With a population of almost 170 million people, Bangladesh is often overlooked when thinking of the most populous nations in the world. Over the past decade, massive urbanization has occurred across the country, expediting poverty reduction in rural areas, according to the World Bank. Overall, the World Bank states that 39.6 million citizens are below the national poverty line as of 2016.
This number, although high, has been gradually decreasing in both rural and urban areas for different reasons. Urbanization has led to technological advancement in rural regions that allows for improvements in agricultural development, rapidly increasing economic output and decreasing poverty in these regions. In fact, rural poverty reduction accounts for 90% of all poverty reduction in Bangladesh, according to the World Bank. On the other hand, urban areas relied on manufacturing welfare gains. Low job creation in this industry has stunted the reduction of poverty in urban areas.
Bridging this unequal reduction, unique techniques of microfinancing in Bangladesh have become a surprising strategy to fight poverty.
What are Microfinance Institutions?
Microfinancing is a form of ethical loan for low-income citizens of a country. These loans are simple to repay and are intended to stimulate economic innovation and growth or help sustain a low-income household.
Providing assistance in rural Bangladesh, these microfinance loans are distributed by many national and specialized banks, NGOs and government agencies. This form of financing is available from many institutions but has been collectivized and streamlined most effectively by 10 microfinance institutions (MFIs) and the Grameen Bank. These total 87% of all microfinance providers. Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of Grameen Bank, Dr. Mohammad Yunus, has led his foundation in financing almost 9 million borrowers, with 97% being women.
Microfinancing generally funds six categories:
- Small-scale self-employment
- Enterprises
- Extreme-poverty prevention
- Agriculture
- Seasonal loans
- Natural disasters
All of these target various forms of poverty in Bangladesh and are reflective of poverty across the world. By financing and targeting these areas, anti-poverty efforts can receive the funding needed to stabilize lower-income households and national economic growth.
How MFIs Fight Poverty in Bangladesh
These institutions drastically help those in rural Bangladesh. By opening access to financial credit assistance for lower classes in the country, economic stimulation helps bring down regional poverty.
According to the International Food Policy Research Institute, “Bangladesh’s MFIs cover some 32 million members and give out more than $7.2 billion annually.” Furthermore, these institutions have eliminated 10% of poverty in rural regions, collectively eliminating poverty for 2.5 million citizens.
Beyond simple credit, these institutions need to develop marketing techniques and skills for those receiving aid. A large criticism of MFIs is their potential lack of long-term stability and effectiveness. With the addition of skill education, impoverished populations will receive aid and learn to grow it.
Another criticism is the limited accessibility caused by high interest rates. As of 2011, Bangladesh’s Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) limited MFI interest rates to 27%. Nonetheless, this should and could be capped lower to increase accessibility for Bangladeshi families.
With the continued expansion of MFIs in Bangladesh, companies are progressing, advancing and consolidating into more organized institutions that better serve the general public.
The Unique Effect of MFIs on Women
Microcredit institutions have specific positive externalities for women. According to the Global Gender Gap Index of 2020, Bangladesh’s gender disparity was significantly higher than any other South Asian country, ranking 50th out of 144 countries worldwide. Once again, it is the non-economic policies of MFIs that benefit women the most. Currently, only 36% of working-age women are part of the nation’s labor force.
The education and financial literacy provided by these institutions provide women more opportunities to become financially independent and break down the stigma against women in the workforce. This social assistance adds value to the benefits of microfinance in Bangladesh.
– Sahib Singh
Photo: Unsplash
How Cybercrime in South Africa Exacerbates Poverty
How Cybercrime Impacts the Economy and Most Vulnerable
One of the most severe impacts of cybercrime is the negative effect it has on a nation’s economy. Attackers tend to target developing countries, which struggle with unemployment and generally lack defined cybersecurity infrastructure. For example, a 2023 report by Statistics South Africa determined the official unemployment rate to be 32.6%, which is the highest in the world.
The unemployed are both vulnerable to scams and sometimes willing to participate in them to make ends meet. These scams can range from job access to financial services such as banking and the poor sometimes see such methods as ways to make easy money. As a result of the cybercrime in South Africa, fears about fraud can prevent people from taking advantage of online services. For example, online classes or courses are a great way for the poor to access education; however, the potential for cybercrime hinders the ability for them to help reduce poverty.
