Social and economic progress in Haiti has suffered negative impacts from factors such as natural disasters, political unrest and violence. According to the World Bank, Haiti ranks as the poorest nation in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region. Due to high levels of poverty and food insecurity, international aid efforts have not yet yielded desired results. However, agroecology seems to be steering Haiti toward the direction of progress.
Haiti’s Problems
The political landscape in the country has been tumultuous. After years of dictatorship since the late 1950s which drained Haiti economically, it had its first democratically elected leaders in the 1990s. Nonetheless, prevalent corruption and multiple coupes prevented the national government from bringing positive change to Haiti. More recently, in 2021, the country’s former president Jovenel Moïse was assassinated. Gang-related violence has also been a threat in many parts of the country.
On top of these struggles, Haiti is vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The World Bank reports that “more than 96% of the population is exposed to these types of shocks.” A devastating earthquake struck the country in 2010, killing 220,000 people and causing significant damage. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, “at $8 billion, basic reconstruction costs surpassed the country’s annual GDP.” In 2021, an earthquake struck the country and caused more than 2,000 deaths.
All these challenges have contributed to a rise in poverty in Haiti. According to the World Bank, the nation had a Gross National Income (GNI) of $1,420 in 2021. This was the lowest in the LAC region which had an average GNI of $15,092 around the same period. The World Bank’s reports suggest that Haiti’s economy has been in decline since 2019.
Past Aid
Haiti has received aid from the global community in times of need. For example, the U.S. has been providing much of its aid through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In January 2023, USAID pledged $56.5 million to fight the current cholera outbreak in Haiti. Also, since 2010, the U.S. has provided more than $5.6 billion to support the country.
The European Union also assists Haiti in times of vulnerability, and this was the case during the 2010 and 2021 earthquakes. Since 1994, the EU has spent €471.5 million in aid to Haiti. Other organizations like the British Red Cross also provide vital support during natural disasters.
While these efforts have evidently helped Haiti achieve results in difficult times, the issues of poverty and food insecurity still remain in the country.
Agroecology in Haiti
Agriculture is a major part of Haitian people’s lives, with around 30% of Haiti’s workforce depending on it. In response to this, organizations such as Partenariat pour le Développement Local (PDL) are exploring agroecology as a potential solution to poverty and food insecurity.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), “agroecology is an integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of food and agricultural systems.” It explores the interconnectedness of the various elements of an ecosystem and utilizes it to increase agricultural productivity.
The Haiti Center for Agroecology (HCA) aims to utilize this unique aspect of agroecology to boost the agricultural productivity of local subsistence farmers. The HCA believes that industrial agriculture and mass production can push nations like Haiti into depending on international support. For this reason, the organization works toward educating and supporting farmers through the principles of agroecology, while strengthening the local economy and environment. It offers various on-site research and educational opportunities that focus on improving food security and self-reliance.
As an NGO and member of Groundswell International, PDL plays a significant role in advocating for agroecology in Haiti. Groundswell International is a coalition of organizations promoting agroecology in the Americas, Africa and Asia. PDL’s mission includes empowering local communities and farmers to sustain themselves.
Haiti Agroecology Reports and Policies
A report by the Economic of Land Degradation (ELD) states that PDL endorses “the 13 agroecological principles consolidated by the international High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition in July 2019, based on the 10 elements proposed by the FAO in 2018, as well as the gradual transformation of agri-food systems from farm to wider societal levels.”
Since government programs that support agriculture in Haiti are minimal, PDL aims to decrease the reliance of local farmers on external support by creating farmer communities and associations and teaching them self-reliance.
Typically, PDL organizes up to 15 people into small groups called gwoupman. Each group comprises people working toward shared interests. Having multiple gwoupman within a village allows farmers to share agroecological concepts and resolve any issues by themselves. In essence, gwoupman groups enable easy connection or communication between communities across several villages.
The ELD Initiative released a policy brief based on a study in which PDL and Groundswell International took part. It showed that embracing agroecology leads to increased productivity, water retention, carbon sequestration and food security, along with reduced topsoil loss and mudslides.
