Poverty is a complex global issue that affects millions of people around the world. Despite ongoing efforts towards addressing global poverty, a large portion of the population could still be living in extreme poverty by 2030. The fact that inequality within countries has either increased or remained unchanged, leading to more global inequality, has compounded this situation.
Global Poverty Crisis
As of 2015, 736 million people still face poverty, with 10% of the world’s population living in extreme poverty and 1.3 billion people experiencing multidimensional poverty. The impact of poverty has been devastating on the health and education of the poorest individuals. It is essential to keep working towards reducing poverty and promoting equality globally to improve the lives of those affected.
The global poverty crisis is a daunting challenge that requires the collective effort of individuals, businesses and governments to solve. American businesses have a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of people around the world by taking practical steps to address global poverty. From providing job opportunities to donating resources and funds, there are many ways businesses can help fight poverty. American businesses can invest in companies and projects that promote sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. This can include investing in startups and small businesses that are working to create jobs and lift people out of poverty.
Responsible Investments
Responsible investment is one-way businesses can contribute to addressing global poverty, such as through the impact investment fund Root Capital. Root Capital has invested more than $1 billion in more than 700 businesses, helping more than 1.5 million people. Its work has enabled agricultural businesses to create jobs, incomes and choices for more than 2.4 million rural families.
Another example of responsible investment is Coca-Cola’s 5by20 initiative, which aims to empower 5 million women entrepreneurs by 2020. The initiative has provided resources, financing and training to more than 6 million women around the world.
Poverty Reduction Efforts Through Philanthropy
Several American businesses have made significant contributions to poverty reduction efforts through philanthropy. One notable example is Microsoft, which has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to organizations such as The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Global Fund is a partnership between governments, civil society and the private sector. It aims to accelerate the end of the three diseases by investing in prevention, treatment and care.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has partnered with the United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life program, which provides access to life-saving vaccines for children in developing countries. The program has helped to vaccinate millions of children against preventable diseases such as measles, pneumonia and polio.
The foundation has also donated billions of dollars toward health, education and development initiatives. Its Global Health Division has helped reduce the burden of diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, saving millions of lives in the process.
Takeda Pharmaceutical is another company that partnered with the Shot@Life program to “expand children’s access to life-saving measles vaccines in approximately 40 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.” Through this support, Takeda Pharmaceutical aims to help vaccinate millions of children by 2026, making a major contribution to reducing the prevalence of preventable diseases.
The Walmart Foundation is taking significant steps to address global poverty through philanthropy, committing to strengthening farmer-producer organizations in Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, India. This two-year project will provide farmers with training and capacity-building activities with a focus on improving their proficiency in sales, marketing and production techniques. This will help the farmers improve the quality and quantity of their output and ultimately increase their income.
Using Advocacy to Address Global Poverty
Advocacy is another important way that American businesses could contribute to addressing global poverty. By using their influence, businesses can call for systemic changes that address economic injustice and inequality, support initiatives that provide access to education and health care and lobby for government support for poverty-reduction initiatives.
One example of a business using advocacy to address poverty is Microsoft. The company has called on governments to invest in initiatives that provide access to technology to all citizens, regardless of socio-economic status.
Microsoft has also advocated for increased access to financial services for disadvantaged communities, recognizing that access to credit and financial resources are critical to economic growth and development. Through its advocacy efforts, Microsoft is promoting more equitable access to technology and finance, which can help to reduce poverty and promote economic development.
It has also promoted digital inclusion and access to technology through its Airband Initiative, which aims to expand internet access in underserved communities worldwide.
Bluetown, a company specializing in deploying last-mile technologies to expand rural access to high-speed internet and promote economic opportunities, has partnered with Microsoft’s Airband Initiative to accelerate connectivity projects in Ghana. The current internet penetration rate stands at only 32.5% in Ghana. To bridge this digital divide and promote economic development in these underserved communities, Bluetown and Microsoft are aiming to bring internet access to nearly 2 million people. This partnership demonstrates how innovative technology solutions and collaborative partnerships can make a meaningful and substantial difference.
Enhancing Customer Relations
Investing in addressing global poverty, not only promotes corporate social responsibility but also enhances customer relations. Companies that take steps towards reducing poverty can earn the support and loyalty of customers who appreciate their efforts. Furthermore, businesses can benefit from reduced costs and increased profits by investing in poverty reduction initiatives, leading to improved public opinion and financial gains.
Addressing global poverty also improves the quality of life for people in developing countries, including access to education, health care and other essential services, leading to better health and increased opportunities. This creates a more favorable business environment and attracts foreign investment.
In conclusion, addressing global poverty is a win-win situation for American businesses. By actively participating in poverty reduction efforts through responsible investment, philanthropy and advocacy, American businesses can create new markets, increase economic stability and improve the quality of life for people in developing countries. This leads to long-term sustainable economic growth for American businesses and a brighter future for all.
– Nkechi First
Photo: Flickr
Everything to Know about Hunger in India
India has emerged as a self-sufficient nation over the past three decades in terms of food production, according to the United Nations. Despite this, the country still has a serious hunger problem. Here is everything to know about hunger in India.
Defining and Measuring Hunger
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), “hunger is the habitual consumption of too few calories to provide the minimum dietary energy an individual requires to live a healthy and productive life based on a person’s sex, age, stature and physical activity level.”
A popular way of measuring hunger is through the Global Hunger Index (GHI), which considers four factors: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality.