Solutions
To rectify this worsening situation, several actions are occurring to fight cybercrime in South Africa. For example, INTERPOL worked with AFRIPOL to launch a four-month Africa Cyber Surge II operation in April 2023, which was successful in identifying 14 cybercriminals and more than 20,000 cyber networks. Across the 25 participating countries, there was an estimated loss of $40 million due to these networks. Trend Micro, a private cybersecurity company, also contributed to the INTERPOL operation, assisting in uncovering malicious infrastructure and providing a great example of a positive public-private partnership. This operation was only the start of positive solutions to cybercrime in South Africa.
The government has also taken the help of U.S.-based organizations like the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), working to build solutions that protect against digital threats. South African representatives met with U.S. cybersecurity companies in 2020, working on a reverse trade mission that used American innovation to help strengthen South Africa’s online defenses.
Future Steps
There are several crucial steps that are occurring to continue South Africa’s progress. To start, investing in cybersecurity education can be a critical part of stopping major cybercrime for good. In particular, focusing on vulnerable groups like the poor would allow them to recognize and protect themselves against attacks. Improving the education system would also empower individuals to escape poverty, working toward South Africa’s sustainable development goal to eradicate extreme poverty. One example of such an effort is the creation of the Absa Cybersecurity Academy, which helps marginalized youths gain cybersecurity certification. Not only does this provide a wealth of opportunities to the poor, but it can also ensure that people can better deal with cyber attacks.
Strengthening law enforcement can also help take quick action against cybercrime in South Africa. Data indicates that a high proportion of cyberattack victims choose to pay ransoms to regain access to files rather than using other methods like backups to restore their information. Better law enforcement can help victims explore other options and potentially find and arrest cybercriminals before they can orchestrate multiple attacks. The government has already started to take action, such as with the Cybercrimes Act of 2019, which criminalized several cyber offenses and regulated cybercrime jurisdiction. Additionally, improved systems for reporting and tracking cybercrime can expedite the law enforcement process.
Looking Ahead
As developing countries continue to digitize, cybercrime will continue to be a major threat to general populations — especially the poor. The best way to protect South Africa and other nations’ people is to keep working on solutions through international collaboration and cooperation. The progress that South Africa is making is a great example of how governments and multiple organizations can come together to tackle cybercrime, protecting the poor for generations to come.
– Namit Agrawal
Photo: Unsplash
3 Factors Improving Health Care in Togo
While Togo has been struggling with their health care, they are beginning to improve their health care system. The methods that are in place to improve health care in Togo are training for health care professionals, spreading qualified health care workers to public clinics and the integration of a universal health care system.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization, in collaboration with the World Bank, is supporting the country by implementing solutions to its health care crisis. The World Health Organization is supplying 14 training schools for paramedical personnel with teaching, computers with videoconferencing materials, and 600 midwives and nurses who have recently trained in infection prevention. The World Health Organization has used its Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility (PEF) funds to ensure the supply of equipment to training centers. This equipment will provide continuous training and face-to-face and teleconferences available to health care workers in the country. They will also contribute to updating the curriculum for health workers and increase the capacity of training centers. The World Health Organization is putting effort towards training personnel and updating training facilities to begin improving health care in Togo.
Integrate Health
Integrate Health uses a primary health care approach to improve the national health care system in Togo. One of the first ways Integrate Health is improving health care in Togo is by integrating professional health workers. As Togo only has 347 practicing doctors in the country, they rely on other sources to get more health care workers. Community Health Workers are many people’s first point of contact with the health system. These workers go door to door with personal protective equipment and supplies to provide lifesaving care. These workers train to administer treatment for children with respiratory infections, malaria and malnutrition. They also screen newborns and pregnant mothers. Workers also refer patients to health centers for advanced care when necessary. There are currently 200 community health workers in Togo.
Integrate Health is also pursuing improvements in the supply chain and infrastructure within Togo. Medications are commonly not in stock and are hard to get because health centers are outdated. To combat this, Integrate Health is overseeing improvements like building water towers, bolstering infrastructure, training pharmacy managers in equipment, ordering medication and managing medical supplies. With improvements in these areas, health care professionals will be better equipped to help patients, which will build trust. Currently, the renovations have fixed 17 health centers, and 28 supply chain managers have received training.
Another step Integrate Health is taking to begin improving health care in Togo is eliminating user fees. The pay-for-service culture that Togo’s system has cultivated has low user rates, which provides little funds to renovate the systems. Removing these fees will increase user rates in health care systems. To do this, Integrate Health provides monthly operating grants to the health centers to cover the cost of the services incurred. They also have people donating funds to invest in the costs covered by the pay-for-service fees.