The study revealed the economic benefits of agroecology over conventional farming. According to the study, conventional farmers make only half as much income as farmers that implement agroecology.
What’s Next?
Several studies have shown that agroecology can help in alleviating food insecurity in Haiti. While the country’s poverty issues persist, organizations like PDL and Groundswell International continue to make progress in getting local farmers to adopt agroecology. With more progress, there may yet be hope for economic prosperity in the future.
– Siddhant Bhatnagar
Photo: Flickr
How NetHope is Helping to Connect Rohingya Refugees
The Current Situation
The Rohingya, an ethnic and religious minority, have long endured oppression in their native land of Myanmar. As early as 1978, the military perpetrated numerous atrocities against the Rohingya, including mass killings and arson, prompting the exodus of 200,000 individuals from the country. In 1982, the government formally revoked the Rohingya’s citizenship, rendering them stateless. In the early 1990s, another wave of Rohingya sought refuge in Bangladesh to escape forced labor and religious persecution.
Living as Muslims in a nation where a majority of the population practices Buddhism, the Rohingya have been victims of anti-Rohingya violence fueled by ultra-religious nationalism. Senior Buddhist monks even participated when the first wave of mass killings of Rohingya began in 2012 following clashes between Muslims and Buddhists.
However, in 2017, the anti-Rohingya violence escalated to a mass scale. Following an attack by a group of Rohingya militants, the government responded with brutal military force targeting the entire Rohingya population. This unleashed a series of mass killings, village burnings, lootings and even sexual violence, widely recognized as genocide. Within three months, these atrocities forced nearly 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. Since then, the refugee population has continued to grow, and the dire situation remains unresolved.
Life in the Camps
The majority of Rohingya continue to reside in refugee camps in Bangladesh, enduring harsh living conditions and poverty. A study published by Burma Human Rights Network in February 2022 revealed that 93% of interviewed Rohingya reported inadequate access to food, while 50% expressed limited access to medical assistance. Furthermore, those interviewed highlighted the prevalence of crime within the camps, including arson, human trafficking and drug abuse.
Adding to their plight, the Bangladeshi government has displayed little to no cooperation and even oppression toward the Rohingya. Some refugees allege that the security forces responsible for safeguarding the camps themselves engage in abuse. Additionally, refugees face restrictions on employment and education outside the camps, as Bangladesh fears it may lead to their permanent settlement.
NetHope Steps In
NetHope, a “consortium of over 60 leading global nonprofits,” is trying to help the Rohingya by bringing them safe and reliable power and internet. The organization’s overall goal, both in this endeavor and in general, is to utilize modern technology to provide innovative solutions to humanitarian and development problems.
Member participants of NetHope have been operating in the Bangladesh/Myanmar region since 2017 to assess the Rohingya situation, formulate solutions and implement change. These participants found that improving internet access to the camps would, “have a deeply beneficial effect on the humanitarian response and can help responding agencies to overcome a number of critical challenges.” This conclusion came about after realizing that better internet access could help in managing the camps, as well as create better communication with NGO agencies and foreign governments.
Fortunately, NetHope and its acting partners have made some headway in achieving some results. In early 2020, workers on the ground constructed “eight wireless base station towers” to support a network for better communication among aid workers.
Looking Ahead
NetHope noted there is still room for much work in the effort to connect Rohingya refugees to the rest of the world. So far, the organization has formulated several possible solutions to building a wider, more accessible internet network inside the camps. However, these would require cooperation from the Bangladeshi government, as well as a stable power supply among other things. But with more diplomatic effort, there is hope for a brighter future for the Rohingya.
– Jonathon Crecelius
Photo: Flickr
Child Vaccination in South Sudan
However, in South Sudan, poverty hinders the nation’s efforts to improve child immunization rates. The country has one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates; its fragile health system has suffered further from years of conflict and displacement. In addition, the country faces an acute shortage of health care workers, with only one doctor for every 65,000 people, making it difficult to provide essential health services, including immunization, to all children in need.
Child Vaccination in South Sudan
According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) immunization dashboard for South Sudan, in 2021, the estimated coverage rates for DTP3 (three doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine) and MCV1 (one dose of measles-containing vaccine) were both 49%. These rates indicate an improvement from previous years but still fall below the global average of 81% in the same year.
