The African Sahel’s era of dormancy, marked by a lull in coup attempts and political turmoil, had not been without exceptions. However, recent insurgencies, such as Niger’s coup, suggest a departure from hopes of regional stability.
Among the noteworthy uprisings, a chain of revolts appears to challenge established power dynamics and power holders of the past decade. Of most significance are the military-orchestrated coups of 2020 and 2021 in Mali, the political upheaval that engulfed Chad in 2021, the decisive 2021 Sudanese coup d’état that overthrew long-standing leader Omar al-Bashir, both 2022 uprisings in Burkina Faso, and finally the 2023 coups in Niger and Gabon.
The latest shifts in the regional political landscape serve as reminders of the underlying challenges facing the Sahel, forcing consideration of alternative routes to attaining regional sustenance and growth. Notably, the 2023 military takeover in Niger highlights the devastation insurgency can bear on critical aid and developmental support to West Africa, while also prompting consideration of alternative avenues for growth, including prospects for greater self-sufficiency as well as increased regional cohesion.
Niger’s Coup
Niger had been heavily reliant on international assistance before its coup in 2023. External budget support and loans made up nearly half of the Nigerien annual budget, entailing approximately $2 billion in development aid. Consequent sanctions by the international communities in response to the coup bear significant threats to the livelihood of Nigeriens. Markedly, the international reaction included the EU’s suspension of all budgetary support and security collaborations with Niger, the World Bank’s suspension of disbursements and The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) extensive sanctions on the country.
ECOWAS sanctions included the cancellation of a planned $51 million bond issuance and espousing uncertainties regarding international debt repayment. The cessation of power supply from Nigeria and strict border restrictions amplified the impact, already leading to prolonged power outages, economic concerns across sectors and a 17% increase in the price of rice witnessed within the first week of sanctions.
Unveiling the Potential for Further Deterioration in Niger
Potential further implications for Niger arising from international and regional sanctions encompass diminished remittance inflow which had reached an all-time high of $534 million in 2022. Frozen banking activities and suspended foreign assistance also pose large impediments restraining the government budget as well as the state’s humanitarian response capabilities. Consequently, vital activities of ongoing lean season food distributions and subsidized sales of essential commodities are inhibited. Border closures and halted donor funding also directly impact ongoing humanitarian aid efforts, constricting imports of critical items for the treatment and prevention of malnutrition. Finally, the sanctions’ ripple effects could also further escalate inflationary pressures, while Niger still lacks the fiscal flexibility to counter such costs in the short-to-medium term.
Hope for Niger: Exploring Potential Avenues for Advancement
The fortification of resilience and self-sufficiency in Niger can begin to be fostered through the utilization of available resources as well as support from select neighboring countries. As the seventh largest supplier of uranium in the world, and already accounting for 70% of France’s electricity production, Niger can strive to play a larger role in meeting international nuclear energy requirements.
Concurrently, the military government of Niger has announced the reopening of borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali and Chad. From amongst its neighbors, Mali and Burkina Faso, have already signaled solidarity by planning a joint official delegation to support Niger, while Algeria continues to emerge as an ally in Niger’s positive trajectory. While urging the reinstatement of constitutional order, Algeria advocates for a peaceful diplomatic resolution that would enable it to honor its long-standing commitment to building deeper political, security, and economic relations with Niger. The notable collaboration in 2022, wherein Algeria, Nigeria and Niger united under a memorandum of understanding to erect a trans-Saharan natural gas pipeline, exemplifies this bond. With an estimated value of $13 billion, the visionary initiative holds the potential to channel up to 30 billion cubic meters of supplies to Europe annually.
Prospects for Deeper Regional Integration
A heightened regional political and economic integration holds substantial potential for regional self-sufficiency and growth. For example, the diverse economic structures within the region encompassing both oil exporters and importers, with varying degrees of reliance on agriculture, extractive industries and manufacturing provide a foundation for mutual fulfillment of economic needs.
In 2019, ECOWAS embarked on a path toward forging a common monetary union, as part of more profound economic integration to better build regional resilience and cooperation. The inaugural meeting of the working group convened in Abuja in April 2019 saw Dr. Ko Konadu Apraku, the Commissioner for Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research of the ECOWAS, underscoring the integration of a common monetary union as a foundational aspect of ECOWAS’ vision.
Dr. Apraku emphasized the transformative potential of a singular ECOWAS currency that could help comprehensive social, cultural and economic metamorphosis within the region. By committing to robust policy and institutional frameworks capable of striking a favorable balance between benefits and risks, leaders could propel the economic prosperity and well-being of ECOWAS countries, aligning with the vision that the African Union set for realization by 2034. During the meeting, participants went so far as to schedule future conventions aimed at proposing the name and design of the ECOWAS currency. However, despite the aspirations of the ECOWAS member states to achieve a unified monetary and currency union, various delays have marked the journey.