Universal Health Care Systems
Recent legislation has established the creation of a universal health system (l’assurance maladie universelle – AMU). The government plans to have this plan completely rolled out by 2025, which would cover all residents. The system would have two tiers: the public and private sector employees (RAMO) and the individuals on public assistance (RAM). Under RAMO, employees would enroll at the beginning of their employment with coverage that extends to children and spouses. Coverage for RAM would be provided directly by government revenue. While this has yet to be rolled out, this will be a step towards fleshing out Togo’s health care system and giving people access to the care they need.
Conclusion
Although Togo has encountered significant difficulties in its health care sector, the nation is committed to creating positive change within its health care system. A multifaceted approach is achieving these goals.
One pivotal aspect of this transformation is the extensive training and development programs for health care professionals. By investing in the education and skill enhancement of its health care workforce, the country aims to ensure that its medical practitioners are equipped with the latest knowledge and expertise, thereby improving health care in Togo.
Furthermore, Togo recognizes the importance of extending the reach of qualified health care workers to public clinics. By decentralizing health care services and ensuring that well-trained professionals are available in various regions, the country aims to enhance accessibility to health care services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This initiative is improving health care in Togo.
– Sara Agosto
Photo: Flickr
3 Pharma Innovations Benefiting Developing Countries
Preventable diseases continue to be a significant cause of death in developing nations, despite ongoing efforts to combat them. Frequently, these diseases spread due to poor living conditions rather than a lack of available treatments, often resulting from factors such as unsafe drinking water or inadequate sanitation. While treatments for many of these diseases do exist, there are several existing challenges. Some treatments are prohibitively expensive for low-income countries, many struggle with distribution due to poor infrastructure, and others have adverse side effects.
Developing medications and improving infrastructure in low-income countries have not been top priorities for many pharmaceutical companies because of limited profit margins. Nevertheless, there have been notable advancements in pharmaceutical innovations that are now benefiting developing nations. These innovations show promise in addressing these health challenges.
3 Pharma Innovations Benefiting Developing Countries
– Cheyenne Astarita
Photo: Flickr
J&J Paves the Way for Affordable Tuberculosis Treatment
On September 29, 2023, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) announced that it would not enforce patents in 134 low- and middle-income countries for Sirturo — its brand name for bedaquiline tuberculosis treatment. This change is an exciting step toward providing generic, affordable tuberculosis treatment to people who desperately need it.
Patents and Medication Prices
Patents can keep the cost of life-saving medications out of reach for many – especially those in poverty. So why do medications have patents? Pharmaceutical companies must undergo a rigorous testing process through the FDA to ensure the drugs are safe enough to go on the market. They obtain a patent to protect their research, which the FDA requires before approval. Once this patent is obtained, pharmaceutical companies must undergo a five-step process:
More than 90% of drugs do not make the cut — most fail because they either do not adequately treat the condition or because they cause side effects that are too debilitating.
It takes about 10 years for a new drug to complete the five-step process toward FDA approval, costing an estimated $2.6 billion. Considering that 90% of medications are not approved, pharmaceutical companies try to recoup their investment by passing that cost onto consumers. Innovation of new medications used to be the goal of pharmaceutical companies, but with the increased costs of research and development, they shifted their focus from innovating new medications to capitalizing on existing medications. Over the past five years alone, the average cost of medications has increased by more than 71%.
Rising Costs of Medications
Patents prevent the development of generic alternatives to medications. When pharmaceutical companies shifted their focus toward capitalizing on existing medications, they started proactively renewing drug patents to ensure generic alternatives could not be developed. Without competition on patented medications and no federal oversight on drug prices, pharmaceutical companies can set the price of life-saving medications as they see fit.
This decision is particularly devastating for developing countries. Even when generic alternatives are available, research has found that developing and poverty-stricken countries often pay more than others.
“Developing countries are often paying far more for everyday drugs than they should be. Why do some poor countries pay 20 to 30 times as much as others for common medicines to relieve pain or treat hypertension? In large part, because of flawed drug buying practices and broken generic medicines markets,” said Amanda Glassman, the executive vice president at the Center for Global Development.
Without generic medications, affordable health care is out of reach for developing countries, and people are paying the price for their health. Even when generic medications are available, there is little regulation of prices.