Efforts for Higher Immunization Coverage
UNICEF and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, have been working to improve child immunization rates in South Sudan. UNICEF is providing technical and financial assistance to the Ministry of Health to improve the delivery and monitoring of vaccines. At the same time, GAVI has been funding vaccines and cold chain equipment since 2021.
In November 2020, UNICEF launched a major vaccination campaign that vaccinated more than 2.4 million children in South Sudan against polio. The campaign aims to reach children under the age of 5 in high-risk areas, including hard-to-reach and conflict-affected zones.
The collaboration between the government and its partners and the dedication of health workers who confronted security challenges and harsh terrain have reached children in remote areas. Despite the challenges, the campaign reached more than 90% of the targeted children, ensuring protection against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
To improve child immunization rates in South Sudan, UNICEF, WHO and the Ministry of Health launched a nationwide campaign in February 2020. The campaign aimed to reach 2.5 million children and included an integrated approach to combat measles, vitamin A deficiency and worm infections. In addition to the vaccines, vitamin A supplements and deworming tablets, UNICEF engaged communities across South Sudan to provide information about the importance of these interventions; it also urges caregivers to ensure that their children are properly protected. GAVI and SIDA, two organizations dedicated to promoting immunization programs worldwide, support the campaign.
Looking Ahead: Child Vaccination in South Sudan
Efforts to improve child immunization rates in South Sudan are making progress despite the challenges posed by poverty and a fragile health system. Collaborative initiatives led by UNICEF, GAVI and the Ministry of Health are working to enhance the delivery and monitoring of vaccines, reaching children in even the most remote and conflict-affected areas. Major vaccination campaigns have successfully protected millions of children against diseases like polio, demonstrating the dedication of health workers and the resilience of communities. With continued support and integrated approaches, child immunization rates in South Sudan can further improve, ensuring a healthier future for its young population.
– Amber Kim
Photo: Flickr
The State of Renewable Energy in Jamaica
The State of Energy Reliance in Jamaica
Jamaica primarily relies on fossil fuels, particularly oil, for energy production. Around 89% of all energy comes from such sources, with renewables making up 11% combined — solar accounts for only 1%. Since Jamaica imports a majority of its oil from other countries, it is subject to high prices. The cost of imported oil surpassed the profit from exported goods by almost 118% in 2010. As such, the continued use of fossil fuels is not sustainable for the country’s economy or environment.
Its energy insecurity is exacerbated by incredibly and consistently high amounts of wasted energy. For example, Jamaica Public Service Co., the country’s primary distributor, lost nearly 27% of the power it generated in 2017. This loss amounted to more than $301 million. Still, it primarily relies on fossil fuels despite the problems of inefficient infrastructure and high import costs.
How Energy Affects Poverty in Jamaica
Many Jamaicans pay high amounts of money to power their homes and businesses to compensate for import and waste costs. Oil can fluctuate in price, so relying on it puts people in a poor position financially. Out of 82 low-to-middle-income countries experiencing high rates of energy poverty, Jamaica has the highest energy poverty status because it lacks proper energy infrastructure.
Is Jamaica Making Progress?
Even though most of Jamaica’s energy comes from fossil fuels, current trends suggest that this may not continue to be the case. Multiple organizations have already taken steps to implement more renewable power sources. For example, the Jamaica Energy Security and Efficiency Enhancement Project decreased oil dependency by 24% in only seven years. It also developed sources of replenishable energy that Jamaicans can rely on.
The country is also receiving international assistance. The Global Environment Facility gave it a $1.25 million grant to switch hospitals to renewable energy mixes. Based on projections, this can result in saving $3.5 million while reducing energy consumption by 22% yearly. This change directly impacts poverty because it lessens the cost of power in critical sectors, translating to savings for Jamaican citizens.
The Impact of Renewable Energy on Jamaica
Many organizations are working to increase renewable energy to lessen poverty. For example, the founders of Radiant Energy Ltd. believe more clean power could strengthen Jamaica’s economy. Since high costs prevent growth and contribute to poverty, the organization provides clean electricity at a lower price than fossil fuels.