Looking Ahead
While models of African monetary unions do exist, they remain exclusive and largely stagnant as is evident with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) that encompasses eight ECOWAS primarily francophone nations. The WAEMU shares the CFA franc, which is pegged to the Euro and dates back to 1945. However, questions linger regarding the continuity of the French Treasury’s pledge to ensure the CFA franc-to-euro convertibility at a fixed parity in the face of an expansion or modification of the CFA monetary zone. While obstacles persist in the face of plans for the development of the West African Monetary Zone currency, they remain underway with the eventual goal of merging the new note with the CFA to create a unified stable currency for West and Central Africa.
Moreover, as the COVID-19 pandemic reignited discourse across Africa concerning instruments of enhanced regional cooperation, it may be reasonable to hope that in light of Niger’s coup, the fervor for regional integration might similarly rise to encourage decisive strides toward fostering a united front in the face of recent challenges. As their potential of generating a more resilient and cohesive environment warrants, Niger could strive to reduce susceptibility to external shocks and dependency on foreign aid, while fostering greater economic and political stability across Central and West Africa’s Sahel.
– Nadia Asaad
Photo: Flickr
Ending Child Poverty in China
Child Poverty in China
Despite recent efforts, roughly 4.2 million children live in extreme poverty. It’s important to note that more rural children are impoverished than urban children. The families of China living in rural areas or belonging to an ethnic minority are most impacted by poverty.
Therefore, China has focused on reducing poverty in low-income rural households. There are significant differences that affect poverty in rural and urban areas. These differences include income disparities, limited access to education and health care services, poorer sanitation and overall poorer living conditions. However, according to UNICEF, the most severe forms of poverty that Chinese children experience are nutrition, access to clean water and sanitation and housing.
To focus on relieving poverty in the rural areas of China, the Anhui Yellow Mountain New Countryside Demonstration Project supported Huangshan’s rural development in several areas per the Chinese government’s initiative to “build new socialist countryside,” including investment in rural infrastructure and public services to reduce inequalities in the quality of life between rural and urban areas; improvement in the quality of tourism services to draw more tourists and create jobs and income-generating opportunities; the development of greener, higher value-added agricultural production bases and market facilities, as well as training for farmers to boost agricultural productivity.
Overall, the main objectives of the SDGs established by the UN are to eradicate child poverty and reduce the gap between urban and rural areas. To accomplish these goals, looking into the disparities between urban and rural areas and the causes of child poverty is crucial. Understanding the differences between child poverty in urban and rural areas enables us to understand better how factors related to demography, the economy, society and policy contribute to child poverty.
Current Picture
Alongside reducing rural child poverty, much has been done to end intergenerational poverty in China. According to social policy expert Peter Whiteford, child poverty is the main reason poverty is generational. China has made significant strides in reducing poverty over the past decade by promoting education, an essential feature in preventing poverty from being passed down to future generations. Since 2012, China’s government budgetary spending on education has maintained a proportion of over 4% of the nation’s GDP. It has shifted more in favor of rural areas and areas with significant populations of ethnic minorities.
At the end of 2020, China’s nine-year compulsory education stage saw only 682 drop out, down from over 600,000 dropouts in 2019. The nation has hired 950,000 teachers in total for compulsory education in rural areas, trained nearly 17 million teachers and principals for rural schools in the central and western regions under a national-level training program, provided subsidies for 1.27 million teachers from more than 80,000 schools in nearby poverty-stricken areas and sent 190,000 volunteer teachers to schools in outlying and poverty-stricken regions, border areas and areas with large ethnic populations.
It is important to look at child poverty as a multidimensional problem. Education can open the door to jobs, resources and skills to help a person survive. UNESCO estimates that 171 million people could escape extreme poverty if all students in low-income countries had only the most fundamental reading skills. The percentage of adults who did not complete their secondary education could reduce global poverty by more than half. Therefore, promoting education in China, especially in the rural areas, can be vital in reducing children’s poverty and helping break the cycle of generational poverty.
Conclusion
China’s significant reduction in overall poverty over the past four decades is commendable. However, child poverty remains a pressing issue, especially in rural areas.
China’s ongoing commitment to addressing child poverty and poverty in general through a holistic approach is an instructive example for other nations, highlighting the importance of education, health care, social support and economic opportunities. By prioritizing the well-being of its children, China is not only improving the lives of current generations but also paving the way for a more prosperous and equitable future.