Drawing on published data from sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund, GHI gives countries a score on a 100-point scale. The higher a country’s score, the more severe the level of hunger. The GHI’s annual assessment presents everything you need to know about hunger in India and other countries.
Since 2014, undernourishment levels have risen slightly nationwide from 14.8% to 16.3%. The 2022 Global Hunger Index ranked India 107th out of 121 countries. With a score of 29.1 on the GHI severity scale, India has a serious level of hunger.
The Good News
Ever since the Green Revolution in India, agriculture has played a significant role in reducing hunger in the country. According to the U.N., more than 70% of rural Indian households still depend on agriculture for their livelihood. As a result, India has seen tremendous growth in food production over the past few decades and is now a major exporter of agricultural products in the world.
Child stunting has dropped drastically from 54.2% to 35.5% between 2000 and 2022. Likewise, child mortality has also gone from 9.2% to 3.3% since 2000, according to the GHI.
Achieving these successes has been possible largely due to government help through subsidized rations on grains, and schemes, such as the 2013 National Food Security Act (NFSA), which increased India’s food distribution capabilities.
The Challenges
Despite the progress India has made toward ending hunger, many challenges lie ahead. The unpredictability brought on by changing weather patterns is causing problems for small-scale Indian farmers. Moreover, excessive chemical fertilizer use is causing land degradation and barrenness in parts of the country. The U.N. reports that 30% of the Indian administrative blocks have “unsustainable levels” of groundwater. More recently, COVID-19 has presented significant obstacles, pushing millions into unemployment and poverty, which, in turn, increased hunger levels in India.
The DAY-NRLM Initiative
From the government to NGOs, many people are trying to tackle hunger in India. The Indian government has introduced several schemes in the past that continue to make a difference today. Launched in 2011 to alleviate poverty, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) aims to reach out to 100 million rural poor households and provide them with employment opportunities.
Funds allocated to DAY-NRLM go toward “social mobilization, promotion and strengthening of self-managed and financially sustainable community institutions of the rural poor women; financial inclusion; sustainable livelihoods; social inclusion; social development and access to entitlements through convergence,” according to the Ministry of Rural Development’s website.
The NFSM and MNREGA
The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) is a scheme that aims to improve agriculture in India by assisting farmers. After the recommendation of India’s National Development Council, the central government launched NFSM in 2007.
The scheme’s objectives involve promoting a sustainable increase in crop production via “area expansion and productivity enhancement,” reestablishing optimal soil health and agricultural productivity “at the individual farm level” and increasing the profits of farmers.
NFSM has proven to be a massive success as India increased its food grain production by 20 million MT between 2007 and 2012. The scheme is currently undergoing implementation across 638 districts in India.
The Indian government also introduced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) in 2005 to give the country’s rural population employment opportunities. MNREGA provides “at least 100 of guaranteed wage employment in every financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work,” according to the Ministry of Rural Development’s website. For the year 2022-2023, MNREGA provided 2.69 billion employment days, benefiting 59.5 million low-income households who are able to meet their basic needs, including their food requirements.
While challenges remain, hunger in India can undergo eradication by helping farmers earn a livelihood sustainably, improving food production and food security and improving the quality of life in the poorest areas of the country.
– Siddhant Bhatnagar
Photo: Flickr
Near-Elimination of River Blindness in the Americas
Three decades ago, river blindness in the Americas stood as a major concern. However, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) by the end of February 2023, “the region of the Americas [had] largely eliminated the disease, with remaining local transmission only in some areas of the Amazon.” Following tens of years of efforts, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Guatemala successfully eliminated river blindness between 2013 and 2016, thanks to the work of several key organizations. The near-elimination of river blindness in the Americas has also brought economic benefits by decreasing the financial and social impacts of ill health.
Onchocerciasis/River Blindness
Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a parasitic disease that transmits to humans through the bite of infected Simulium blackflies. These blackflies typically breed in fast-flowing rivers, commonly found in rural areas.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms of river blindness can include extreme itching, skin disfiguration and in severe cases, visual impairment. Currently, no vaccine exists to protect against river blindness. However, the ivermectin drug, when administered on a six-month basis for 12 to 15 years, can prevent transmission of the disease.
The Impacts of River Blindness
Classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease, most of the people infected by river blindness (about 99%) live in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural areas that are prone to poverty.
River blindness is a debilitating disease that can hinder human progress in more ways than one. Some of the socio-economic impacts it can have are increasing hunger and poverty, causing vulnerability to other diseases and hindering education.
A study led by Caitlin Dunn and others, published in 2015, states that, in particular, river blindness exacerbates poverty by reducing agricultural yields, increasing medical expenses and decreasing worker productivity. To avoid river blindness infections, in Africa, for example, people resort to relocating to less fertile areas, which reduces their agricultural productivity and impacts overall income.
Those infected by river blindness face higher medical costs, the burden of which pushes people further into poverty through medical debt. Besides the usual symptoms such as severe itching or skin disfiguration, the disease also weakens the immune system, making one more susceptible to other illnesses too. This places a significant financial burden on those living in poverty.
River blindness can also reduce people’s ability to work and earn an income due to fatigue, pain and visual impairment. This leads to lower incomes and impacts children’s learning abilities at school.