As a result of combined efforts, oil usage took only one year to drop from 104,408 terajoules to 58,276 terajoules in 2020. The reliance on fossil fuels still impacts poverty, but Jamaicans are steadily improving their renewable energy use.
Looking Ahead
Jamaica is working to make energy more accessible and affordable. For example, it exempts solar panels and wind turbines from certain taxes. The country continues to make notable progress in its transition towards renewable energy sources, signaling a promising future for the country’s economy and environment. Initiatives such as implementing domestic ethanol blends and exploring innovative solutions like floating solar panels demonstrate Jamaica’s commitment to sustainable energy alternatives. And as renewable energy becomes more accessible, there is hope that Jamaica can alleviate poverty by reducing power costs, fostering economic growth and creating a more resilient and environmentally conscious society.
– Jane Marsh
Photo: Flickr
The Rise of Women’s Rights in Rwanda
After the devastating impacts of the 1994 Genocide, which destroyed the social fabric of the country and left millions dead, Rwanda has become a nation with a stable and competent government. After this tragedy ended, 70% of Rwanda’s population was female and they implemented various interventions to rebuild the nation, beginning with the relief and transitional period toward a stable, economically and socially altered country. Rwanda has progressed in terms of gender equality rights, becoming one of the world’s female leading countries.
Women in Government
Over the past 20 years, women’s political participation has been significant and a major focus for inclusive development. Rwanda stands out globally for its efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment, especially in political participation. In fact, it was the first country to have a majority of women in its legislative body. Women hold 52% of the cabinet positions and nearly two-thirds of the parliamentary seats.
Gender Equality in Rwanda
Rwanda formed legal mechanisms and institutions to promote women’s rights and the abolition of discrimination against women and girls. Also, it mainstreamed gender commitments into several policies and strategic plans. The Global Gender Gap Report 2020 ranked Rwanda among the top 10 countries to have eliminated the gender gap.
One of Rwanda’s accomplishments is the decline of maternal mortality rates due to women having better access to affordable and high-quality health care. Rwanda is leading the HeForShe campaign globally with more than 200,000 signatories. The campaign aims to bridge the gender digital divide, tripling girls’ enrolment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and ending gender-based violence. As the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digitalization of all services, the country took a courageous move to lead the Generation Equality Action Coalition Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality and committed to eradicating the digital gender gap by 2026.
In 2016, Rwanda ranked fifth on the Global Gender Gap Index. This index focuses on equality in health, education and economics, while the World Economic Forum measures the gender gap index based on how far each nation has come in eradicating the gender gap.
Labor Rights
Women hold 86% of the labor force participation, resulting in a narrower wage gap. In Rwanda, women earn 88 cents for every dollar men earn. For comparison, women in the United States (U.S.) earn 83 cents for every dollar men earn. Finally, women in Rwanda can now benefit from three months of paid maternity leave under the law, making it easier for them to return to work while nurturing a family.
A supportive legal and policy framework has contributed to promoting women’s rights in Rwanda, making it much easier for them to advance their interests across many sectors. Rwanda revised its 2003 Constitution in 2015, stating that it enshrines the values of gender equality and women’s rights. It also provides for at least a 30% quota for women in all decision-making bodies.
Looking Ahead
Rwanda’s remarkable progress in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment is evident through its strong representation of women in government, the decline in maternal mortality rates, the narrowing wage gap and supportive legal framework. Through comprehensive policies and initiatives, the country has successfully positioned itself as a frontrunner in promoting women’s rights and inclusivity. Ultimately, Rwanda’s supportive framework and dedication to women’s rights have paved the way for a more equitable and prosperous society.
– Lilit Natalia Manoukian
Photo: Flickr
Can Technology Bridge Ethiopia’s Education Divide?
The Rural/Urban Divide
Underscoring poverty’s inordinate effect on rural Ethiopians, as of 2016, the country’s rural poverty rate was 26%, compared to an urban poverty rate of 15%. With only about 23% of Ethiopia’s population currently living in urban areas, this divide is alarming. In fact, more than three-quarters of Ethiopians, and most of the country’s poor, live in rural areas and rely upon agriculture for food and income.