– Paige Falk
Photo: Flickr
5 Key Facts About Disability and Poverty in New Zealand
5 Facts About Disability and Poverty in New Zealand
Looking Ahead
As is true all over the world, people who face disadvantage or disparity in their identity, such as people with a disability, are more susceptible to poverty in New Zealand. In order to combat this inequality, and further the goal of eradicating international poverty as a whole, it is imperative to direct social and economic support to disabled communities. Organizations like Whaikaha have already made strong strides toward this initiative, from raising millions of dollars from the New Zealand government to focus on disability transformation work to establishing infrastructural and accessible support for New Zealanders during natural disasters and crises, from power outages for COVID-19.
– Frances Sharples
Photo: Unsplash
Disability and Poverty in Liechtenstein
In a world where approximately 15% of the population lives with some form of disability, the approach of smaller nations like Liechtenstein to this issue continues to draw attention. This article examines Liechtenstein’s efforts to empower individuals with disabilities through policy advancements, technological integration, awareness campaigns and international collaborations. Here is some information about the connection between disability and poverty in Liechtenstein.
About Disability and Poverty in Liechtenstein
The U.S. State Department’s 2020 and 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices highlight Liechtenstein’s ban on disability discrimination. However, recent reports have questioned the effectiveness of government regulations and programs in improving disability accessibility in employment, infrastructure, health care and education.
Reports from the Liechtenstein Institute and the Liechtenstein Association for Persons with Disabilities indicate poor career and education integration for disabled people. Few disabled students attend public schools, and just one-third have accessibility measures. Liechtenstein provides social aid to people without social insurance or with income below a certain threshold. Specific individuals require government aid due to relative disadvantages.
Limited Integration, Economic Challenges and Data Gaps
Liechtenstein’s disabled population faces some challenges, including restricted workforce integration and educational inclusion. Despite existing legal frameworks, comprehensive employment and health accessibility remain uncertain. Economic disparities are evident, with higher unemployment rates and lower wages than the general population. Limited economic research further complicates the issue.
Societal perceptions impact the economic prospects for disabled individuals in Liechtenstein. Discrimination, limited educational access, biases and workplace hurdles all pose challenges. Biases hinder disabled individuals from finding employment, contributing to economic limitations.
Government and NGO Actions
Liechtenstein continues to make efforts to promote disability inclusion and alleviate poverty. Measures include the Disability Equality Act, accessibility initiatives, social assistance frameworks and addressing domestic abuse vulnerabilities. Inclusive education for disabled children is provided through specialized schools and the country’s remedial center.
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of disabled individuals in Liechtenstein. These organizations offer support through counseling, awareness campaigns, collaborative services with social services and monitoring of disability-related programs. In addition, these organizations advocate for inclusive employment and leverage international cooperation.
Development of Inclusive Policies
Policies include the Disability Equality Act, emphasis on accessibility, safety nets, enhanced NGO partnerships and employment initiatives in collaboration with NGOs. Positive outcomes result from Liechtenstein’s effective policies, leading to disability empowerment and improved well-being. Procedures such as the Disability Equality Act, enhanced mobility and accessibility, economic security nets and strengthened NGO collaborations have transformative effects on disabled citizens’ lives.
Liechtenstein’s experience in disability inclusion provides a valuable example for other countries. Lessons include the impact of collective advocacy, collaborative partnerships between government and NGOs, focus on inclusive labor markets, prioritizing autonomy and respect and the value of persistent efforts in achieving positive transformations.
A Global Perspective
Liechtenstein’s global impact on disability inclusion is notable. Unique approaches to poverty dynamics, pioneering inclusiveness through legislation and mandates, government-NGO synergy, progressive legislation and advancements in accessibility are commendable. However, there’s room for even more progress.
Liechtenstein is making meaningful progress in enhancing the well-being of its disabled citizens. Key strategies include consistent enforcement of disability laws to ensure equal opportunities in education and employment. Infrastructure upgrades are being made to improve accessibility in public spaces and transportation systems. Additionally, ongoing NGO partnerships provide specialized support and services. The country also prioritizes accessible education to foster a more inclusive environment. Finally, Liechtenstein wants to adopt international best practices to refine its disability policies.
– Roberto Gaziano
Photo: Flickr
Fragility and Rule of Law in Guinea-Bissau
Violence and instability on a structural level severely hinder the application of poverty reduction plans and can even lead to poverty increasing in the affected region. A clear example of this is the Sahel region in West Africa. Civil unrest, military plots and the expansion of Islamic terrorist groups in the region have made it one of the world’s only places with an increasing poverty level according to the World Bank. Guinea-Bissau lies just south of this region, but it is still at risk of falling to the same threats besetting its northern neighbors. Helping solidify the rule of law in Guinea-Bissau can make a regional leader in the fight against poverty.
