The city of Hatay in southern Turkey has faced significant challenges following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake, which took place on February 6, 2023. The natural disasters have not only left the city’s infrastructure in ruins but also had profound socio-economic consequences. However, amidst the adversity, Hatay has shown remarkable resilience. In the wake of Hatay’s earthquakes, the city is making ongoing efforts to rebuild, continue delivering education to children and combat poverty.
Hatay’s Earthquakes and Their Impacts
A series of powerful earthquakes struck Hatay, a city that has received renown for its rich history and cultural diversity, leaving an indelible mark. The tremors caused widespread destruction, leaving many homes, schools and vital infrastructure in ruins. Thousands of residents were rendered homeless, and the socio-economic fabric of the city was severely disrupted. Organizations such as UNICEF collaborated with governmental and non-governmental organizations to rebuild Hatay.
With the government in close collaboration with these organizations and ministries, this endeavor encompasses the construction of resilient infrastructure throughout Hatay, as well as the restoration of public services and efforts to alleviate poverty for those affected by the earthquakes.
Reconstruction Efforts in Hatay: Rebuilding Residential Areas
In the wake of Hatay’s earthquakes, one of the most crucial aspects of the recovery process has been the meticulous reconstruction of residential areas. The tremors left many of the city’s housing stock in shambles, rendering countless families homeless. However, there are resilient efforts made in response to this crisis.
Authorities, construction crews and volunteers have come together to rebuild residential areas more resistant to future earthquakes with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change assigning this work to the Turkish Housing Development Administration (TOKI). With these efforts combined, the ministry announced on May 3 that “132,000 housing units are already under construction” emphasizing the recovery of Hatay is more than bricks and mortar, focusing on restoring the sense of security and belonging for Hatay’s residents. New homes are designed with resilience in mind, adhering to stringent building codes.
International Aid and Support for Poverty Alleviation
International aid and support have played a pivotal role in rebuilding Hatay and its ongoing struggle to alleviate poverty in the aftermath of the earthquakes. In the wake of these disasters, countries across the globe rallied to provide critical assistance to help citizens in Hatay. The World Health Organization (WHO) in Europe, for example, has provided countless aid to providing essential services as well as offering training programs “tailored to the needs of a range of survivors, with topics such as reproductive health, elder care, interpersonal communication and community engagement.”
Aid organizations such as WHO have been instrumental in coordinating these efforts, ensuring that resources reach those in need. In addition, organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) have directed their attention to help alleviate poverty using funds to provide food assistance to “150,000 crisis-affected families through cash assistance” as well as food provisions to “590,000” citizens. This influx of international support has not only provided immediate relief but has also contributed to the long-term anti-poverty initiatives, offering a glimmer of hope for the path to a more prosperous and resilient Hatay.
Empowering Hatay’s Communities Through Microfinance
Empowering communities through microfinance has emerged as a potent tool in Hatay’s efforts to rebuild and alleviate poverty. These small-scale financial initiatives have had a profound impact on the lives of residents who were left financially vulnerable by the natural disasters. Microfinance institutions, often in collaboration with local and international organizations, provide individuals with access to microloans and financial services tailored to their needs.
One of the primary benefits of microfinance is that it encourages entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. In Hatay, where the earthquakes disrupted many traditional income sources, microloans have enabled individuals to start or expand small businesses. The Refugee Investment Network focuses on economic and social revival by “providing microfinance to local farmers and artisans, or facilitating tech-based remote employment” to increase displaced people’s livelihoods, “especially to respond to workforce losses due to the earthquake.”
Community-based microfinance initiatives often come with a strong focus on accountability and social cohesion. Borrowers frequently form communities to support one another, which is crucial after such devastating natural disasters. This sense of community involvement strengthens not only social ties but also instills a sense of responsibility and trust among residents, and as a result, by empowering these communities through microfinance, Hatay is not only rebuilding its physical structures but also fostering financial resilience.
Looking Ahead
In the wake of Hatay’s devastating earthquakes, the city has embarked on an extraordinary journey of recovery, resilience and hope. The efforts to simultaneously reconstruct the physical infrastructure and alleviate poverty have been inspiring. Hatay’s citizens, local businesses, and the international community have come together with unwavering determination, demonstrating the incredible power of unity in the face of adversity.
Rebuilding Hatay and its residential areas, the revival of its educational institutions, and the infusion of international aid have not only begun to mend the scars of the earthquakes but have also laid the foundation for a more robust, resilient and prosperous future. Empowering communities through microfinance, vocational training and job creation initiatives has empowered individuals to chart their paths out of poverty, while community-driven anti-poverty programs have strengthened social bonds and fostered a sense of shared responsibility.