Tuberculosis and Poverty
Poverty is a huge determinant of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis risk factors are rampant in the poorest communities: overcrowding, malnutrition, inadequate ventilation and limited general health and disease prevention knowledge.
Given the prevalence of tuberculosis risk factors in poverty-stricken communities, the need for generic tuberculosis medications is a lifeline most vulnerable communities need now more than ever. This need is why Johnson and Johnson’s announcement that they will not enforce patents on their patented TB medication is a step in the right direction. The hope is that this will pave the way for affordable tuberculosis treatment by allowing the development of generic, more affordable alternative drugs.
“The decision is intended to assure current and future generic manufacturers that they may manufacture and sell high-quality generic versions of Sirturo without a concern that the company will enforce its bedaquiline patents, provided the generic versions of Sirturo produced or supplied by generic manufacturers are of good quality, medically acceptable and are used only in the 134 low- and middle-income countries,” J&J said.
– Ann-Jinette Hess
Photo: Flickr
How Ramen Noodles Can Fight Global Hunger
Ramen noodles, the humble staple of college students and budget-conscious individuals, emerge as powerful tools for addressing poverty, fostering entrepreneurship and providing emergency relief. Beyond their affordability and widespread popularity, ramen noodles possess unique qualities that make them well-suited for tackling various socioeconomic challenges.
Ramen for Emergency Relief
A key advantage of ramen noodles in the fight against poverty is their extended shelf life. When stored properly, these dried or instant noodles can last for months or even up to a year. This longevity makes them invaluable resources in times of crisis, such as natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies. When disaster strikes, access to food becomes a pressing concern. With their long shelf life, ramen noodles can be stockpiled and distributed efficiently to affected communities. Their simplicity in preparation — just boiling water is required — ensures that even in dire circumstances, people can access a hot meal.
Initiatives like the World Instant Noodles Association’s (WINA) “Donation of Noodles” program highlight the global reach of ramen as a tool for poverty alleviation. WINA’s efforts involve providing substantial quantities of instant noodles to regions affected by disasters or economic challenges, helping secure access to food for millions of people. In February 2023, WINA donated 100,000 servings of instant noodles to the regions affected by the Turkey-Syria earthquake.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Beyond emergency relief, the income-generating potential of ramen noodles can catalyze entrepreneurship, particularly in low-income communities. Many small entrepreneurs around the world have harnessed the appeal of ramen noodles to create thriving businesses. One particular noodle-related success story comes from Hualong County in Qinghai Province, China. Residents of Hualong have used lamian (hand-pulled noodles) to lift themselves out of poverty. A decade ago, nearly half of Hualong’s 300,000-plus residents lived in poverty. Through the development of the lamian industry, Hualong County successfully eradicated poverty in the region. Currently, around 17,000 hand-pulled noodle restaurants, run by Hualong natives, operate across China, with an annual output value of 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) and involving 110,000 local people. The country’s government has also introduced initiatives to support poverty-stricken individuals in the lamian industry, leading to thousands emerging from poverty.
A Path to Food Security
Ramen noodles offer a cost-effective solution for individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. Their affordability allows people on limited budgets to access filling and nourishing meals. This accessibility is vital in the fight against poverty, as inadequate nutrition can perpetuate a cycle of poor health and limited economic opportunities. By providing a source of convenient and satisfying sustenance, these organizations support vulnerable populations in maintaining their well-being.
Challenges and Considerations
While ramen noodles offer a range of benefits in poverty alleviation, it’s important to acknowledge potential challenges. One concern is the nutritional quality of instant ramen, which can be high in sodium and lack essential nutrients. Organizations and individuals working with ramen for poverty alleviation must consider the need for a balanced diet and explore ways to supplement ramen with fresh and nutritious ingredients. Furthermore, the environmental impact of single-use packaging associated with instant ramen is a concern. Sustainable packaging options and responsible consumption practices are essential to mitigate this issue.
Conclusion
Ramen noodles, often seen as simple and convenient meals, possess remarkable potential to alleviate poverty, foster entrepreneurship and provide emergency relief. Their long shelf life makes them invaluable in crises, their affordability makes them accessible to those on tight budgets and their popularity has fueled entrepreneurial ventures worldwide. By recognizing the diverse ways ramen is a tool for positive change, individuals, organizations and governments can work together to unlock the potential of this humble noodle to create a more equitable and nourished world.