History of Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau declared independence from Portugal in 1973. The young republic soon faced the political instability characteristic of post-colonial Africa. A coup in 1980, a civil war in 1999 and a further coup in 2012 provoked high legal insecurity and ensured that the country’s economy would stagnate.
However, after a transition to democracy in 2014, the country has been able to prosper relative to its neighbors. Despite a coup attempt in 2022, Guinea-Bissau has stood as one of the main democracies in West Africa. Guinea-Bissau’s government has since focused on addressing corruption, economic development and law enforcement in collaboration with international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
The Challenge
As the Fragile State Index identified, Guinea-Bissau faces great issues with socioeconomic instability. Slow economic growth following the COVID-19 pandemic combined with increased political polarization and the prominence of Islamic fundamentalist groups and drug trafficking have led to high social unrest. Furthermore, a lack of inclusive dialogue and state reach to rural areas has created a challenge for the continuation of the democratic system. In turn, this perpetuates the situation of poverty in the country, as violent flare-ups and a fragile rule of law scare off investment, slow job creation and eliminate entrepreneurship opportunities. Yet, in spite of the monumental challenges to the rule of law in Guinea-Bissau, the government has not stood idle, and the international community has taken steps to improve the situation.
Current Projects and Solutions
As previously mentioned, Guinea-Bissau does not stand alone in its fight to preserve the rule of law. The government together with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization devised a $4.2 million plan to boost its private sector competitiveness with a special focus on the agricultural sector implementing more productive methods.
Furthermore, the UNDP has set out a program to end political isolation and polarization in the country. It is developing platforms for inclusive dialogue and ideas exchange, namely the “Na No Mon” initiative, which is Creole for “in your hands.”
Through initiatives like Na No Mon, Guinea-Bissau aspires to mend the rift that has split its society and the first results are starting to show. More than 4,000 people have gained access to justice services from the state. Furthermore, through collaboration with the UNDP, Guinea-Bissau has improved the capabilities of law enforcement in rural areas and has provided 149 health care facilities with malaria monitoring equipment. The Fragile States Index reflects all this, where Guinea-Bissau has significantly improved its score. Through these improvements, the Guinea-Bissau government aims to restore investor confidence in the country and to set its people on a route to ending poverty in the country and maybe even being a role model for other countries in the region for attracting investors and improving living conditions.
Prospects for the Future
The challenges Guinea-Bissau faces are many, but the country has seen steady progress in the past few years. The upcoming elections in 2024 and the stability of the ensuing government will be crucial to solidify the country’s progress and set Guinea Bissau on a road to stability and economic growth. Until then, the international community can but celebrate the great strides society has taken towards reinforcing the rule of law in Guinea-Bissau.
– Daniel Pereda
Photo: Flickr
How the Philippines is Prioritizing Education
In the dynamic landscape of the Philippines, a technological revolution in the form of e-learning has been reshaping the educational landscape and subsequent economic opportunities.
With around 20 million Filipinos living in poverty as of 2021, the country is struggling with high poverty rates. Perpetuated by ongoing conflicts, poor educational infrastructure and COVID-19, the poverty crisis in the Philippines has been negatively affecting the education system for decades. However, various solutions to counteract this high rate, including overseas aid, infrastructure improvement and health care system improvements, are yielding positive results. Here is information about how the Philippines is prioritizing education in an effort to combat poverty.
The Ways the Philippines is Prioritizing Education
This article covers the role of education in poverty eradication. Low investments in traditional education over the past decades and outdated teaching methods have led to a high number of children struggling to receive a formal education. As of 2016, the number of children outside of education stands at 2.8 million. When poverty is higher, families often choose work for children over education, perpetuating a cycle of poverty that can continue for generations.
Starting from the beginning, education can act as a springboard for children to increase their opportunities and advance themselves beyond poverty. Without good educational systems, a cycle of poverty can begin before the child reaches adulthood, which is why addressing educational issues is key to breaking through this cycle and fostering an environment where a child can choose their own future.
The Alternate Learning System (ALS)
The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is a parallel learning system to the formal education system in the Philippines. Established by the Department for Education, the ALS aims to provide education to Filipinos who have not had the chance to finish their formal education. The ALS is more flexible, meaning that barriers to education can often be overcome through it.
While many communities in the Philippines find themselves cut off from formal education establishments, ALS can operate within communities in libraries and community spaces. Participants can access materials online, meaning access to the internet, something which is becoming far more common, is the only barrier. ALS is empowering individuals to acquire fundamental skills in literacy, numeracy and essential life competencies, enhancing economic prospects for them and their families.