– Mia Deniz Duru
Photo: Flickr
3 Organizations Tackling Poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Idyllic Surroundings, Idle Realities
As it continues to patiently await its membership to the European Union (EU), Bosnia and Herzegovina, without the additional perks of affinity, is equally experiencing the continental rising prices of food and other household essentials, alongside the soaring fuel and electricity prices that come with having the EU as its largest trading partner.
With only 53% of rural households earning an income from employment and 50% receiving social benefits from the state, the already fragile conditions of those on or below the poverty line, most prominently in towns and villages, have worsened, leaving mothers and children, in particular, to succumb to the harsh effects of poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A survey in 2013 found that the disadvantages of rural life are felt most in education and employment, with small towns and villages being most at risk of social and political exclusion by way of the absence of economic opportunities and effective welfare programs.
Obraduj Nekgoga
In 2017, the Obraduj Nekoga Foundation was created in Sarajevo to provide support across Bosnia and Herzegovina for struggling families, focusing on delivering supplies and food for the children of the families most impacted by rural poverty. From Trebević to Vlasić, many organization members venture over mountains and travel for long hours daily to provide aid and advice to families in the countryside.
Since there are very few jobs in both the private and public sectors, many parents can only find work in summer, either picking raspberries or strawberries in the fields. Only able to work for one season out of the year, families must use their savings sparingly, and children are often left short of their necessities, such as nappies and formula, as well as toys and games.
With the help of donations and volunteers, Obraduj Nekoga has helped to feed hungry families in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s towns and villages, promoted the healthy growth and steady development of children and mitigated the effects of rural poverty.
Charity Bosnian Kids
Similarly, Charity Bosnian Kids was set up in 2018 to target the food insecurity experienced by many families across Bosnia and Herzegovina, an issue highlighted by the fact that most children “consume at least half of their meals at school” and those meals “may be the only food they regularly eat.” Many of these families are located in towns and villages where access to employment and regular income is virtually impossible, so schools become the only way children can maintain a regular, healthy diet.
In the school year 2022/2023, Charity Bosnian Kids provided 445 children a daily school lunch and a total of €51,873 was donated across 2021/2022. The organization also combats poverty through its Food at Home for Bosnian Families program, where donations are used to create and send food packages to families so that they have access to necessities.
SOS Children’s Villages
SOS Children’s Villages ensures orphaned or abandoned children are cared for. The organization primarily adopts a preventative approach by giving Bosnian families access to counseling to encourage them to stay together if it is safe to do so, thereby reducing the number of children who are abandoned by their families due to economic or social pressures that are synonymous with poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As the level of school attendance is extremely low for rural children, many young people from Bosnia’s countryside end up lacking qualifications, which makes it more challenging to break the cycle of poverty. SOS Children’s Villages aims to intercept this cycle by strengthening families through legal and psychological support and creating sponsorships for children to complete their studies. The organization currently has 8962 beneficiaries in Bosnia and Herzegovina, all on the journey to a better and brighter future.
Looking Ahead
Where state welfare programs are lacking, aid organizations work hard to alleviate poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Obraduj Nekoga, Charity Bosnian Kids and SOS Children’s Villages have all sought to ensure that children and families are receiving the necessities that they cannot afford, alleviating the food insecurity dimension of poverty to the best of their ability. While this does not tackle the systemic roots of poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina, these three organizations have improved the livelihoods of thousands of citizens in a short period, making a significant impact with small sums of donations, thus pointing to the level of change that can be achieved through the selflessness and determination of charities.
– Zara Brown
Photo: Unsplash
How the Global Poverty Project Fights Poverty
Current Strategy
Since the organization was founded in Australia in 2008, the Global Poverty Project has found great success in mobilizing people and raising awareness of those struggling with poverty and food insecurity. The GPP is made up of hundreds of action-takers and impact-makers who work together to not only fight poverty but also to make sure as many people are aware of these issues as possible. The organization writes stories about people suffering to give a voice to a group of people who would otherwise be voiceless, such as a piece about an Indigenous Mexican activist imprisoned for years due to her activism.
GPP also writes about the impacts of poverty and the countries most affected by it, and, in 2020, they released a recovery plan for the world, which details how they hoped to end COVID-19 on a global scale. The most significant success that GPP has seen occurs during the annual Global Citizen Festival, which began in 2013 and brings like-minded people together with global leaders to raise money and discuss their plans to support suffering countries worldwide.