To help Ethiopia’s rural poor, the World Bank has emphasized the need to develop better infrastructure, adopt more modern agricultural techniques, increase levels of connectivity and create opportunities for non-agricultural employment. While the country has already made some progress in these areas, more work is necessary to bring the level of rural development up to that of urban areas.
In 2011, “36% of rural children were out of school compared to 13% of urban children,” and, as recently as 2020, “less than 20% of children from very poor households finished primary school.”
One Laptop per Child
Back in 2005, at the MIT campus, One Laptop Per Child came up with a plan to eradicate the education gap between countries by equipping children in underdeveloped nations with modern technology. Since its founding, the nonprofit organization has provided more than 3 million laptops to children in more than 64 countries, including Rwanda, Ghana and Kenya.
In February 2011, the One Laptop Per Child team decided to expand its efforts to rural Ethiopia. The team distributed educational tablets to around 20 schoolchildren in two remote villages, each around 50 miles outside the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. The children had little to no education and were illiterate.
The results were a success. Although the children received no instruction on how to operate the devices, within weeks they had learned how to use them, experimenting with pre-installed apps to teach themselves the ABCs and English words. After five months, some children had even learned how to customize the tablets’ settings, all without teachers or a classroom setting.
A Blueprint for Success?
The success of One Laptop Per Child’s initiative to help educate rural Ethiopian children is inspiring. Exemplifying technology’s potential to help bridge Ethiopia’s education divide, such initiatives can complement the work of other nonprofits like Together We Learn. Currently working to improve children’s education in Ethiopia, Together We Learn has built new and improved schools with updated infrastructure, sponsored education for children from impoverished families and provided teacher training, among other efforts. It has thus far sponsored the education of 870 Ethiopian children and improved the lives of 11,500 students through its literacy training.
What’s Next?
The successful implementation of One Laptop Per Child’s educational tablets in rural Ethiopia showcases the potential of technology in bridging the education divide. This initiative, along with the work of organizations like Together We Learn, offers hope for improving access to education and reducing illiteracy rates in the country. By combining technology-driven solutions with infrastructure development and comprehensive support, Ethiopia can continue to make progress in addressing poverty and improving the lives of its population, both in rural and urban areas.
– Jonathon Crecelius
Photo: Flickr
Substance Abuse Among Refugees
Refugees and other immigrants are at higher risk for substance abuse due to the poverty they experience, regardless of the region they come from. More than 100 million people worldwide are displaced and 85% live in developing host countries that already struggle with high poverty rates. This reality puts refugees, especially the young, at a greater risk of developing substance use disorders.
Poverty as a Risk Factor
Poverty is one of the greatest risk factors for substance use and addiction. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), poverty and belonging to a disadvantaged community make young people more vulnerable to substance abuse and mental health issues.
Researcher and UNODC adviser Maria Melchior confirms that people’s development of substance use issues and mental health disorders usually begins during childhood, and those from less advantaged backgrounds are at a higher risk. These individuals often struggle with substance use issues throughout parenthood, negatively affecting their children and causing them to develop similar habits.
Substance Use Prevalence
Studies have revealed elevated levels of substance abuse rates among refugees, given the high rates of poverty in refugee groups. A 2021 study on refugee youths in Serbia found that among the respondents, over a quarter regularly smoked tobacco, 13% consumed alcohol and many others tried marijuana, LSD, various forms of cocaine and other substances. The study also found that nearly half of the respondents demonstrated significant difficulties in peer relations and about 30% demonstrated emotional distress and issues of conduct.
High rates of substance use and addiction can be found among refugees in developed countries as well. Due in large part to abuse, trauma and mental health challenges, many refugees cope by turning to alcohol and/or illicit drugs. For example, in the United States, more than one-third of Burmese refugees were found to have consumed alcohol in hazardous amounts, with similarly high rates among Ugandan and Nepalese male refugees as well.
Similar issues persist in Germany, a country that leads all developed countries in the number of refugees hosted. A study on refugees in Germany found that living conditions for refugees generally were dominant in refugees’ substance use habits and the availability of certain drugs. The data conveys the impression that most refugees who misuse substances live in refugee shelters. Along with living conditions, social relations with peers and families were also identified as important factors.