The Open University
Higher education has often been difficult to access due to financial constraints and geographical boundaries. The University of the Philippines’ Open University originated in 1995, aiming to pioneer online degree programs. This opens up options for people living in rural and underserved regions, as well as working people and single parents, to pursue higher-paying prospects and enhance social mobility.
The Open University offers free courses, and one can take them online. In the Philippines, higher education comprises colleges, which primarily offer vocational courses, and universities, which focus on classical academic courses. The improvements in higher education have seen a marked increase in students in recent years. In the 2006–17 period, there was a 40% growth in enrollment in higher education, with 3,590,000 students enrolled in some measure of higher education.
The Good News
With a renewed government emphasis on the importance of education, reforms have started to take shape. One such initiative is the 2015 Education for All program, which aims to equip all Filipinos with ‘functional literacy’ — the capability to read, write and perform basic mathematical calculations. The World Bank also estimates that the Government has increased public spending by 60% between 2010–2015, providing the means to hire more teachers and the provision of more resources to students. The 2016 K–12 reforms make it mandatory for children to attend education up to the age of 13, and build on plans to build more schools and expand the curriculum to science and vocational-based subjects.
As internet access becomes more widespread, the rolling out of e-learning becomes an increasingly potent driver of societal transformation. The achievements of the ALS, Open University and various government reforms operate beside a variety of other complementary programs all targeting increased access to education. The Philippines is prioritizing education and embracing the power of educational inclusivity, and as a result, creating a reality that empowers its citizens to choose their own future.
– Myron Westgarth
Photo: Unsplash
4 Facts About India’s Floating Solar Projects
Floating Solar Projects in India
Final Thoughts
While India is a leader in energy consumption, they are also a leader in renewable energy. Each year, they fund projects that support innovations in clean energy, such as FPVs. According to the IBEF, “Since 2016, India’s solar power installed capacity has been increasing rapidly, with the country almost doubling its capacity every year.” India’s floating solar panels are just one example of how the country plans to meet its goal of net zero emissions by 2070.
– Diana Grant
Photo: Flickr
USAID in Peru: A Success Story
Early History
Starting in the 1960s, USAID began supplying aid to Peru in the form of supplies and resources for citizens. However, this start did not make the impact that the U.S. government would have hoped for.
The GDP of the country in 2001 was the same as in 1970; while the rest of South America was growing, Peru stood still. USAID began to change its focus in the 1990s to target the main issue in the country — the rate of extreme poverty.
Between 1991 and 2000, programs targeted specifically to rural communities helped lower the extreme poverty rate from 24% to 15%. Families that struggled to afford the minimal amount of food needed for a day were now able to cross the line and hope for a more prosperous Peru.
Despite Peru experiencing an economic boom in the late 90s, many low-skilled workers found that their conditions did not improve. An abundance of these categories of workers found that a lack of professional opportunities left them without options, resulting in the private sector employment rate reducing by 8% between 1990 and 1997.
The Success of the 2000s
In 2003, USAID aimed to fix a lot of the shortcomings they had experienced with their programs in Peru. Greater government structures, connecting local businesses to new markets and leveling up the central communities to match the coastlines were the main priorities for USAID.
Improved transportation networks proved to be one of the greatest implementations of USAID. Many rural communities saw their travel time into major cities cut by over 50%, giving greater access to trade. Income for day labor roles increased 75% during this time and increased land value gave previously poor workers better assets.
The investment from USAID proved to be money incredibly well spent. $8 million resulted in $800 million of private investment in transportation infrastructure, connecting the poorest citizens on the mainland with the exciting opportunities of trade at the coasts.
At the beginning of the 2010s Peru’s extreme poverty rate was now 6%, less than half of the rate at the start of the millennium. USAID in Peru was proving to be a successful partnership.
The Current Situation
The COVID-19 pandemic certainly caused the attention of USAID in Peru to shift quite suddenly, focusing immediately on health care for those suffering from the virus.
Since then, USAID has committed again to several key programs that will build on the progress they have already made. In 2021, the U.S. government announced plans to supply the Peruvian government with $321 million in funds for cooperative programs until 2026.
The key areas that will be targeted with this investment are the development of legitimate trading chains across the country for reliable incomes, increasing government transparency to reduce corruption and creating legislation to protect Peru’s natural resources — the Amazon rainforest in particular.
What Does the Future Hold?
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the projection for the immediate future of Peru’s economy is uncertain. Many external factors could severely impair Peru’s growth and create roadblocks in USAID’s plans. The IMF states “Key domestic risks include an intensification of political uncertainty, social unrest over political developments and natural disasters.”
However, the IMF also highlights how Peru has a very strong framework to deal with unfamiliar territories and global financial events. The public debt of the country is the lowest across all of mainland South America.