2022 Global Citizen Festival
The 2022 Global Citizen Festival, which was a nine-hour conclusion to the six-week campaign, taking place in both Accra (Ghana) and New York, managed to generate $2.4 billion to help end extreme poverty. In New York, members of Congress stood beside world leaders and philanthropists and publicly spoke about the work they would be doing to help those in need. The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, stated that France would allocate 30% of its Special Drawing Rights to the poorest countries in the world, focusing on the African continent. Additionally, The Netherlands promised €25 million for food and nutrition security in 2023, while Norway donated NOK 100 million to the African Development Bank’s Africa Emergency Food Production Facility, and Slovenia donated €1.23 million to civil society organizations that fight to end hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The 2023 Global Citizen Festival was also successful, raising $290 million in commitments from world leaders. Some of the accomplishments made by the GPP include $240 million given to the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Antigua and Barbuda and Timor-Leste endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and France and Norway called on other countries to increase their investments in the fight against poverty, solidifying the GPP’s ability to mobilize others successfully.
The Future
However, GPP always has more goals to work toward. After the 2023 Global Citizen Festival concluded, the campaign continued, calling for several more actions from certain countries. These actions included mobilizing the U.S. and the U.K. to follow through on their commitments to address extreme weather conditions, asking governments to increase their contribution to the International Fund for Agriculture Development to end hunger with an aim of $2 billion and an overall goal of having more countries support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The GPP has seen immense success and has the support of numerous celebrities and world leaders. Celebrities include Billie Eilish, Coldplay, Hugh Jackman, Idris & Samantha Elba, the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus and Usher. The GPP fights for more than an end to poverty. The organization fights for equal rights among everyone and equal access to acceptable living conditions. Due to the success that the GPP has seen over the past decade, they have accumulated hundreds of thousands of Global Citizens who work to end these issues all around the world.
– Dylan Hubbard
Photo: Unsplash
Curbing Child Poverty in Kazakhstan
Despite making great efforts to tackle the issue of child poverty in Kazakhstan, as of 2021, 47.2% of those living in poverty were children. One of the reasons poverty persists, despite social and economic reform, is a consequence of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which brought Russian families and children escaping the draft announcements to Kazakhstan in 2022. Also, as Kazakhstan is still a developing country, many children live in rural areas. They are in low-income households without proper access to education, water or health care. A small percentage of children between 5 and 14 experience child labor. Many of them work 13 hours daily, harvesting tobacco for international export.
Child Poverty and Disability
Child poverty in Kazakhstan has significantly impacted children with disabilities. Many families have had to make the difficult decision to place their disabled children in institutions due to the lack of community resources and social support. Under Kazakh law, parents are required to relinquish their guardianship rights when a child is institutionalized. Former residents of these institutions have reported incidents of abuse, punitive measures and the denial of their rights.
In 2011, UNICEF and the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan revealed that 14,052 children were raised in 210 residential state institutions, including 1,586 infants. These organizations also found that children and staff reported cases of neglect, physical violence, hospitalization and sedation as punishment, as well as forcing older children to take care of younger children.
Efforts for Reform
To tackle the issue and decrease the number of children in state institutions, the government allocated funds monthly to support guardians and relatives in fostering children. National programs and charity events such as “Dobrota vo blago detyam” (“Goodness for the sake of children”) and “Kuan sabi” (“Cheer up baby”) were introduced to support children in orphanages and state institutions and to identify families who are willing to adopt children. These initiatives have enabled around 900 children from state institutions to enjoy summer and winter breaks with contributing families in Kazakhstan.
In 2011, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population wrote a letter on the report’s findings, promising to take legal action to protect the rights of children with disabilities who reside in state institutions. It also advised institutions to specifically train staff in the conduct and communication with children with disabilities.
The good news is that active reform is taking place in Kazakhstan, with the Human and Child Rights Commissioners and the Parliament taking massive strides together in UNICEF’s advocacy for reforms. These efforts specifically address children and focus on social protection, prevention of violence and childcare reform. Partnerships with other organizations to increase youth and volunteering programs helped achieve progress for children in gender equality, nutrition, health, safeguarding and protection and education.
Fighting for Safety
The #BeSafe volunteering program, in collaboration with UNICEF, helps tackle social safety in Kazakhstan, supporting girls’ leadership. Another collaboration is the drafting of a National Plan on Child Protection Against Violence, Suicide Prevention, Children’s Rights and Well-Being for 2023–2025, which encourages the promotion of gender equality, prevention of violence against children and women, family support services and positive parenting.