– Genevieve Martin
Photo: Flickr
Closing the Gender Nutrition Gap in Nigeria
Factors Contributing to the Gender Nutrition Gap
In sub-Saharan Africa, women make up 40% of the agricultural labor force and yet are still more food insecure than men. Due to social and historical factors, women not only have to work as farmers, but they also have to take on duties within the household, such as childcare and household management. This reduces their productivity in farming compared to men, and in societies that are still heavily patriarchal, women are often left with very little or comparatively worse food than men, and they are thus unable to meet their health and nutrition needs. These patriarchal societies also lead to women having less control over resources and income, further hindering their ability to afford health services.
Nigeria is Closing the Gender Nutrition Gap
Nigeria is progressing in closing the gender nutrition gap with the World Bank approving $500 million for the Nigeria for Women Program Scale Up (NFWP-SU), which is set to empower women and improve their livelihoods. The NFWP-SU builds on the existing Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), which supports over 427,887 Women Affinity Group (WAG) members across six states and further benefits 835,573 community members through various developmental interventions. The scale-up will provide even more financial support to the government of Nigeria in helping empower women — by investing in better economic opportunities for women, women will have access to better health and nutrition outcomes, thus helping combat the disparity in food access for women and address their health needs.
With a third of Nigerian households being unable to afford a nutritious diet and putting women and their families at risk of malnutrition, improving economic outcomes for women will help improve their health and resilience.
Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch and one of the leaders of the NFWP-SU, has emphasized the importance of meeting the nutritional needs of women and girls to combat the pressing issue of malnutrition. She is working to empower women in Nigeria, and at the Women Deliver conference, she emphasized that Nigeria is focusing on five main areas to address the gender gap:
Empowering Women and Improving Their Livelihoods
While food insecurity and malnutrition remain pressing issues for women in particular, these initiatives will enable Nigeria to take further steps in closing the gender gap, and, as a result, help women secure access to food and health services by providing economic security. With the current success of NFWP, the scale-up will certainly continue to address the issue of the gender nutrition gap, not only empowering women economically but also closing the gender disparity in access to food and nutrition.
– Stephanie Chan
Photo: Flickr
How Microfinance in Bangladesh Helps Fight Poverty
This number, although high, has been gradually decreasing in both rural and urban areas for different reasons. Urbanization has led to technological advancement in rural regions that allows for improvements in agricultural development, rapidly increasing economic output and decreasing poverty in these regions. In fact, rural poverty reduction accounts for 90% of all poverty reduction in Bangladesh, according to the World Bank. On the other hand, urban areas relied on manufacturing welfare gains. Low job creation in this industry has stunted the reduction of poverty in urban areas.
Bridging this unequal reduction, unique techniques of microfinancing in Bangladesh have become a surprising strategy to fight poverty.
What are Microfinance Institutions?
Microfinancing is a form of ethical loan for low-income citizens of a country. These loans are simple to repay and are intended to stimulate economic innovation and growth or help sustain a low-income household.
Providing assistance in rural Bangladesh, these microfinance loans are distributed by many national and specialized banks, NGOs and government agencies. This form of financing is available from many institutions but has been collectivized and streamlined most effectively by 10 microfinance institutions (MFIs) and the Grameen Bank. These total 87% of all microfinance providers. Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of Grameen Bank, Dr. Mohammad Yunus, has led his foundation in financing almost 9 million borrowers, with 97% being women.
Microfinancing generally funds six categories:
All of these target various forms of poverty in Bangladesh and are reflective of poverty across the world. By financing and targeting these areas, anti-poverty efforts can receive the funding needed to stabilize lower-income households and national economic growth.
How MFIs Fight Poverty in Bangladesh
These institutions drastically help those in rural Bangladesh. By opening access to financial credit assistance for lower classes in the country, economic stimulation helps bring down regional poverty.
According to the International Food Policy Research Institute, “Bangladesh’s MFIs cover some 32 million members and give out more than $7.2 billion annually.” Furthermore, these institutions have eliminated 10% of poverty in rural regions, collectively eliminating poverty for 2.5 million citizens.
Beyond simple credit, these institutions need to develop marketing techniques and skills for those receiving aid. A large criticism of MFIs is their potential lack of long-term stability and effectiveness. With the addition of skill education, impoverished populations will receive aid and learn to grow it.