As for USAID, there is no plan to slow down. In February 2023 over $8 million was invested alongside Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) to push sustainable practices in coffee farming. Greater training and access to different markets will allow farmers to increase their revenue over a five-year period. Peru is the largest exporter of organic coffee in the world so increasing the capability of less developed systems will allow for uncapped opportunity.
The future of Peru is uncertain, but with the partnership of USAID, the government has a powerful ally to work alongside. The entire working relationship has proved to be one of USAID’s greatest successes and future projects plan to only improve the standard that has been set. USAID in Peru is the blueprint for other countries to follow and hopefully allows millions across the globe to step above the poverty line.
– Oliver Rayner
Photo: Flickr
Goat Loan Schemes and Malnutrition in Darfur
The Ongoing Crisis in Darfur: Basics
In recent months, Sudan’s western region of Darfur has been embroiled in ongoing civil conflict. For the last two decades, the area has been restive and is currently suffering from ongoing military rivalries. Perhaps the most striking implication of the hostilities is an unprecedented refugee crisis, which has displaced up to 1.5 million Sudanese civilians.
Continued volatility on the ground has deprived the Darfur region of essential aid and support. One of the most pressing issues facing refugees is that of child malnutrition. UNICEF has estimated that 3.4 million children under the age of 5 are suffering from acute malnutrition in Sudan. This number has accelerated sharply since conflict broke out earlier this year.
With food shortages limiting daily meals, aid workers have noted a reduction in women’s breast milk as a result. A lack of breast milk can be detrimental to the growth and brain development of infants. While there are around 1,500 U.N.-based nutrition sites across Sudan, a relatively small proportion of these in Darfur means that infant malnutrition can go undetected.
Kids for Kids Goat Loan Scheme
Since 2001, Kids for Kids (KFK) has been working to provide solutions for malnutrition in Darfur. One project undertaken by the group has not only shown great promise on the ground but has influenced other aid groups and public figures to follow suit. It has been regarded as one of the best microfinance schemes to date.
After seeing firsthand the effects of malnutrition in Darfur, KFK CEO Patricia Parker implemented a goat loan scheme. Goat milk is often the only source of nutrition for infants and children in Darfur, and is relied upon heavily by families in the region.
In order to sustain the poorest households in KFK-adopted villages, five nanny goats are loaned to the poorest 15% of communities over a two-year period. After this time, during which a shared billy goat helps to breed a flock of kids, nanny goats are passed to another family in need.
Encouraging Science
Milk from the flock serves as a vital source of protein for babies and young children. Health professionals have advocated the use of goat milk in combating infant malnutrition in recent years.
Recent studies suggest that goat milk proteins are more easily digested than cow milk and can minimize symptoms of abdominal illness. This in turn prevents further malnutrition from diseases such as dysentery and parasitic infections. Moreover, goat milk has been shown to provide higher “satiating effects” in infants thus reducing prolonged hunger.
Commitment to Goat Breeding
Goat husbandry combats infant malnutrition in Darfur while also remaining an integral source of household income. It is particularly apposite in small, developing communities owing to low-cost, low-feed requirements. Goats are able to survive on dried twigs and leaves and can find sustenance in arid climates. Excess milk can also be sold to the rest of the community for profit.
As such, KFK has robust measures in place to ensure that goat flocks continue to alleviate poverty and starvation at a community level. Husbandry training is provided to educate families about harmful plants and disease prevention. KFK has also introduced an Animal Loan Committee and a Children’s Shepherds’ Committee. The former oversees animal care on a weekly basis, while the latter educates children on raising goats. This is particularly important as children in Darfur are often tasked with caring for flocks.
As many as 310,000 Darfuri civilians across 70 villages are currently benefiting from KFK’s work. The success of the Goat Loan Scheme has resulted in further projects involving chicken and donkey husbandry.
The Ongoing Influence of KFK
The success of KFK has influenced celebrities and other notables to take action against infant malnutrition in Darfur. These include British celebrities such as Joanna Lumley, Miriam Margolyes and Timothy West. Locally, the Wali (governor) of northern Darfur has started his own goat loan project based on the successes of the organization.
– Cara Jenkins
Photo: Flickr
How the HIPC Initiative Provides Debt Relief
Understanding the HIPC initiative
The HIPC initiative, formally known as the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, was initiated in 1996 by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank and marked a pivotal moment in global efforts to alleviate the overwhelming debt burdens afflicting impoverished nations. Its primary mission was unambiguous: to ensure that no impoverished country would be ensnared by an unmanageable debt load, a situation that often hindered economic development, social progress and the attainment of critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In 2005, acknowledging the pressing need to expedite progress toward the United Nations’ SDGs, the HIPC Initiative received a significant boost through the introduction of the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). This complementary framework provided countries successfully completing the HIPC process with an exceptional opportunity to receive full, 100% debt relief on eligible debts from the IMF, the World Bank and the African Development Fund.