Child poverty in Kazakhstan has been decreasing. Despite being a developing nation, Kazakhstan’s collaboration with UNICEF and other organizations has resulted in significant improvements in child poverty statistics. This demonstrates that positive change is achievable, and the goal of eliminating poverty, particularly child poverty, is attainable.
– Hannah BZ
Photo: Flickr
Cambodian Poverty: Halved in 8 Years
The good news is that in the last eight years, Cambodian has improved significantly, cutting its poverty rate in half even during the pandemic years, which took a massive toll across the globe. The number of people living in poverty has decreased from 5.6 million to 2.8 million, and while there is more work to do, there is tangible evidence that progress is possible.
Steps Toward Improvement
Cambodia is a developing nation where 61% of the population lives in rural areas, and the majority, around 77%, depends on agriculture for their livelihoods. Notably, the country has experienced significant economic growth, particularly in the tourism and construction sectors. The garment industry has also seen expansion, and foreign investments have resulted in increased job opportunities in manufacturing and services, offering better-paying work.
Because of the growth in tourism and garment exports, Cambodia’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in the world. When higher-paying jobs are made available, residents can move away from low-paying agricultural jobs, boosting their earnings and the quality of life around them. The World Bank reports that access to essential services, such as sanitation and education, and access to electricity and water sources has also improved.
USAID is an NGO that has been working diligently to address poverty in Cambodia, spending the last five years helping farmers raise and reinvest earnings to expand the markets where they can sell their products. It has trained 230,000 people on improved nutritional practices and allowed more than 14,000 farmers to access credit. USAID has also been crucial in private sector investments, leveraging more than $20 million to support economic growth and accountable governance.
Cambodian Youth
Children are among the most vulnerable in Cambodia and account for almost 35% of the population as of 2019, which continues to increase. Access to education is on the rise, but many children rely on boats and rivers to attend classes as they commute from rural areas. Cambodia is prone to environmental threats like flash floods, which were responsible for the closure of more than 200 schools in October 2022.
Cambodia ranks 46th on the Children’s Climate Risk Index, but the Royal Government of Cambodia has already begun tackling climate change, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. As part of this emissions goal, future and existing infrastructure dedicated to solar and hydropower is being climate-proofed. The Royal Government also wants to increase forest cover by 60% in the national land area within six years. These measures will protect the land within Cambodia’s border and secure the future for the next generation of Cambodians.
Looking Ahead
Cambodia offers valuable insights for countries addressing poverty. It collaborates with local NGOs on a well-thought-out plan to combat climate change. The nation prioritizes tourism and garment exports, boosting its economy. These initiatives could leave a lasting impact on Cambodia’s young population, who are the future custodians of their country and people.
– Benett Crim
Photo: Unsplash
TIKA’s Work to Support Somaliland’s Farmers
Located in Northern Somalia, Somaliland is an autonomous region with a standing population of 5.7 million individuals. Somaliland declared independence in 1991, yet remains an unrecognized state by African countries. While this region can be recognized for its deep cultural history and Islamic structure, it is worth noting that Somaliland is extremely poor and that the rural poverty rate is about 38%. Ensuring a stable economy is imperative for any region with a high poverty rate, especially Somaliland.
Necessary for Economic Growth
Agriculture is regarded as one of the most advantageous drivers of economic growth in this region. Somaliland’s farmers hold one of the most critical jobs in sustaining and fostering economic expansion. Agriculture in Somaliland creates a multitude of opportunities for employment and allows a wide range of jobs as well. In fact, Somaliland’s agriculture industry contributes 15% of GDP and more than 20% of the region’s population depends on this practice for their livelihoods.
The active practice of agriculture also alleviates food security in Somaliland, as a greater variety of food strengthens food security. It goes without saying that farmers must be protected in this region, as they play one of the most crucial roles in Somaliland.
TIKA’S Work
TIKA, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, recently paired with the Ministry of Agriculture of Somaliland and provided 100 Somaliland farmers with seeds and fertilizers in order to support their work efforts. These seeds consisted of Sorghum, corn and pea seeds that farmers will now have access to and will be able to harvest. In order to grow crops more efficiently, farmers must possess working motor pumps to maintain livestock care and to control irrigation, thus the agency provided Somaliland with more of these tools as well.