Prevention and Treatment
Experts have hope for potential solutions to substance abuse among refugee communities. A 2018 report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) suggests that community-based, peer-led programs and training healthcare workers in substance use treatment may be effective in low-resource and refugee settings. While more research is needed, similar approaches have proven to be successful in fighting diseases like HIV.
One successful program is Strong Families, which was launched in 2010 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The program aims to support caregivers in becoming better parents and strengthen positive family interactions. It helps families develop communication strategies around the issue of substance abuse to prevent coercive parenting. This approach was initially implemented in four Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh and is now being used in 22 countries.
Some of the results from this program have been very promising. For example, a 2020 study found that a Strong Families pilot program implemented in Afghanistan had a 93.1% retention rate and resulted in a 5% increase in the behavioral, emotional and social issues among enrolled children after several weeks. Parents in the program also demonstrated notable improvements in parenting skills.
Looking Ahead
While poverty and substance abuse demonstrate a strong correlation, there is hope for addressing these challenges, particularly among vulnerable populations such as refugees. Research and programs highlight the importance of early intervention and community-based approaches. Initiatives like the Strong Families program provide support to caregivers, empowering them to become better parents and fostering positive family dynamics. These efforts have shown promising results in improving parenting skills and the well-being of enrolled children. By focusing on prevention and treatment, there is potential to break the cycle of poverty and substance abuse, providing a brighter future for individuals and communities worldwide.
– Adam Cvik
Photo: Flickr
The Philanthropic Work of 5 Former Presidents
What’s Next?
These former U.S. presidents continue to make a positive impact on the international community long after leaving office. Through various initiatives and organizations, they address global challenges and strive to create a better world. From the Carter Center’s work in refugee resettlement and malaria prevention to the Clinton Foundation’s extensive efforts in disaster relief and education, these leaders leverage their influence to bring about positive change. The dedication of these former presidents serves as an inspiration, highlighting the potential for ongoing leadership and advocacy to shape a brighter future on a global scale.
– Josh Sobchak
Photo: Flickr
Hunger Crisis in Nigeria
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that approximately 25 million Nigerians are experiencing a hunger epidemic. The ongoing conflict in northeastern Nigeria, alongside a population boom, has exceeded the capacity for food production and economic development. The northeast region of Nigeria relies on agriculture and subsistence farming. Nonetheless, they face difficulties in harvesting their crops due to several factors.
Climate Crisis
Severe climate conditions have negatively impacted Nigeria’s food supply chain. Nigeria experiences intense and erratic rainfall, which is a recurring problem. In 2022, flooding damaged approximately 676,000 acres of agricultural land, contributing to rising levels of hunger and malnutrition, per the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Food production and agriculture have declined due to flooding, landslides and soil erosion. With high food prices, the limited supply remains unaffordable for most individuals. Additionally, water pollution exacerbates the situation, posing a threat to the environment and the health of local populations.
Armed Conflict and Violence
In Nigeria’s northeast, security concerns have resulted in violence between farming communities and herders, causing significant disruptions to the local food supply. The conflict and drought have prevented many farmers from growing crops, making it challenging for Nigerians to make ends meet and further straining the economy.
Gender Inequality
Gender inequality is a contributing factor to food insecurity in Nigeria. Women lack access to necessary resources and services to provide food security for their families, increasing food insecurity. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), reducing gender disparities would lead to higher economic growth, more efficient economic operations and a more stable economic environment.
Poverty
Poverty in Nigeria is primarily due to unemployment. The lack of job opportunities leaves many individuals without the means to support themselves and their families. Additionally, the deficient education system exacerbates the issue of the hunger epidemic threatening Nigerians.
Corruption at governmental levels has prevented investment in job creation and education initiatives, thereby worsening the poverty problem. This has resulted in stagnant economic growth and an increased income gap between the rich and the poor. The financial crisis has caused a decline in living standards for Nigerians.