Fighting Against River Blindness
One of the first programs with the goal of tackling river blindness began in West Africa in 1974. The Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP) underwent implementation in 11 countries including Ghana and Senegal. At first, the program utilized vector control methods such as spraying insecticides in areas where blackflies transmitted river blindness. It later included ivermectin distribution to aid treatment.
According to the WHO, the OCP “relieved 40 million people from infection, prevented blindness in 600,000 people and ensured that 18 million children were born free from the threat of the disease and blindness.” Furthermore, people reclaimed “25 million hectares of abandoned arable land… for settlement and agricultural production, capable of feeding 17 million people annually,” the WHO website says.
In an effort to bring forth similar results in the Americas, the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program of the Americas began in 1992. OEPA’s main goal was to halt the transmission of river blindness in 13 endemic areas via mass drug administration of ivermectin. The program received great support from the Carter Center, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and others.
OEPA and similar initiatives saw significant success, according to the Carter Center. Overall, 11 of the 13 endemic areas in the Americas have successfully eliminated river blindness transmission. In 2013, WHO declared Colombia the first country in the world to be free of the disease. Ecuador, Mexico and Guatemala followed soon after.
Looking Ahead
The WHO estimates that river blindness in the Americas currently still affects 28,000 Yanomami Indigenous people who live in parts of the Amazon between Brazil and Venezuela. They continue to receive ivermectin treatments via OEPA.
River blindness elimination programs have seen great success. The programs not only combat diseases but also improve the productivity and quality of life of people living in poverty. According to the World Bank, programs like OCP and OEPA have an economic rate of return of more than 15% annually. Therefore, contributing to the fight against river blindness can mean investing in poverty reduction and economic growth.
– Siddhant Bhatnagar
Photo: Flickr
The Impact of the Turkey-Syria Earthquakes on Women and Girls
As of February 27, 2023, the Turkey-Syria earthquakes, which struck Southern Turkey near the Syrian border on February 6, 2023, have directly affected 9.1 million people. As with all natural disasters, marginalized communities face the harshest impacts. The impact of the Turkey-Syria earthquakes on women and girls is detrimental, with ActionAid reporting that the situation has become “increasingly alarming” for women and girls in the aftermath of the 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes.
Increased Vulnerability of Women and Girls
The United Nations Development Programme reports that in the event of a natural disaster, “women and children are 14 times more likely than men to die.” Pre-existing structural gender inequalities often make females more vulnerable when a disaster strikes, putting them at a far greater disadvantage than their male counterparts. Women and girls across the globe already face greater challenges when accessing health care. Additionally, females often take on primary caregiving responsibilities, which leave them unable to easily evacuate disaster zones, and are at greater risk of abuse and violence in situations of crisis.
Before the Turkey-Syria earthquakes struck, women and girls in the affected regions already lived in vulnerable circumstances. With countless women and girls internally displaced by the conflict in Syria and others living as refugees in Turkey, female victims of the disaster already struggled with crises brought on by 12 years of war. The impact of the Turkey-Syria earthquakes on women and girls has only increased the uncertainty already felt by many, pushing females further into hardship and poverty.
The Aftermath of the Turkey-Syria Earthquakes
The well-being of women and girls from low-income backgrounds in the aftermath of the Turkey-Syria earthquakes is of particular concern. The earthquakes, which have claimed the lives of more than 46,000 as of February 19, have left an unprecedented number of women homeless and without families to support them. Many displaced women and girls are at risk of sexual exploitation and child marriages as they struggle for survival.
Pregnant women are also particularly vulnerable, with the United Nations Population Fund stating that 356,000 pregnant women in earthquake-torn regions of Turkey and Syria need urgent help. The widespread destruction caused by the disaster has rendered more than 15 hospitals inoperative, according to the Turkish Ministry of Health, leaving pregnant women unable to access urgent medical services.
The U.K. has acknowledged the need for women and girls to receive particular support as Turkey and Syria grapple with the effects of the earthquakes. In a press release on February 15, 2023, the U.K. announced a £25 million ($30.2 million) additional aid package for the affected regions, with a “particular focus on protecting women and girls.” The U.K. included provisions to reduce the risk of gender-based violence within displaced communities along with medical support to aid in childbirth and midwifery.
Work of NGOs
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are stepping up to provide for women’s needs amid growing concerns about inadequate support for females who are menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding. Vanessa Zammar, co-founder and project coordinator of Jeyetna, a Lebanese NGO dedicated to tackling period poverty, explained to Al Arabiya English that “gender-blind responses to emergencies and policymaking in general overlook menstruation because it is still considered something to be dealt with by women on an individual level in private.”
In response to the crisis, NGOs across the globe, such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC), are asking people to donate supplies to help vulnerable people impacted by the disaster, especially women and girls. The IRC is also providing “dignity kits” to those in need of feminine hygiene products and has set up a number of safe spaces to help women and children that the earthquakes affected.
The impact of the Turkey-Syria earthquakes on women and girls is devastating. While nations and NGOs have already taken some measures to ensure that women and girls receive protection and support, it is of utmost importance that they remain at the forefront of recovery efforts and humanitarian endeavors.
– Priya Thakkar
Photo: Flickr
UNICEF Helps to Reduce Maternal Mortality Rates in Lebanon
The economic crisis in Lebanon, during which the pandemic worsened, has pushed more than 80% of the population into poverty, leading to high costs of living and decreased health care quality for mothers-to-be. Lebanon previously succeeded in reducing maternal deaths, but these rates have tripled over the last few years. Therefore, there is an urgent need to act to reduce maternal mortality rates in Lebanon. However, the Lebanese Order of Midwives, with support from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), is leading an initiative to provide vulnerable mothers-to-be with door-to-door emergency health care.