Despite Somaliland being extremely farmer-friendly, the impact that the region’s climate plays on the agricultural industry. Rain is essential for harvesting, and Somaliland is no stranger to droughts. In fact, this region is often in a drought crisis. Fariya, a mother and a farmer from Somaliland explains the impact that the droughts have on her family and her personal farming efforts. Fariya tells SOS Children’s Villages “We harvested the vegetables every three months, consumed some and sold the surplus. There is hardly anything to sell now, and this has hurt us financially. We have to wait a year for the trees to produce enough fruit to take to the market.”
Fariya goes on to explain how farmers in Somaliland often need to look for an alternative source of income when these droughts occur. A main goal TIKA planned to tackle was to consider Somaliland’s climate and to take precautions before a drought occurs, so farmers are not left hopeless.
Looking Ahead
With more and more programs coming to light that support agriculture in the region and uplift Somalilland’s farmers, the future is promising. For example, The Cheetah Conservation Fund has introduced a project that will provide farmers of the regions with the skills and knowledge that they need to improve their farming through sustainable practices. The goal of this section of the project is to “introduce sustainable, ecosystems-based livelihoods.”
Although it may feel impossible to help a region so far away, by supporting an organization that supports Somaliland’s farmers, making a difference is more achievable than expected.
– Ryan Balberman
Photo: Flickr
Poverty and Gender Inequality in India
According to UNICEF, India is one of the most rapidly developing economies globally. However, poverty and gender inequality in India remain deeply entrenched. Despite the voices of women worldwide in various professional domains, women and girls within India still face restrictions on their rights, due to deeply ingrained beliefs about their inferior value and power.
Gender Disparity in the Indian Workforce
According to the National and Family Health Survey findings, the participation rate of women in the workforce in India stands at 25%, while for men, it is 57.5%. This discrepancy is not surprising but deeply concerning. India has long been known for its low female workforce participation rate. In contrast, countries like Nepal (79%) and Bhutan (52%) have rates of female workforce participation much higher than India.
Oxfam India’s inequality report titled “On Women’s Backs” highlights how unpaid care work ultimately leads to income and time poverty for women, impacting their health, financial situation and emotional well-being and limiting their professional aspirations.
Oxfam India’s 2022 report on discrimination in India sheds light on access to the labor market. The report reveals that the labor market reflects the country’s realities with a gender gap in employment and wages and discriminatory attitudes towards women. Although discrimination has declined over the 15 years, significant gender bias persists within the labor market which makes poverty and gender inequality in India continue.
It suggests that the differences in abilities and qualifications such as education level, work experience, asset ownership, land possession and parental education are insufficient to explain the disparities between genders in employment and wages. It highlights that gender-based discrimination plays a role in perpetuating these inequalities accounting for 98% of the employment gap between men and women in areas. Moreover, one can attribute 67% of the wage gap to gender-based discrimination.
This discrimination is often driven by attitudes towards genders held by employers and their policies that overlook gender fairness. Employers sometimes intentionally favor men over women regardless of their qualifications while claiming fair and unbiased practices, leading to adverse outcomes of poverty and gender inequality in India.
UNICEF’s Initiatives for Gender Equality
UNICEF India has created its 2018–2022 Country Programme to address the challenges that children in India face related to gender disparities. Each program outcome emphasizes the importance of gender equality, which is explicitly reflected in the program’s objectives, budget allocation and expected results, contributing to the decline of poverty and gender inequality in India. UNICEF India’s goals include:
Empowering All for India’s True Progress
According to UNICEF India, many women from India have emerged as leaders and strong advocates in industries worldwide. However, it is unfortunate that most women and girls in India cannot exercise their rights due to ingrained patriarchal beliefs, societal norms, traditional values and structural barriers. India can only achieve complete development when both girls and boys receive support to realize their capabilities.
– Aysu Usubova
Photo: Flickr
The Risks of E-Waste in India
What is E-Waste?
The latest technology, like smartphones, computers and TVs, is increasingly available to people on a global scale. India’s economy continues to grow as millions of people are spilling into the middle class, allowing mobile technology to become a booming market.
However, technology like this does not have the ability to last for extended periods of time. Within a few years, smartphones’ performance decays to an unusable state for consumers, and the pieces end up in the trash. Electronic waste, or e-waste, in India, is not limited to its own people’s waste – the United States sends most of its e-waste to India despite legal restrictions on both exporting and importing such dangerous substances.
The United States generates 6.9 million tons of e-waste every year, of which only around 17% is truly recycled. The UN estimates that 10-40% of the e-waste goes to other countries, with India acting as one of the main exports as buyers aim to harvest the inner materials.
The old electronics are useless to the direct consumer, but internal materials like copper and gold are incredibly valuable and useful resources to those living in poverty. The top 10% of India’s rich are controlling 80% of the nation’s wealth, while 60% of India’s population survives under the World Bank’s median poverty line.