Current Efforts and Solutions
Through its Nutrition & Health Programs, Action Against Hunger managed to reach 1.8 million people. Using its innovative program, “Porridge Moms,” homeless women and refugees learned how to prepare nutritious meals for their children, thereby preventing malnutrition. As part of the effort to prevent and treat malnutrition, approximately 822,000 pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children under 5 years of age got access to water, sanitation and hygiene programs.
The Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) has been actively implementing an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to prepare the country for natural hazards and climate risks. Furthermore, the ESMP has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental management and aimed to achieve greater ecological compliance.
As a result of the ESMP, agricultural lands previously degraded have been restored for agricultural purposes, leading to increased productivity and reduced hunger. Despite the negative impacts of climate change on farming land, vegetation and forests, the restoration process has led to the introduction of innovative employment methods.
Food vouchers and cash transfers are part of Save the Children’s support program to help families recover and settle. Several food system exchanges have been initiated by the Nigerian government in order to maintain weather information on a timely basis. Furthermore, the government aims to implement the Social Protection Law to identify and assist disaster victims.
What’s Next?
Initiatives that aid vulnerable populations improve market access and subsidize agriculture could accelerate progress in the fight against food insecurity in Nigeria. Additionally, promoting sustainable agricultural practices carry the potential to increase food production and reduce hunger.
– Simran Raghav
Photo: Flickr
The Impact of Deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire
Deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire
In Côte d’Ivoire, people cleared vast areas of forest for agriculture and timber extraction dating back to the colonial period. Nonetheless, population growth and an expanded desire for land and resources led to a sharp escalation in the extent of deforestation that occurred in the latter half of the 20th century.
Deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire has several factors, including illegal cocoa farming, agricultural expansion and logging for wood and charcoal. According to Global Forest Watch (GFW), the country, in 2010, had natural forest coverage of 13.9Mha, and this accounted for 43% of its total land area. However, by 2021, it experienced a loss of 182kha of natural forest.
The consequences of deforestation in the country are far-reaching, ranging from soil erosion to biodiversity loss and climate change. In addition, deforestation negatively affects the livelihoods of rural communities that rely on forests for their lives. Deforestation has led to water scarcity, lower agricultural productivity and increased poverty, especially for small-scale farmers.
Deforestation and Poverty
In Côte d’Ivoire, one-quarter of the population lives below the national poverty line. In 2017, the Earthworm Organization interviewed 755 people from 66 villages in the Cavally Reserve to investigate the causes of illegal cocoa farming. According to these interviews, many locals (86%) earn insufficient income to meet their basic needs; the primary reasons for the illegal cultivation of cocoa included a lack of alternative employment opportunities and extreme poverty.
Stopping Deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire
Reports suggest that halting deforestation and poverty in Côte d’Ivoire requires a multi-pronged approach. One of the critical solutions is to promote sustainable land use practices that protect the forest while improving the livelihoods of rural communities. Integrating trees into agricultural systems through agroforestry could be a critical solution to halting deforestation and poverty in the country.
other suggestions involve addressing the root causes of deforestation, such as weak forest governance, illegal logging and land grabbing. International cooperation and finance are also crucial for assisting sustainable forest management in Côte d’Ivoire. This entails encouraging ethical investment and trade, lowering the demand for non-sustainable goods and funding assisted conservation initiatives, according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Looking Ahead
In 2020, the Green Climate Fund approved an $11.8 million project by the FAO to promote zero-deforestation cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate change by stopping agriculture-related deforestation, improving productivity, conserving biodiversity, replenishing forest cover and improving the livelihood of the farmers. Around 7,550 farmers and 2 million smallholder producers will benefit directly. Additionally, around 600,000 smallholder producers will benefit indirectly.
Nestlé is also enhancing its environmentally responsible strategy to combat deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire. The Ivorian subsidiary of the company plans to strengthen its supply chain for cocoa in the country to guarantee the sustainability of the forests by training local farmers on agricultural practices and agroforestry. It also plans to distribute more than one million indigenous and fruit trees to make farms more climate resilient.