Lebanon’s Downfall
Lebanon experienced an economic crisis followed by the pandemic and the Beirut port explosions that led to massive unemployment and poverty for families throughout the region. According to UNICEF, 84% of households did not have enough money to cover fundamental necessities in 2022 and 23% of children went to bed on an empty stomach.
Additionally, Lebanon’s insufficient supply of foreign currency meant the government could not secure essential medical supplies and resources. The government’s inability to pay debts owed to hospitals also impacted health care services. As a result, Lebanon could not provide critical maternal and child health care services.
The Health Impact
Amid several concurrent crises in Lebanon, a rapid assessment, which UNICEF conducted in March 2022, showed a “12.6[%]drop in maternal bed capacity, with the Bekaa and Baalbeck Hermel (BB) governorates the worst affected at 28.6[%], followed by Beirut and Mount Lebanon (BML) at more than 25[%].
Furthermore, hospitals’ availability of pediatric intensive care unit beds decreased by 12% and the availability of newborn intensive care unit beds dropped by 5.5%. The decreased capacities arose as a consequence of the massive exodus of health care workers between 2019 and 2021 due to the economic instability in the nation.
Lebanon’s economic crisis pushed 40% of doctors and 30% of midwives to leave the country from October 2019 to September 2021, significantly decreasing the health care system’s efficiency. As a result, the medical system became overburdened and hospitals had no choice but to deny some medical care.
In October 2021, UNICEF declared that the number of neonatal deaths among refugees in Lebanon increased from 65 in the first quarter of 2020 to 137 in the third quarter across four different provinces. Additionally, a third of the children did not have access to health care in October of the same year. Lastly, transportation costs rose from a lack of subsidies and high fuel costs, impacting the ability of low-income pregnant women to reach the health centers. Therefore, after progress in reducing maternal deaths to 13.7 in 2019, maternal deaths increased to 37 per 100,000 live births by 2021.
The Lebanese Order of Midwives and UNICEF
UNICEF began supporting the Lebanese Order of Midwives council in November 2022. The council sends midwives to aid in the deliveries of pregnant women in the most at-risk areas of the country. The midwives go door-to-door and serve as emergency aid for the women. The council has already hired 57 midwives and plans to employ 300 more local community-based midwives to travel throughout the country until 2025. The council will primarily target women who hesitate to reach out for maternal care and need the service to identify early complications. Additionally, UNICEF will pay the cost of hospital transportation for the women if a case becomes too complicated for the midwives.
The rise in maternal mortality rates in Lebanon represents a regression in the country’s health care progress. Nevertheless, by funding local initiatives, international humanitarian organizations serve as valuable partners for solving pressing global issues in the most impoverished communities.
– Andres Valencia
Photo: Flickr
Reducing Global Poverty and International Trade
According to recent economic forecasts, the global economy is facing a period of increasing uncertainty, making it crucial to revitalize trade and boost economic opportunities. Trade has been a key driver of economic growth and poverty reduction, with more than 1 billion people lifting themselves out of poverty since 1990 due to growth spurred by trade. As such, it is important to prioritize measures that promote trade, as this can help in reducing global poverty and fostering economic growth.
Reducing Global Poverty and International Trade
Developing countries have increasingly benefited from international trade as it serves as a powerful tool for driving economic growth, generating job opportunities and reducing global poverty. Today, these nations account for 48% of global trade, up from 33% in 2000, as they gain access to foreign investment and technology transfer which can increase productivity and promote economic growth.
International trade plays a crucial role in boosting economic growth, creating job opportunities and increasing incomes, especially for those living in poverty. Samsung is an excellent example of a company that has contributed significantly to the economic growth of many countries by creating millions of jobs through its electronics and mobile phone businesses. The company employs a total of 266,673 people worldwide. Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, operates in 24 countries with more than 10,000 stores and has played a role in reducing global poverty through its use of international trade. As the largest employer in the world, Walmart has a total of 2.3 million employees.
However, certain limitations still impede the capacity of the extremely poor to benefit from the broader economic gains. These constraints include rural poverty, fragility and conflict, informality and gender disparities.
Mitigating Downsides of International Trade
While international trade liberalization can lead to enhanced efficiency and sustained economic expansion, it may also trigger short-term adjustment costs and negative consequences for specific groups of workers. To mitigate these potential downsides, it is crucial to foster supply capacity and implement social safety nets.
One way to provide technical and financial aid to developing countries is through the Aid for Trade Initiative. Aid for Trade is an initiative that has the aim of supporting developing countries, particularly the least developed countries, in overcoming trade-related obstacles and increasing their ability to engage in international commerce.
Many developing countries face supply-side and infrastructure barriers that constrain their trade potential. The Aid for Trade Initiative encourages developing country governments and donors to recognize the role of trade in development and mobilize resources to address trade-related constraints. Aid for Trade also provides technical and financial assistance to developing countries, helping them build supply-side capacity, improve trade-related infrastructure and strengthen institutions.
The initiative seeks to minimize negative impacts on vulnerable populations while maximizing the economic benefits of trade, such as reducing global poverty. It also promotes deeper coherence among Aid for Trade partners and an ongoing focus on Aid for Trade among the trade and development community. By doing so, the initiative helps countries to better leverage the benefits of trade while minimizing the negative effects on vulnerable populations.