At the core of the HIPC Initiative’s effectiveness lies the concept of the “decision point.” At this juncture, the Executive Boards of the IMF and the World Bank formally assess a country’s eligibility for debt relief. Simultaneously, the international community commits to reducing the country’s debt to a sustainable level, marking a critical stride towards economic rejuvenation and stability. Upon reaching the decision point, the beneficiary country becomes eligible for interim debt relief, providing immediate relief from the suffocating weight of debt.
Nevertheless, securing full debt reduction under the HIPC Initiative demands the fulfillment of specific criteria:
Meeting these rigorous criteria represents a significant achievement, as it designates a country’s attainment of its “completion point,” entitling the nation to receive the full debt relief commitments made at the decision point. Impressively, among the 39 countries initially eligible or potentially eligible for HIPC Initiative assistance, an outstanding 36 have successfully reached their completion points, thereby securing comprehensive debt relief from the IMF and other creditors.
The Multi-Faceted Impact of Debt Relief
The HIPC initiative, with its comprehensive approach, exerts a multi-faceted impact on heavily indebted poor countries (HIPCs) that extends well beyond the realm of alleviating financial burdens. It serves as a potent catalyst for comprehensive socio-economic transformation within heavily indebted poor countries (HIPCs). By attaining debt sustainability, these nations can redirect their focus towards vital structural adjustments, effectively laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term development.
In a world where achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — and therefore an equitable and sustainable future — necessitates significant investments in infrastructure, human capital and resilience regarding changing weather, debt relief stands as an indispensable instrument.
To date, 37 countries, notably 31 of them in Africa, have successfully accessed debt relief through the HIPC Initiative and the MDRI, reaffirming their pivotal role in promoting global development.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Challenges and the way forward for the HIPC initiative underscore the complexities inherent in addressing the debt crises faced by heavily indebted poor countries (HIPCs). While the Initiative plays a vital role in debt relief and development assistance, it operates within financial limitations and confronts the formidable constraints imposed by HIPC governments’ policies and institutions. These realities must temper expectations for the Initiative to yield transformative outcomes.
To achieve its multifaceted objectives, HIPCs must adopt sound policy frameworks and pursue balanced development strategies. This necessitates commitment and action on the part of the HIPC governments themselves.
Donors, on the other hand, must confront the challenge of ensuring adequate resources are available to finance the development priorities of HIPCs and other impoverished nations. It is imperative that HIPC debt relief supplements, rather than substitutes for, existing aid flows.
Moreover, the limited coverage of the HIPC Initiative, initially targeting only 40 out of approximately 51 eligible countries, points to the pressing need for a more inclusive approach. Many countries remain in dire need of debt remission.
Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from both HIPCs and the international community. It calls for an expanded and flexible approach that adapts to evolving circumstances while maintaining a focus on alleviating the debt burdens that hinder sustainable development and poverty reduction in these nations.
Looking Ahead
The HIPC initiative serves as a testament to international collaboration and solidarity in the battle against the pernicious cycle of poverty and debt. By affording vulnerable nations the opportunity to liberate themselves from the shackles of unsustainable debt, it paves the way for a brighter and more equitable future, wherein economies can flourish, and societies can thrive, one debt at a time.
– Hannah Klifa
Photo: Unsplash
Niger’s Coup and New Avenue for Advancement in West Africa
Among the noteworthy uprisings, a chain of revolts appears to challenge established power dynamics and power holders of the past decade. Of most significance are the military-orchestrated coups of 2020 and 2021 in Mali, the political upheaval that engulfed Chad in 2021, the decisive 2021 Sudanese coup d’état that overthrew long-standing leader Omar al-Bashir, both 2022 uprisings in Burkina Faso, and finally the 2023 coups in Niger and Gabon.
The latest shifts in the regional political landscape serve as reminders of the underlying challenges facing the Sahel, forcing consideration of alternative routes to attaining regional sustenance and growth. Notably, the 2023 military takeover in Niger highlights the devastation insurgency can bear on critical aid and developmental support to West Africa, while also prompting consideration of alternative avenues for growth, including prospects for greater self-sufficiency as well as increased regional cohesion.
Niger’s Coup
Niger had been heavily reliant on international assistance before its coup in 2023. External budget support and loans made up nearly half of the Nigerien annual budget, entailing approximately $2 billion in development aid. Consequent sanctions by the international communities in response to the coup bear significant threats to the livelihood of Nigeriens. Markedly, the international reaction included the EU’s suspension of all budgetary support and security collaborations with Niger, the World Bank’s suspension of disbursements and The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) extensive sanctions on the country.