– Amber Kim
Photo: Flickr
Revitalizing Haiti with Agroecology
Haiti’s Problems
The political landscape in the country has been tumultuous. After years of dictatorship since the late 1950s which drained Haiti economically, it had its first democratically elected leaders in the 1990s. Nonetheless, prevalent corruption and multiple coupes prevented the national government from bringing positive change to Haiti. More recently, in 2021, the country’s former president Jovenel Moïse was assassinated. Gang-related violence has also been a threat in many parts of the country.
On top of these struggles, Haiti is vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The World Bank reports that “more than 96% of the population is exposed to these types of shocks.” A devastating earthquake struck the country in 2010, killing 220,000 people and causing significant damage. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, “at $8 billion, basic reconstruction costs surpassed the country’s annual GDP.” In 2021, an earthquake struck the country and caused more than 2,000 deaths.
All these challenges have contributed to a rise in poverty in Haiti. According to the World Bank, the nation had a Gross National Income (GNI) of $1,420 in 2021. This was the lowest in the LAC region which had an average GNI of $15,092 around the same period. The World Bank’s reports suggest that Haiti’s economy has been in decline since 2019.
Past Aid
Haiti has received aid from the global community in times of need. For example, the U.S. has been providing much of its aid through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In January 2023, USAID pledged $56.5 million to fight the current cholera outbreak in Haiti. Also, since 2010, the U.S. has provided more than $5.6 billion to support the country.
The European Union also assists Haiti in times of vulnerability, and this was the case during the 2010 and 2021 earthquakes. Since 1994, the EU has spent €471.5 million in aid to Haiti. Other organizations like the British Red Cross also provide vital support during natural disasters.
While these efforts have evidently helped Haiti achieve results in difficult times, the issues of poverty and food insecurity still remain in the country.
Agroecology in Haiti
Agriculture is a major part of Haitian people’s lives, with around 30% of Haiti’s workforce depending on it. In response to this, organizations such as Partenariat pour le Développement Local (PDL) are exploring agroecology as a potential solution to poverty and food insecurity.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), “agroecology is an integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of food and agricultural systems.” It explores the interconnectedness of the various elements of an ecosystem and utilizes it to increase agricultural productivity.
The Haiti Center for Agroecology (HCA) aims to utilize this unique aspect of agroecology to boost the agricultural productivity of local subsistence farmers. The HCA believes that industrial agriculture and mass production can push nations like Haiti into depending on international support. For this reason, the organization works toward educating and supporting farmers through the principles of agroecology, while strengthening the local economy and environment. It offers various on-site research and educational opportunities that focus on improving food security and self-reliance.
As an NGO and member of Groundswell International, PDL plays a significant role in advocating for agroecology in Haiti. Groundswell International is a coalition of organizations promoting agroecology in the Americas, Africa and Asia. PDL’s mission includes empowering local communities and farmers to sustain themselves.
Haiti Agroecology Reports and Policies
A report by the Economic of Land Degradation (ELD) states that PDL endorses “the 13 agroecological principles consolidated by the international High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition in July 2019, based on the 10 elements proposed by the FAO in 2018, as well as the gradual transformation of agri-food systems from farm to wider societal levels.”
Since government programs that support agriculture in Haiti are minimal, PDL aims to decrease the reliance of local farmers on external support by creating farmer communities and associations and teaching them self-reliance.
Typically, PDL organizes up to 15 people into small groups called gwoupman. Each group comprises people working toward shared interests. Having multiple gwoupman within a village allows farmers to share agroecological concepts and resolve any issues by themselves. In essence, gwoupman groups enable easy connection or communication between communities across several villages.
The ELD Initiative released a policy brief based on a study in which PDL and Groundswell International took part. It showed that embracing agroecology leads to increased productivity, water retention, carbon sequestration and food security, along with reduced topsoil loss and mudslides.
The study revealed the economic benefits of agroecology over conventional farming. According to the study, conventional farmers make only half as much income as farmers that implement agroecology.
What’s Next?
Several studies have shown that agroecology can help in alleviating food insecurity in Haiti. While the country’s poverty issues persist, organizations like PDL and Groundswell International continue to make progress in getting local farmers to adopt agroecology. With more progress, there may yet be hope for economic prosperity in the future.
– Siddhant Bhatnagar
Photo: Flickr