Next Steps in Reducing Global Poverty Through Trade
To unlock the full potential of trade, reforms are necessary to remove constraints, decrease transaction costs, promote competition and establish clear guidelines for cross-border commerce. Efforts should be redoubled to lower tariff barriers, eliminate trade-distorting regulations and encourage investment in infrastructure that facilitates market access.
It is also necessary to lower trade costs, improve the enabling environment, intensify the poverty-reducing effects of integration policies, manage and mitigate risks that the poor face, as well as improve data analysis to inform policy decisions. Furthermore, it is urgent to address the root causes of global trade tensions, bolster the rules-based trading system and pursue further trade liberalization to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth, bringing the world closer to reducing global poverty.
In conclusion, the connection between global poverty and international trade is clear, with trade being a key driver of economic growth and reducing global poverty. However, challenges remain in ensuring that the benefits of trade reach those living in poverty. It is essential to promote a fair and equitable global trade system that supports developing countries in overcoming trade-related obstacles and increasing their ability to engage in international commerce. By pursuing these efforts, individuals can continue to leverage the benefits of trade while minimizing the adverse effects on vulnerable populations and ultimately, drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth that reduces global poverty.
– Nkechi First
Photo: Flickr
Transforming South Africa’s Agricultural Struggles
Farming is crucial for growing Africa’s political economy. However, South Africa’s agricultural struggles have allowed the rest of the world to outpace South Africa’s agricultural outputs and economic prospects. Thankfully, for many South African farmers, the total income for agriculture and related goods services increased by about 4% in 2020, bringing new value to South African farming. New technologies and practices could further improve the value of South Africa’s farming by billions while bringing capital and investors into the developing nation. Such income could lift millions out of poverty and launch a new age of agriculture to benefit an entire country.
Africa’s Agricultural Economy
Despite South Africa’s agricultural struggles, the farming community remains at the heart of the South African economy. In the rural regions, more than 70% of the workforce works in agriculture and depends on it for their livelihoods and regional economic growth. South Africa’s agricultural impact expands beyond the regional farmers. Commercial farmers also strive to ensure the future of South Africa’s agricultural economy. The larger-scale farms experienced the most economic growth in 2020, increasing the South African corporate farming averages by 13% from the previous fiscal year. The commercial farmers are responsible for bringing new investments and technologies to South Africa. Still, large-scale corporate farms have their fair share of agricultural troubles.
Both the large and small-scale farms battle soil erosion, which often stems from failing or low-drainage systems and access to water, especially in the bouts of drought South Africa is prone to experience. South Africa’s agricultural struggles heavily impede a farmer’s ability to have a successful harvest and the nation’s high poverty and low-income rates strongly reflect this.
In South Africa, more than 55% of the population lived in poverty in 2014 and many economic experts believe that agriculture holds the key to poverty reduction for the nation. With such dependence on agriculture, it is necessary for South Africans, the government and farming corporations to introduce new farming technologies. Such new technologies could improve the status and quantity of South Africa’s agricultural community.
New Farming Technologies and Methods For South Africa
South Africa’s agricultural struggles have many causes. One is using soil and farmland without proper fertilizer and revitalization of soil in between harvests. To prevent soil erosion, farmers can harvest everything from their land, including the crops that did not grow sufficiently and set them aside to compost. The composted crops become mulch fertilizer. Mulch helps keep the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients plentiful in the soil. Mulch is only a temporary solution, though. For longer-lasting improvements in preventing soil erosion, agricultural experts are advocating for “no-till farming.”
No-till farming inflicts little disturbance on farmland. Farmers should begin their first no-tilling growing season after harvesting everything in the fields to limit diseases leftover from previous crops. No-till farming mandates fertilizer to revitalize the microbiome required for providing nutrients to the soil and crops. Due to the lengthened process to prepare a field for no-till farming, South African farmers fear they could lose out on income and delay harvests, or worse, risk crop infection and lose entire harvests. In the meantime, soil erosion sauces income losses annually until the land can grow no more.
Improper Water Irrigation
A second issue affecting South African farming is improper water irrigation. South Africa has a dry climate, with an intense rainy season between November and March. The majority of the rain falls during this period, meaning farmers must make all averaged 18 inches of rainfall count while properly irrigating the fields. The purpose of an agriculture’s irrigation system is to properly remove excess water that could cause crop damage while maintaining a healthy flow of water around the farmland. If the excess water remains, a crop is can lose sunlight and aeration and nutrients can flood the soil.
To fix poor water drainage and irrigation systems, one dominant idea has been to use Geo Positioning Software (GPS) with Light and Ranging detection technology (LiDar) to assist with curving land surfaces to appropriate levels given a region’s specific terrain and needs. Such technologies are attached to necessary plows that can then place a soil-safe, low-cost drainpipe for irrigation where it needs to go for optimal drainage and water coverage.
How South Africa Can Benefit From New Farming Technologies
No-till farming is rare in South Africa, but the few farmers who have ventured into the practice have witnessed immense improvements in the health of their crops and crop output. One farmer who began the practice only recently has had the most productive harvests in his tenure as a farmer. If both corporate and subsistence farmers were to introduce the method of no-tilling their land, there would significant improvement in a farm’s production, which could entice international investors to invest in a historically rich agricultural nation.