ECOWAS sanctions included the cancellation of a planned $51 million bond issuance and espousing uncertainties regarding international debt repayment. The cessation of power supply from Nigeria and strict border restrictions amplified the impact, already leading to prolonged power outages, economic concerns across sectors and a 17% increase in the price of rice witnessed within the first week of sanctions.
Unveiling the Potential for Further Deterioration in Niger
Potential further implications for Niger arising from international and regional sanctions encompass diminished remittance inflow which had reached an all-time high of $534 million in 2022. Frozen banking activities and suspended foreign assistance also pose large impediments restraining the government budget as well as the state’s humanitarian response capabilities. Consequently, vital activities of ongoing lean season food distributions and subsidized sales of essential commodities are inhibited. Border closures and halted donor funding also directly impact ongoing humanitarian aid efforts, constricting imports of critical items for the treatment and prevention of malnutrition. Finally, the sanctions’ ripple effects could also further escalate inflationary pressures, while Niger still lacks the fiscal flexibility to counter such costs in the short-to-medium term.
Hope for Niger: Exploring Potential Avenues for Advancement
The fortification of resilience and self-sufficiency in Niger can begin to be fostered through the utilization of available resources as well as support from select neighboring countries. As the seventh largest supplier of uranium in the world, and already accounting for 70% of France’s electricity production, Niger can strive to play a larger role in meeting international nuclear energy requirements.
Concurrently, the military government of Niger has announced the reopening of borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali and Chad. From amongst its neighbors, Mali and Burkina Faso, have already signaled solidarity by planning a joint official delegation to support Niger, while Algeria continues to emerge as an ally in Niger’s positive trajectory. While urging the reinstatement of constitutional order, Algeria advocates for a peaceful diplomatic resolution that would enable it to honor its long-standing commitment to building deeper political, security, and economic relations with Niger. The notable collaboration in 2022, wherein Algeria, Nigeria and Niger united under a memorandum of understanding to erect a trans-Saharan natural gas pipeline, exemplifies this bond. With an estimated value of $13 billion, the visionary initiative holds the potential to channel up to 30 billion cubic meters of supplies to Europe annually.
Prospects for Deeper Regional Integration
A heightened regional political and economic integration holds substantial potential for regional self-sufficiency and growth. For example, the diverse economic structures within the region encompassing both oil exporters and importers, with varying degrees of reliance on agriculture, extractive industries and manufacturing provide a foundation for mutual fulfillment of economic needs.
In 2019, ECOWAS embarked on a path toward forging a common monetary union, as part of more profound economic integration to better build regional resilience and cooperation. The inaugural meeting of the working group convened in Abuja in April 2019 saw Dr. Ko Konadu Apraku, the Commissioner for Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research of the ECOWAS, underscoring the integration of a common monetary union as a foundational aspect of ECOWAS’ vision.
Dr. Apraku emphasized the transformative potential of a singular ECOWAS currency that could help comprehensive social, cultural and economic metamorphosis within the region. By committing to robust policy and institutional frameworks capable of striking a favorable balance between benefits and risks, leaders could propel the economic prosperity and well-being of ECOWAS countries, aligning with the vision that the African Union set for realization by 2034. During the meeting, participants went so far as to schedule future conventions aimed at proposing the name and design of the ECOWAS currency. However, despite the aspirations of the ECOWAS member states to achieve a unified monetary and currency union, various delays have marked the journey.
Looking Ahead
While models of African monetary unions do exist, they remain exclusive and largely stagnant as is evident with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) that encompasses eight ECOWAS primarily francophone nations. The WAEMU shares the CFA franc, which is pegged to the Euro and dates back to 1945. However, questions linger regarding the continuity of the French Treasury’s pledge to ensure the CFA franc-to-euro convertibility at a fixed parity in the face of an expansion or modification of the CFA monetary zone. While obstacles persist in the face of plans for the development of the West African Monetary Zone currency, they remain underway with the eventual goal of merging the new note with the CFA to create a unified stable currency for West and Central Africa.
Moreover, as the COVID-19 pandemic reignited discourse across Africa concerning instruments of enhanced regional cooperation, it may be reasonable to hope that in light of Niger’s coup, the fervor for regional integration might similarly rise to encourage decisive strides toward fostering a united front in the face of recent challenges. As their potential of generating a more resilient and cohesive environment warrants, Niger could strive to reduce susceptibility to external shocks and dependency on foreign aid, while fostering greater economic and political stability across Central and West Africa’s Sahel.
– Nadia Asaad
Photo: Flickr