Another criticism is the limited accessibility caused by high interest rates. As of 2011, Bangladesh’s Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) limited MFI interest rates to 27%. Nonetheless, this should and could be capped lower to increase accessibility for Bangladeshi families.
With the continued expansion of MFIs in Bangladesh, companies are progressing, advancing and consolidating into more organized institutions that better serve the general public.
The Unique Effect of MFIs on Women
Microcredit institutions have specific positive externalities for women. According to the Global Gender Gap Index of 2020, Bangladesh’s gender disparity was significantly higher than any other South Asian country, ranking 50th out of 144 countries worldwide. Once again, it is the non-economic policies of MFIs that benefit women the most. Currently, only 36% of working-age women are part of the nation’s labor force.
The education and financial literacy provided by these institutions provide women more opportunities to become financially independent and break down the stigma against women in the workforce. This social assistance adds value to the benefits of microfinance in Bangladesh.
– Sahib Singh
Photo: Unsplash
Period Poverty in Côte d’Ivoire
Period Poverty in Côte d’Ivoire: The Basics
Period poverty entails severely limited — or complete lack of — access to menstrual products, as well as the safe and private space to use them. In Côte d’Ivoire, social stigmas around menstruation have compounded period poverty and resulted in high rates of school absences among young women and girls. Between 2021 and 2022, UNICEF reported that 20% of women and girls in Côte d’Ivoire failed to attend school for period-related reasons. This compares to approximately 15% in neighboring Burkina Faso.
Menstrual Health in Ivorian Prisons
One specific challenge the country is tackling involves menstrual health and hygiene in prisons. According to Le Monde, roughly 448 women were incarcerated in Côte d’Ivoire at the start of 2021. With the national prison population by the end of that year totalling more than 21,000, the overwhelming majority of inmates are adult males. As such, Ivorian prison facilities are not designed to support the health and well-being of incarcerated females.
Côte d’Ivoire’s largest prison in Yopougon is already severely overcrowded, with an excess of up to 9,000 prisoners, including 300 women. In the town of Aboisso, reports have suggested that cramped cells are holding up to 14 women each. Coupled with a lack of access points for sterile menstrual products, the risk of infection in these spaces is high.
Some local organizations have made efforts to alleviate the conditions of female inmates in terms of period poverty. President of Soutien aux Mères et aux Enfants en Détresse de Côte d’Ivoire (SMED-CI) Madoussou Touré has made efforts to obtain sanitary products from private donors and redistribute them to Ivorian prisons.
The ‘Outside’: Space, Stigma and Society
Outside of the penitentiary system, women and girls continue to struggle with period poverty in Côte d’Ivoire. A lack of a private and clean space for period maintenance has been reported by one in five Ivorian women. Economic and infrastructural factors represent only one part of the problem. Social taboos and deeply ingrained patriarchal structures do little to encourage girls to attend school while menstruating. This reality creates a culture of shame and marginalization among young women. Interviews with several locals indicate that gender inequities continue to play into school absenteeism.
Yet in contrast to other West African societies that view periods as a ‘pollutant,’ some studies have suggested that so-called “menstrual taboos” are not a pervasive element in Ivorian society. Anthropologist Alma Gottlieb investigated practices of the indigenous Beng people of Côte d’Ivoire and has agreed that beliefs around menstruating women are restrictive in terms of work. She does point out, however, that menstruation is instead seen as a symbol of fertility, and not a hindrance or weakness. These findings are hopeful in the sense that puncturing social myths around periods in Côte d’Ivoire may be easier than in other neighboring countries.
What Action Is Being Taken
A number of French-language NGOs have organized outreach programs and events to combat the issue of period poverty in Côte d’Ivoire. Actu’Elles and Gouttes Rouges, two women’s rights groups who champion menstrual health and well-being, organized the Menstrues Libres festival in Abidjan in May of 2018. The festival addressed period poverty in prisons more directly with a panel of experts and was the first of its kind in West Africa.
In 2020, UNICEF and UNFPA hosted a symposium to discuss menstrual health and period poverty in West and Central Africa. One topic of note was that the UNFPA, in partnership with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministries of Education and Health, had developed a menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) guide. The MHH guide is being made available at local and municipal health facilities, and steps are being taken to promote accessibility nationwide.
Several female Ivorian lawyers have also campaigned for the inclusion of sex education in schools. This would hopefully dismantle some of the harmful social taboos around menstruation but also prepare adolescents for future relationships.