How it Affects India’s People
India’s e-waste market is highly unregulated – fostering countless health issues and deaths among pickers. Many of the people sifting through the tons of e-waste in India are children. They spend hours shifting around exposed circuit boards and burning chemicals and metals with no protective gear.
Mercury, lead and arsenic are among a few of the chemicals that harm the lives of thousands of children who must spend 10-hour days harvesting e-waste. Skin diseases, chronic lung infections, cancer and death are all direct health risks of working with such harsh chemical materials.
Environmental enforcement is poor, allowing for e-waste in India to be a persistent and unregulated issue affecting the lives of predominantly poor children. Poverty and education have inextricable links, and instead of school, the children end up working in dangerous conditions to earn a meager income.
Of 250 e-waste workers studied over a 12-month period, almost all of them suffered from severe breathing problems and 10-20 times higher levels of lead, mercury and chromium in their blood and urine samples.
Moving Forward
Though India has made steps to regulate such an uncontrolled, destructive industry, little progress has been effective in mitigating the dangers of the facilities. Workers are still lacking in protective gear and access to health care, and most of the workforce are children who lack community and financial support.
Several NGOs have spent years working to put pressure on the government to enact effective and strictly enforced protection for the children forced into this industry of hazardous waste interaction.
Saahas, for example, is an NGO that began as a waste-management organization that encouraged the safe disposal of waste through education and recycling resources. It has implemented e-waste drop boxes across cities like Delhi and Bangalore and provides education on how to safely dispose of e-waste as a preventative measure against landfills of hazardous waste. One company testimony on their site expresses that Sahaas’ help has reduced their waste from 60% down to 6%, keeping this waste off of the streets and away from the children stuck sifting through waste chemicals.
Increased access to education could help pull these children from the landfills and instead allow them to advance their opportunities for more controlled safety standards. Literacy and education are vital to combating child labor, but in such a poorly restricted and dire situation many of India’s children have no option other than to help their families gain income.
Until the industry can be more globally managed, there needs to be an increase in education on safe disposal with resources like gloves and masks to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful conditions. Harm reduction is vital to protecting the lives of those who have no other choice than to wade through the waste of the world.
– Eden Ambrovich
Photo: Unsplash
Aid Groups Rally to Assist Afghanistan Amid Herat Earthquakes
On Saturday morning, October 7, 2023, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck western Afghanistan, followed by several aftershocks. On October 11, another 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the same region, leading to widespread destruction of villages, with hundreds of mud-brick homes — typical structures for those living in poverty — demolished beyond repair. Then, on Sunday, October 15, a third earthquake registering the same magnitude on the Richter scale hit the already devastated Herat region. International aid groups are rallying to help those who have survived the Herat earthquakes, which have killed nearly 3,000 and left countless more injured in a nation already in an economic crisis. Many residents sleep outside tonight — mostly in public parks and streets, fearing that any homes still standing could collapse in another round of tremors and aftershocks.
Poverty-Stricken Afghanistan
Afghanistan has suffered many economic, humanitarian and environmental blows over the past two years. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, locals have seen a sharp rise in their cost of living. Changing weather patterns have significantly impacted the Afghani region, devastating local agriculture and leaving almost 90% of Afghani citizens in extreme poverty without enough food to eat. The United Nations estimates that over 60% of people in Afghanistan require humanitarian aid to combat the devastating poverty plaguing the Afghani people.
Since the Herat earthquakes began their devastation in the western region of Afghanistan on October 7, 2023, they have directly affected 43,395 people (7,165 families) across the districts of Injil (23,053 people), Kushk / Rabat-e-sangai (8,541 people), Zindajan (7,523 people), Gulran (3,428 people), Herat (717 people) and Kohsan (133 people). The earthquakes have destroyed more than 3,330 homes — the majority in the Zindajan district — and severely or moderately damaged more than 3,000 homes. The earthquakes did not spare their vital community infrastructure, including schools and health clinics.
Aid Groups Assist Afghanistan Amid Herat Earthquakes
The UN and humanitarian partners have deployed health and humanitarian field teams to assess and respond to needs in the most affected areas. The World Food Program (WFP), an international organization within the United Nations that provides food assistance worldwide, has provided 525.07 metric tons of food assistance to the affected areas. On October 13 and 14, the WFP delivered mixed food commodities to 1,715 households (more than 12,000 individuals). These distributions occurred in various locations, including towns and villages most affected, and among food distribution points (FPDs) within the Zindajan district. Additionally, 984 households, comprising roughly 6,900 individuals, received fortified biscuits and supplements in the Shakiban food distribution point in the Zindajan district and the Herat Babahaji school. On October 15, an additional 77.74 metric tons of food assistance was delivered to affected villages in the Herat Province.
