The Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa are grappling with severe challenges, including poverty, food insecurity and the impacts of the changing climate. More than 300 million individuals endure chronic hunger, as agricultural systems struggle under soil degradation, unpredictable rainfall patterns and excessive dependence on basic staple crops. Launched in 2023 by the U.S. Department of State alongside the African Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) serves as a framework to bolster food systems through an emphasis on crops resilient to climate change and eco-friendly soil practices.
VACS addresses the demand for varied, nutrient-packed farming that can endure ecological disruptions while enhancing livelihoods in rural areas. The program highlights “opportunity crops” — resilient yet underused varieties such as millets, sorghum and cowpeas — alongside efforts to rehabilitate depleted soils. This evidence-based approach seeks to interrupt ongoing patterns of poverty and malnutrition across the region. By combining climate adaptation strategies, nutritional safeguards and farmer empowerment, VACS delivers a roadmap for enduring agricultural progress in at-risk populations, ultimately contributing to improved food security in the Sahel.
Exploring the VACS Initiative
VACS functions as a multilateral trust fund integrated within the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s (IFAD) Rural Resilience Program (2RP). It consolidates climate financing, adaptation resources and development funds into a comprehensive strategy designed specifically for small-scale farmers. Four primary strategies guide VACS:
First, the promotion of crop diversity to enhance climate resilience addresses Africa’s dependence on a limited range of staple crops such as maize, rice and wheat, which are susceptible to environmental stress. VACS advocates for cultivating underutilized indigenous crops such as fonio and teff, which thrive in arid conditions and offer strong nutritional benefits. Although research and policy have historically neglected these crops, they hold significant potential for improving food security in the Sahel.
Second, restoring soils and adopting sustainable land management practices address Africa’s widespread soil erosion challenges. More than 65% of the continent’s soils are degraded, leading to productivity declines of up to 30%.
VACS supports restorative practices such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry and the use of natural soil amendments to enhance water retention, nutrient content and long-term sustainability.
Third, empowering farmers and establishing knowledge networks ensures that smallholders have access to essential resources and education for climate-smart agriculture. VACS strengthens community-based seed systems, provides training on climate-adaptive farming techniques and improves financial access, facilitating transitions to more resilient agricultural practices.
Finally, developing markets for opportunity crops ensures economic incentives for farmers to cultivate adapted varieties. By connecting smallholders with buyers such as school meal programs and expanding access to local and international markets, VACS enhances income stability and promotes economic growth in rural areas.
VACS’s Impact on Breaking Cycles of Poverty and Hunger
In the Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa, food systems remain trapped in a damaging cycle: environmental disruptions reduce harvests, triggering shortages, undernutrition and financial instability. VACS intervenes by targeting the underlying sources of fragility. Nearly 40% of Sahelian children experience micronutrient deficiencies stemming from diets high in calories but low in nutrients.
VACS emphasizes nutrient-rich crops such as amaranth and pigeon peas, which provide iron, zinc and protein. Through diet diversification, the program addresses stunting, anemia and malnutrition, particularly among women and youth, contributing to improved food security in the Sahel.
Projections indicate that without intervention, climate change could reduce crop outputs by 20% by 2050.
VACS’s resilient crops, including drought-resistant sorghum and heat-tolerant millets, help shield smallholders from irregular weather. In Niger, where drought-prone rain-dependent farming prevails, those using mixed cropping have maintained consistent yields amid worsening climate conditions.
VACS also strengthens economic resilience by creating equitable supply chains for opportunity crops. The fonio supply network in West Africa, supported by entities such as Yolélé Foods, has generated employment, increased farmer earnings by as much as 30% and opened new export opportunities.
Soil health remains central to VACS’s strategy. Degraded soils reduce yields while worsening water scarcity and emissions. Through comprehensive soil nutrient strategies, including organic composting and eco-farming methods, VACS has demonstrated yield increases of up to 28% in pilot areas such as Ethiopia, further supporting food security in the Sahel.
Tools for digital soil analysis further support targeted farming by aligning actions with specific locations for optimal results.
Advancing VACS: Key Policies and Future Directions
Realizing VACS’s full potential requires coordinated action among governments, aid organizations and commercial entities. Increasing investment in climate-resilient agriculture remains essential. Currently, just 1.7% of global climate funding benefits smallholder farmers, limiting access to critical resources needed for sustainable practices.
Governments and international contributors should prioritize VACS-compatible initiatives in agricultural budgets and climate adaptation funds. Strengthening seed systems and advisory services will also accelerate adoption. Many opportunity crops lack improved seed varieties due to prolonged underfunding in crop research. Expanding research and development, alongside digital-based farmer education and collaborative learning, will help address this gap.
Emphasizing fair land tenure and gender equity remains vital. Women manage approximately 60% of African farms but often lack secure land rights, which restricts investment in long-term soil care. Legal reforms supporting equitable land ownership and targeted initiatives for women farmers are key to VACS’s success.
Private-sector involvement is also a key to success. Incentives such as tax reductions, subsidies and public-private partnerships can spur investment in processing and marketing opportunity crops. Examples such as Kenya’s “Super Porridge” program, which incorporates nutrient-rich crops into school meals, demonstrate how consumer demand can drive broader adoption.</span>
Embedding VACS within broader regional climate strategies will further amplify its impact. Alignment with initiatives such as the Great Green Wall and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 can strengthen collaboration on ecosystem restoration, nutrition security and poverty reduction, advancing food security in the Sahel.
Looking Ahead
VACS extends beyond technical fixes and represents a shift in agricultural development for climate-vulnerable regions. By integrating scientific research, policy coordination and community-driven action, the initiative outlines a pathway to disrupt cycles of poverty and hunger. With sustained commitment from governments, farmers and partners, VACS has the potential to strengthen resilience, improve nutrition and support long-term livelihoods across the Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa.
– