative to improve health care in Africa, the Middle East and Europe by supporting medical professionals to diagnose and treat patients more efficiently. Indeed, contaminated drinking water brings on an estimated 502,000 deaths from diarrhea — the most common waterborne disease in Africa — each year. Among this number, 361,000 of these demises are those of children under five. Other prominent deathly diseases of this type in Africa include cholera, typhoid, polio and hepatitis A.

Therefore, AI for Health is among Google’s current efforts to encourage start-ups to address significant global challenges through innovative solutions. During the three months, participants receive equity-free support while attending virtual workshops to learn about leadership development, product design, customer acquisition and responsible innovation. There are also opportunities for one-on-one mentorship sessions from technical experts and AI mentors — such as Google Health, Google DeepMind and Fitbit, for instance — to obtain guidance on company strategy. 

To be eligible to join AI for Health, start-ups must have Seed to Series A funding, and they must be using AI to address well-being or health issues. In addition, they must show proof of business traction, a significant user base and revenue, a scalable product and a plausible growth model. The program has recently onboarded 30 start-ups representing 15 countries among the three regions, six of which are African; these are Eden Care (Rwanda), iZola and Zuri Health (Kenya), mDoc and Pharmarum (Nigeria) and Pharmacy Marts (Egypt).

Looking Ahead

All in all, AI for Health plays a pivotal role in transforming and improving health care in Africa, as it provides innovative solutions, creates partnerships and enables knowledge exchange for start-ups. scope, the program is helping tackle health challenges and high costs, as well as enhancing access to health and health care quality.  

– Abigail Roch
Photo: Pixabay

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How Tony’s Chocolonely Is Reducing World Poverty

Tony’s ChocolonelyThe two biggest cocoa producers in 2022 were Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Ghana with 2.2 million tonnes and 800,000 tonnes respectively. To yield this impressive quantity of cocoa, the Ivory Coast and Ghana employ a significant portion of their population in agricultural work. In the Ivory Coast, more than 48% of its population in 2017 were employed in the agriculture sector. Meanwhile, in Ghana, an estimated 7.3 million people either owned a farm or operated a farm in 2020. The sheer importance of agriculture makes cocoa a crucial export commodity for the economies of the Ivory Coast and Ghana. These countries are also frequent production locations for many chocolate and coca-based multinational companies. 

One such company is Tony’s Chocolonely, a Dutch confectionery corporation. However, Tony’s Chocolonely differs in one important aspect. The company firmly believes that the profit-centric approach of the cocoa industry is the root cause of poverty and child labor in countries similar to the Ivory Coast. In a 2020 survey conducted by the company in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, 27.2% of farmers in Ghana and 44.9% of farmers in the Ivory Coast were considered to be poor by MPI (multidimensional poverty index) standards. Furthermore, in 2021, many West African farmers were further driven into poverty as cocoa prices fell a drastic 18.5%. To combat increasing poverty rates, the company has taken the initiative to support local farmers and has presented several outlets to escape the shackles of poverty. 

Tony’s Chocolonely’s Efforts

One of the company’s most effective strategies to reduce poverty has been through increased market prices. Specifically, Tony’s Chocolonely adheres to the Fairtrade Premium, an extra sum of money farmers can receive to improve their quality of life, and even maintains their own “Tony’s Premium.” By paying a premium price for cocoa, Tony’s Chocolonely has effectively protected local farmers. For example, in 2022, the cost of living in the Ivory Coast jumped 14% and threatened the livelihood of thousands of farmers. 

Fortunately, because Tony’s Chocolonely supports the Living Income Reference Price (LIRP) of the Fairtrade Premium, the price per ton of cocoa increased from $2200 to $2390. Additionally, the Tony’s Premium in the Ivory Coast rose significantly from $792 to $1096. The inflated market prices have enabled poor farmers to afford primary health care, educate their children and provide nutritional meals for their families. 

The second strategy Tony’s Chocolonely implements to decrease poverty is lowering child and forced labor rates. Unfortunately, in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, more than 2 million children are unethically employed to produce cocoa beans. An additional 30,000 people, confirmed by the 2018 Global Slavery Index study, were forced into the cocoa industry. Despite industry practices, Tony’s Chocolonely has made it its mission to create 100% exploitation-free chocolate. In Western African communities that Tony’s Chocolonely works with, child labor has declined to approximately 4.4%. This percentage of child labor is much lower compared to the industry standard of 46.5%. As fewer children are illegally employed, more children will have time for education, which can present them with greater opportunities to escape poverty. At the same time, ending child labor and forced labor can also improve the quality of work in the cocoa industry, thereby maximizing productivity. 

These strategies have outlined the emergence of Tony’s Chocolonely as a pioneer in reducing poverty within the cocoa industry. 

What’s Next?

As Tony’s Chocolonely grows as a major confectionery company, its vision to end poverty continues to benefit many West African communities. Tony’s Chocolonely serves as a paramount example for other companies, displaying how it’s possible to generate substantial profits while still protecting its workers from poverty. While there is still a lot of progress left to desire in the cocoa industry, Tony’s Chocolonely has proven that corporations can fight poverty.

– Manav Yarlagadda
Photo: Flickr

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5 of the Walt Disney Company’s Charitable Actions

Walt DisneyKnown for its iconic movies and world-famous parks, The Walt Disney Company is the second largest media company in the world. With over 12 parks across the world and world-renowned employees, Disney makes charity and giving back to the world a priority. In fact, The Walt Disney Company’s employees have volunteered for over three million hours since 2012. It is safe to say that Disney is extremely charitable, as it strives to “bring positive, meaningful, and measurable impacts to our communities around the world.” 

Feeding America

For the past 10 years, Walt Disney has paired up with Feeding America, a hunger relief organization that manages over 60,000 pantries across the United States. With hundreds of volunteers and countless hours sacrificed, Disney has allowed those in need access to more nutritious meals. Disney’s charity for the organization goes beyond this, though, and on top of volunteering the company made sure the food banks had what they needed to properly run and store food effectively. The company expanded the capacity of the food banks and provided more refrigeration, as keeping the donated food as fresh as possible is essential before providing it to others. 

Toy Drive

Children in poverty often are unable to receive toys during the holiday season due to low-income circumstances, but Toys For Tots is an organization that provides toys to children in need. The organization has donated over 652 million toys and has supported over 291 million children. Disney has partnered with the organization and sponsored Toys For Tots since 1947. 

First Book

First Book is an organization that prioritizes education for children in poverty. The organization provides books to classrooms and children and believes that all children should have equal access to quality education. Since Disney’s charity team made the decision to partner with First Book in 2000, the company has donated over 90 million books to the organization. The Walt Disney World refers to this specific donation as the “Magic of Storytelling,” as the company truly believes that storytelling can change the world. 

Leftovers

With the amount of food that the Disney Parks must provide, it’s hard for there to not be a great amount of waste produced. Instead of simply throwing out the leftovers, Disney donates its leftovers to those in need. Since March 2020, Walt Disney has donated over 2.1 million meals that came from Disney kitchens. Disneyland Paris, for example, has donated an additional 62 tons of leftover food to local grocery stores and disadvantaged families. 

Donations

As if all of Disney’s charities weren’t enough, the company makes donating money to these organizations a priority as well, on top of donating resources. In just the fiscal year of 2022 alone, The Walt Disney Company has donated $233 million to charities across the globe and $140 million to underrepresented communities.  

With a company as big as Walt Disney, it’s easy to become engrossed in the glamor and perks that wealth can offer. Disney has made staying humble a majority priority, as giving back to the world and donating to charities has proven to be at the top of their agenda for countless decades. 

– Ryan Balberman
Photo: Flickr