Humanitarian responders are still assessing damages in more remote areas and expect to find more locals needing assistance in the days to come as responders fully grasp the severity of this tragedy.
Looking Ahead
While the WFP has focused on food delivery and security in the region, Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières/MSF) treats hundreds of wounded at the Herat Regional Hospital. Today, more than 540 patients have been treated at the Herat Regional Hospital with MFS support. The MSF teams have also set up tents for residents who do not have homes to go to, providing temporary shelter for families in need.
While humanitarian responders are scrambling to provide as much assistance as possible to families in need, facilities are full and supplies are limited, leaving many residents in dire need of help. “These past few days have been incredibly distressing. We’ve spent the last two nights in the desert, and more aftershocks keep occurring,” said Shakib, a Herat resident. “My two-year-old son is unwell, and there’s nowhere to take him for medical care.”
– Ann-Jinette Hess
Photo: Flickr
Food or Farming Equipment? Achieving Zero Hunger in Nigeria
With a population of 213 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, but it suffers from uneven development and rapid population growth. An overwhelming 70% of the population lives below the poverty line, most of whom live in the northeast region. In this region alone, 8.4 million people are food insecure. With an array of fresh crises and so many mouths to feed, solutions are essential to stop Nigeria from falling further into this hunger crisis in Nigeria.
The Hunger Crisis in Nigeria
The northeast of Nigeria has been facing a humanitarian crisis for over a decade. In 2023, access to food is under threat due to increasing costs, armed violence and banditry specifically targeted at farmers. The increase in refugees in the region, mainly from Cameroon, has worsened this crisis. As of July 2023, Nigeria registered 87,228 refugees from Cameroon, who fled conflict in their country. Nigeria has displayed inspiring dedication to humanitarian goals by welcoming the refugees and allowing them to work in their country, but it does make their struggles for zero hunger a more dire situation.
The Importance of Farming in Nigeria
Perhaps surprisingly considering the crisis, estimates have indicated that more than 70% of Nigerians work in agriculture. The Nigerian economy is therefore closely tied to agriculture, as are many Nigerian livelihoods.
The solution to the hunger crisis is therefore more complex than increasing food importation. According to Adeole Akinola, a specialist in the region, reliance on imports would “incapacitate those rural dwellers that rely on the sale of their farm products.”
Why the Farming Industry is Not More Developed
Despite its clear cultural and economic importance, agriculture remains underdeveloped in Nigeria. Smallholders produce 90% of the food consumed in the country. These small-scale farmers often lack the machinery to optimize their yield and suffer attacks due to security issues.
The main reason why farming has remained in these precarious conditions and not developed into a larger industry is because of governmental focus. For most of the 20th century, the government believed that oil would provide the bulk of Nigeria’s GDP, leading to the neglect of other sectors.
As of today, the oil industry accounts for somewhere between 6% to 9% of Nigerian GDP. Agriculture accounts for more than 22%.
How Aid Can Eliminate Hunger in Nigeria
The obstacles to zero hunger in northeast Nigeria have not gone unnoticed in the global community. The U.K. has provided £38 million in aid, which has gone toward providing humanitarian assistance. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly states that the aid is “saving lives” and adds that “the international community must support these efforts.”
Food security is at its lowest between June and August when there is no harvest. In August 2023 alone, the World Food Programme (WFP) gave 9,932 new refugees emergency food provisions in the northeast region. However, WFP recognizes that the crisis will only persist, and has requested an urgent $152 million USD – even as the new harvest comes into effect – to continue to keep the situation under control.
In the meantime, there is a clear market.
Zero hunger will not occur with the current state of the Nigerian agricultural industry. Nigerian farmers need more security, as well as better equipment to increase their yield. The International Trade Administration recognizes that Nigeria is “a big window of opportunity for suppliers of agricultural equipment.”
Empowering Nigerian farmers seems to be the best way towards zero hunger and a solution beneficial to all.
– Luke Gouldson
Photo: Pixabay
Reconstruction After Hatay’s Earthquakes
The city of Hatay in southern Turkey has faced significant challenges following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake, which took place on February 6, 2023. The natural disasters have not only left the city’s infrastructure in ruins but also had profound socio-economic consequences. However, amidst the adversity, Hatay has shown remarkable resilience. In the wake of Hatay’s earthquakes, the city is making ongoing efforts to rebuild, continue delivering education to children and combat poverty.