South Africa’s agricultural community is strong enough to have a trade surplus. Sadly, the poorest members of the farming community see no benefits. They need the help of investments and new technologies to flow in South Africa. Farming experts worldwide see potential in bringing new technologies and techniques into South Africa’s agricultural businesses. They believe that the latest tricks to the trade can improve the output and value of the region’s farming community by several billion Rand annually, benefitting all community members. New technologies and farming practices could end South Africa’s agricultural struggles, and South Africa’s high poverty rate could decrease exponentially.
– Clara Mulvihill
Photo: Flickr
Challenges Getting Earthquake Aid to Syria
On Monday, February 6, 2023, an earthquake of 7.8 magnitudes devastated South-Eastern Turkey and neighboring Syria. The earthquake has had devastating effects, killing more than 22,000 people, as of February 10, 2023. The area felt an aftershock of 7.5 magnitudes almost nine hours later and since then almost 150 aftershocks hit the region. For Syria, a country already suffering from the effects of a brutal civil war, the earthquake has been a major tragedy as the international world races and struggles to get aid to their affected areas.
Previous Needs for Humanitarian Assistance
Prior to the devasting effects of the earthquake, Norther Syria already had more than 4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Estimates indicated that the recent earthquakes affected almost 9 million people, raising the urgency and need for humanitarian aid to Syria. There is a major shortage of supplies currently in hospitals in Northwestern Syria, meaning many who have earthquake-related injuries are at risk of not getting the treatment they urgently need. Earthquakes damaged and destroyed many hospitals and as they are facing issues with undersupplying and overcrowding, necessities such as fuel and medicine are in extremely short supply.
Difficulties
What is a striking reality considering the urgency of the current situation is the divide in aid that others offered to both Syria and Turkey. According to Sky News, getting aid to Syria is much more difficult due to the effects of the civil war, which has divided the country into different political fragments and the oppressive ruling government’s treatment of the population. In addition, many people have criticized the U.N.’s poor response to the current situation. Local rescuers have said that the U.N. aid that they have received was the regular supplies and assistance they were receiving before the earthquake.
According to BBC, the White Helmets, an organization that is active on the ground, has reported that the supplies received do not include any special equipment or aid for search and rescue teams, leaving people trapped under the rubble. The White Helmets volunteers on the ground reported that a lack of heavy machinery was severely hampering its rescue efforts and was strongly appealing to the international community for urgent aid to Syria. Finally, the politicization of humanitarian assistance has posed a major obstacle as the international community struggles to react efficiently.
Hope Still Exists
Regardless of the obstacles, hope still exists for Syria. The U.K. has increased its funding for the White Helmets and other agencies on the ground. Around 19 states of the European Union have promised water, sanitation reliefs, blankets, hygiene items and funding for humanitarian organizations. Russia is sending rescue teams to Syria and the Chinese Red Cross has pledged around £167,000 of aid to Syria. The UAE has also pledged £11.4 million in humanitarian aid and is sending medical equipment and search and rescue teams to the country, according to Sky News. Although the response may have been slow, the international community is slowly picking up its act and reacting to the urgency of the situation.
– Saad Haque
Photo: Flickr
Why Addressing Global Poverty is Good for American Business
Poverty is a complex global issue that affects millions of people around the world. Despite ongoing efforts towards addressing global poverty, a large portion of the population could still be living in extreme poverty by 2030. The fact that inequality within countries has either increased or remained unchanged, leading to more global inequality, has compounded this situation.
Global Poverty Crisis
As of 2015, 736 million people still face poverty, with 10% of the world’s population living in extreme poverty and 1.3 billion people experiencing multidimensional poverty. The impact of poverty has been devastating on the health and education of the poorest individuals. It is essential to keep working towards reducing poverty and promoting equality globally to improve the lives of those affected.
The global poverty crisis is a daunting challenge that requires the collective effort of individuals, businesses and governments to solve. American businesses have a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of people around the world by taking practical steps to address global poverty. From providing job opportunities to donating resources and funds, there are many ways businesses can help fight poverty. American businesses can invest in companies and projects that promote sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. This can include investing in startups and small businesses that are working to create jobs and lift people out of poverty.
Responsible Investments
Responsible investment is one-way businesses can contribute to addressing global poverty, such as through the impact investment fund Root Capital. Root Capital has invested more than $1 billion in more than 700 businesses, helping more than 1.5 million people. Its work has enabled agricultural businesses to create jobs, incomes and choices for more than 2.4 million rural families.
Another example of responsible investment is Coca-Cola’s 5by20 initiative, which aims to empower 5 million women entrepreneurs by 2020. The initiative has provided resources, financing and training to more than 6 million women around the world.
Poverty Reduction Efforts Through Philanthropy
Several American businesses have made significant contributions to poverty reduction efforts through philanthropy. One notable example is Microsoft, which has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to organizations such as The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Global Fund is a partnership between governments, civil society and the private sector. It aims to accelerate the end of the three diseases by investing in prevention, treatment and care.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has partnered with the United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life program, which provides access to life-saving vaccines for children in developing countries. The program has helped to vaccinate millions of children against preventable diseases such as measles, pneumonia and polio.
The foundation has also donated billions of dollars toward health, education and development initiatives. Its Global Health Division has helped reduce the burden of diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, saving millions of lives in the process.
Takeda Pharmaceutical is another company that partnered with the Shot@Life program to “expand children’s access to life-saving measles vaccines in approximately 40 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.” Through this support, Takeda Pharmaceutical aims to help vaccinate millions of children by 2026, making a major contribution to reducing the prevalence of preventable diseases.