Some promising socio-economic indicators have highlighted the importance of fighting period poverty in Côte d’Ivoire. The nation was, as of 2020, one of the fastest-growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Since the end of the civil war, women have emerged in political and financial sectors, especially in the dominant cocoa market. These opportunities are only possible when a girl’s education is consistent and accessible at all times of the month.
– Cara Jenkins
Photo: Flickr
5 Schemes That Helped Tackle Multidimensional Poverty in India
5 Schemes That Helped Tackle Multidimensional Poverty in India
The Future
Both the Indian government and its citizens will agree that the mission is far from over. The Government of India has already initiated the second phase of most of these schemes. For example, As of 2023, the PMUY 2.0 and Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 have been launched. Additionally, the government should continue to foster the following characteristics of the aforementioned schemes:
India is boldly tackling the complex challenge of multidimensional poverty head-on. With a multifaceted approach, the nation is striving to uplift its most vulnerable populations. Through targeted policies, innovative initiatives and collaborative efforts, India aims to break the cycle of poverty across various dimensions. By recognizing that poverty is not limited to monetary constraints, the country is demonstrating a commitment to fostering holistic well-being and sustainable development for all its citizens, setting a promising example for the global fight against multidimensional poverty.
– Piyush Plabon Das
Photo: Flickr
The Benefits of Smart Farming in Greece
Greek Farmers Are Struggling With Crop Outputs
Greek farmers struggle with Greece’s dry and rocky land and lack important resources, such as water for their crops. The result is a low crop output, and many farmers have left the agricultural sector for higher-paid jobs. As of 2023, agriculture represents only 4.1% of Greece’s GDP. This is half of what it was in 2003.
Low Crop Output Causes Food Insecurity and Harms the Economy
Although it does not have a high contribution to Greece’s GDP, the agricultural sector of Greece is quite essential, as it still accounts for a third of total exports from Greece, with fruit and cotton among the top exports. The big issue here is that Greece imports significantly more food than it exports. This economic crisis is related to the food insecurity that many poor families face. Therefore, addressing the economic aspect of the situation might target food insecurity among impoverished populations as well.
How Does Smart Farming in Greece Help?
High-technology farming apps can provide farmers with practical information, such as microclimate data, humidity data and soil nitrogen levels. This is highly advanced quantitative information that cannot be deduced by the naked eye alone. With this high-speed data, farmers can stop their overuse of resources, such as fertilizer and irrigation. This allows farmers to save their money on soil and water, benefitting both themselves and the environment. This is especially useful for Greece’s agricultural sector since it has been low on water.
As well as reducing costs, smart farming apps can improve both the quantitative and qualitative value of crops. In one account, a farmer was able to use up to 40% less fertilizer on his field and save around €9,000. This can both increase farmer finances and reduce food insecurity.
Gaiasense is an example of one of these applications. Continuously recording and analyzing data from fields, it provides the necessary technological tools for farmers and addresses the threats that might affect crop production. Every few days, a satellite image enters Gaiasense, providing information about crop production, no matter the location. Gaiasense sensors within representative points of Greek agricultural lands and farmers’ crops take quantitative measurements from the air, soil and crops. With easy smart farming tools such as Gaiasense, farmers can easily record their work, the new technology they applied, and the results of the harvest without needing to be experts in technology.
Why Farming Apps Are Making Slow Progress in Greece
Although they have proven themselves to be extremely beneficial for both farmers and citizens who depend on a bountiful output of crops, smart farming apps are making slow progress in Greece. This is due to an overwhelming preference for old-fashioned methods, seen as the safer route to crop production. Yet, these methods do not seem to work well in Greece’s agricultural sector, and a new age of high technology might be necessary to conserve materials and boost crop production.
Additionally, Greek farms are typically family-owned businesses or involve rented fields. This makes investments in new tools and practices less appealing to the average Greek farmer. Low productivity has also been attributed to the small plots of land that are typically used by Greek farmers. Smart farming apps could provide the gateway to larger fields, as farmers will be able to save money and afford larger plots of land. Although farming apps might seem like a large investment, the equipment that is used is not expensive and doesn’t involve any specialized digital skills.
Conclusion
Although there is slow progress, smart farming apps might be the gateway to begin fixing Greece’s economy and helping affected citizens out of poverty. With the advent of new problems comes a need for new strategies and technologies to fix those problems, and smart farming apps seem like the smart option for Greece’s agricultural sector.
– Sophia Holub
Photo: Flickr