Hatay’s Earthquakes and Their Impacts
A series of powerful earthquakes struck Hatay, a city that has received renown for its rich history and cultural diversity, leaving an indelible mark. The tremors caused widespread destruction, leaving many homes, schools and vital infrastructure in ruins. Thousands of residents were rendered homeless, and the socio-economic fabric of the city was severely disrupted. Organizations such as UNICEF collaborated with governmental and non-governmental organizations to rebuild Hatay.
With the government in close collaboration with these organizations and ministries, this endeavor encompasses the construction of resilient infrastructure throughout Hatay, as well as the restoration of public services and efforts to alleviate poverty for those affected by the earthquakes.
Reconstruction Efforts in Hatay: Rebuilding Residential Areas
In the wake of Hatay’s earthquakes, one of the most crucial aspects of the recovery process has been the meticulous reconstruction of residential areas. The tremors left many of the city’s housing stock in shambles, rendering countless families homeless. However, there are resilient efforts made in response to this crisis.
Authorities, construction crews and volunteers have come together to rebuild residential areas more resistant to future earthquakes with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change assigning this work to the Turkish Housing Development Administration (TOKI). With these efforts combined, the ministry announced on May 3 that “132,000 housing units are already under construction” emphasizing the recovery of Hatay is more than bricks and mortar, focusing on restoring the sense of security and belonging for Hatay’s residents. New homes are designed with resilience in mind, adhering to stringent building codes.
International Aid and Support for Poverty Alleviation
International aid and support have played a pivotal role in rebuilding Hatay and its ongoing struggle to alleviate poverty in the aftermath of the earthquakes. In the wake of these disasters, countries across the globe rallied to provide critical assistance to help citizens in Hatay. The World Health Organization (WHO) in Europe, for example, has provided countless aid to providing essential services as well as offering training programs “tailored to the needs of a range of survivors, with topics such as reproductive health, elder care, interpersonal communication and community engagement.”
Aid organizations such as WHO have been instrumental in coordinating these efforts, ensuring that resources reach those in need. In addition, organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) have directed their attention to help alleviate poverty using funds to provide food assistance to “150,000 crisis-affected families through cash assistance” as well as food provisions to “590,000” citizens. This influx of international support has not only provided immediate relief but has also contributed to the long-term anti-poverty initiatives, offering a glimmer of hope for the path to a more prosperous and resilient Hatay.
Empowering Hatay’s Communities Through Microfinance
Empowering communities through microfinance has emerged as a potent tool in Hatay’s efforts to rebuild and alleviate poverty. These small-scale financial initiatives have had a profound impact on the lives of residents who were left financially vulnerable by the natural disasters. Microfinance institutions, often in collaboration with local and international organizations, provide individuals with access to microloans and financial services tailored to their needs.
One of the primary benefits of microfinance is that it encourages entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. In Hatay, where the earthquakes disrupted many traditional income sources, microloans have enabled individuals to start or expand small businesses. The Refugee Investment Network focuses on economic and social revival by “providing microfinance to local farmers and artisans, or facilitating tech-based remote employment” to increase displaced people’s livelihoods, “especially to respond to workforce losses due to the earthquake.”
Community-based microfinance initiatives often come with a strong focus on accountability and social cohesion. Borrowers frequently form communities to support one another, which is crucial after such devastating natural disasters. This sense of community involvement strengthens not only social ties but also instills a sense of responsibility and trust among residents, and as a result, by empowering these communities through microfinance, Hatay is not only rebuilding its physical structures but also fostering financial resilience.
Looking Ahead
In the wake of Hatay’s devastating earthquakes, the city has embarked on an extraordinary journey of recovery, resilience and hope. The efforts to simultaneously reconstruct the physical infrastructure and alleviate poverty have been inspiring. Hatay’s citizens, local businesses, and the international community have come together with unwavering determination, demonstrating the incredible power of unity in the face of adversity.
Rebuilding Hatay and its residential areas, the revival of its educational institutions, and the infusion of international aid have not only begun to mend the scars of the earthquakes but have also laid the foundation for a more robust, resilient and prosperous future. Empowering communities through microfinance, vocational training and job creation initiatives has empowered individuals to chart their paths out of poverty, while community-driven anti-poverty programs have strengthened social bonds and fostered a sense of shared responsibility.
– Mia Deniz Duru
Photo: Flickr