The Walmart Foundation is taking significant steps to address global poverty through philanthropy, committing to strengthening farmer-producer organizations in Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, India. This two-year project will provide farmers with training and capacity-building activities with a focus on improving their proficiency in sales, marketing and production techniques. This will help the farmers improve the quality and quantity of their output and ultimately increase their income.
Using Advocacy to Address Global Poverty
Advocacy is another important way that American businesses could contribute to addressing global poverty. By using their influence, businesses can call for systemic changes that address economic injustice and inequality, support initiatives that provide access to education and health care and lobby for government support for poverty-reduction initiatives.
One example of a business using advocacy to address poverty is Microsoft. The company has called on governments to invest in initiatives that provide access to technology to all citizens, regardless of socio-economic status.
Microsoft has also advocated for increased access to financial services for disadvantaged communities, recognizing that access to credit and financial resources are critical to economic growth and development. Through its advocacy efforts, Microsoft is promoting more equitable access to technology and finance, which can help to reduce poverty and promote economic development.
It has also promoted digital inclusion and access to technology through its Airband Initiative, which aims to expand internet access in underserved communities worldwide.
Bluetown, a company specializing in deploying last-mile technologies to expand rural access to high-speed internet and promote economic opportunities, has partnered with Microsoft’s Airband Initiative to accelerate connectivity projects in Ghana. The current internet penetration rate stands at only 32.5% in Ghana. To bridge this digital divide and promote economic development in these underserved communities, Bluetown and Microsoft are aiming to bring internet access to nearly 2 million people. This partnership demonstrates how innovative technology solutions and collaborative partnerships can make a meaningful and substantial difference.
Enhancing Customer Relations
Investing in addressing global poverty, not only promotes corporate social responsibility but also enhances customer relations. Companies that take steps towards reducing poverty can earn the support and loyalty of customers who appreciate their efforts. Furthermore, businesses can benefit from reduced costs and increased profits by investing in poverty reduction initiatives, leading to improved public opinion and financial gains.
Addressing global poverty also improves the quality of life for people in developing countries, including access to education, health care and other essential services, leading to better health and increased opportunities. This creates a more favorable business environment and attracts foreign investment.
In conclusion, addressing global poverty is a win-win situation for American businesses. By actively participating in poverty reduction efforts through responsible investment, philanthropy and advocacy, American businesses can create new markets, increase economic stability and improve the quality of life for people in developing countries. This leads to long-term sustainable economic growth for American businesses and a brighter future for all.
– Nkechi First
Photo: Flickr
Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty in South Africa
Nestled at the southernmost point of the African subcontinent, South Africa stands as a sparkling reminder of everything pristine. Known for its deep blue lakes, majestic peaks and picturesque landscape, South Africa is a country rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity. However, South Africa continues to face a persistent challenge in providing a decent standard of living for all of its citizens. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this situation and the country of South Africa has felt the pronounced impacts of COVID-19 on poverty nationwide. Here is some information about the impact of COVID-19 on poverty in South Africa.
Inequality in South Africa From the Pandemic
Inequality has long been a problem in South Africa, with a large portion of the population struggling to make ends meet even before the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2017 study found that approximately 18 million people, constituting the poorest 20% of households in the country, were living in dire conditions, with a disproportionate number of these households located in rural areas.
When COVID-19 arrived, these figures increased considerably. According to The Conversation, the bottom 10% of households lost nearly 45% of their income during the nationwide shutdowns, highlighting the pandemic’s devastating impact on the most vulnerable. The pandemic has not only affected the income of South Africa’s poorest households but also resulted in a major decline in employment. The country saw a net 40% drop in employment from February to April 2020, leading to widespread job losses. Estimates have indicated that 20% to 33% of those who lost their jobs during the lockdown period lost the majority of their income, with 3 million to 5.5 million individuals falling into poverty as a result. Despite attempts to implement relief programs, a staggering 80% of newly unemployed individuals did not receive any support whatsoever.
Effect on Education
In addition to its economic ramifications, the education sector in South Africa has also felt the tremors of COVID-19. The pandemic lockdowns in 2020 resulted in widespread school closures, with nearly all African academies remaining shuttered for a minimum of 100 days. As a result, estimates have stated that nearly 13 million young students fell behind on curriculum coverage and will now face severe skill deficiencies in the coming years.
While virtual learning was an option during this time, the vast majority of learners across rural South Africa did not have access to such luxuries. In fact, a study of 515 participants aged 15-24 across the nation found that only 34.7% of households had access to a laptop and only a mere 23.9% had internet access at home, according to Frontiers in Education.
Food Instability
Another key facet of the impact of COVID-19 on poverty in South Africa is food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a devastating spike in food prices across the nation, disproportionately affecting the country’s poorest. In March 2020, when the entire country went into full lockdown, many informal food traders were unable to practice their trade. Considering that the informal sector accounts for some 70% of overall food sales in South Africa, this delivered a major blow to the food economy. When food traders stopped operating, travel costs increased exponentially for food and transport expenses for those who were still operating skyrocketed.
Solutions
Fortunately, the government of this country has taken several steps to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on poverty in South Africa. Through the use of insurance, social programs, NGOs and nonprofits, the South African government has distributed nearly 1 million food parcels, reaching about 5 million people in the most severely affected regions of the nation. Furthermore, the government’s temporary “COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant” (SRDG) provided nearly two-thirds of applicants with crucial funds to help ease some of the burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, many citizens view the government’s actions in these regards as too little, too late. The application process for many of the grants and relief programs, including the SRDG Act, has received criticism for being difficult to access and understand. The expectation to apply through an online portal also excluded many individuals living in rural areas and regions without internet access. Despite the South African government’s efforts to provide online learning resources during school closures, students from low-income families, rural areas and underserved communities still struggled due to poor internet connectivity and a lack of personal devices. Furthermore, government officials’ misuse of grant monies and depletion of the already restricted funds made corruption a recurring problem in the distribution of help.
All in all, the devastating impact of COVID-19 on poverty in South Africa is an issue as widespread and contagious as the virus itself. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every aspect of daily life, robbing everyday citizens of the financial and social securities they previously enjoyed. Without firm and immediate action from the government and international community, this issue will undoubtedly have long-term consequences for generations to come.
– Sanjith Sambath
Photo: Flickr
Women’s Rights in Malawi
Gender inequality is one of the most significant challenges Malawi faces today. The country, located in Southeastern Africa with a population of more than 20 million, lags in terms of the advancement of women’s rights. Many parties are conducting vital work to improve women’s rights in Malawi, including the Government of Malawi, the U.N. and the EU. However, “low and fragmented allocation of resources” on the part of the government often means that initiatives struggle to reach the most vulnerable and marginalized Malawian women.
Circumstances Impacting Girls and Women in Malawi
According to Girls Not Brides, Malawi has the 12th highest child marriage rate in the world. In 2020, this equaled 46% of girls married before turning 18. According to a 2017-2020 gender fact sheet by USAID, the first sexual encounters of two in five Malawian girls are unwanted.
Additionally, two in three girls (ages 15-19) in Malawi do not complete primary education, falling into a vicious cycle of early marriage, pregnancy and a lack of formal education. While women conduct a significant proportion of the nation’s agricultural labor, they very rarely own the land on which they work.
As a result, women face significant economic disadvantages in comparison to their male counterparts. Despite agricultural production remaining the cornerstone of Malawi’s economy and women playing a large role in the cultivation of crops, which involves hard manual labor, women receive little pay when compared with male farm owners in their communities.
Women’s Education and Employment
Ensuring equitable and quality education remains one of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), however, many girls in Malawi lack this human right. High rates of child marriage and early motherhood mean that young women are expected to fulfill adult roles and step out of education. One in two Malawian girls is married by 18 compared to one in 20 boys who are, therefore, far more likely to attend secondary education and college.
Partly due to differences in educational attainment, the gender pay gap in Malawi remains pronounced with the Government of Malawi citing increased economic equality as one of the key steps to achieving equal status for women in Malawi. Equal pay remains a core challenge for women’s rights in Malawi and globally.
Malawi remains a deeply patriarchal society with the vast majority of domestic labor falling on the shoulders of women. While increasing the number of equally-paid women in the workforce may seem like a solution to the problem of gender equality, women still face the dual burden of both unpaid household work and paid employment.
Gender-Based Violence and Reproductive Health in Malawi
Gender-based violence in Malawi remains commonplace and there is little education for young women on issues of reproductive health. Furthermore, one in three girls are mothers by the age of 18, sometimes as a result of unwanted intercourse.
HIV/AIDS is common in Malawi, and despite the disease being treatable by modern medicine, many lack access to such medication. Young Malawian women between 15 and 19 have an HIV prevalence rate triple the rate of their male counterparts. Between the ages of 20 and 24, this rate increases sixfold.
Period poverty also remains a significant women’s rights issue in Malawi as the stigma surrounding menstruation continues and disadvantaged females lack access to essential menstrual products.
Ukani Malawi
While many Malawian women continue to be the victims of gender inequality, many grassroots movements seek to change the path for young Malawian women and offer them more autonomy over their futures.
Ukani Malawi is an initiative with more than 200 volunteers, which Malawian women set up themselves. The group seeks to improve the overall development of women through education and by supporting girls to stay in school for longer while encouraging other women to act as female leaders for young women and girls.
Ukani reaches these goals through a number of initiatives, such as the Seed Grants Initiative, which “provides young women with start-up capital and entrepreneurship training,” according to the Ukani Malawi website. In addition, the Breaking Red Project aims to keep girls in school once they start menstruating by teaching them about menstrual hygiene management. As part of this project, women are shown how to sew reusable pads, which they can create and distribute in their community, providing an additional entrepreneurship opportunity.
The group also runs a young mothers project, which “aims to integrate teenage mothers back into the school system through financial support and mentorship,” hoping to help more young women complete their education.
A Brighter Future for Malawian Women and Girls
Local initiatives like those of Ukani Malawi bring hope for a better future for women and girls in Malawi. The Spotlight Initiative, established in 2019, is a multi-year collaboration between the Malawi Government, U.N., the EU and civil society. The initiative allocated an initial €20 million of funding to create targeted initiatives in certain districts in Malawi where instances of gender-based violence are particularly high, showing support from the international community. The initiative, which is funding numerous projects globally, chose Malawi as one of the 13 nations to cover due to concerning levels of gender-based violence.
These initiatives aim to uphold women’s rights in Malawi by addressing the issues that disproportionately impact females in the country.
– Florence Jones
Photo: Flickr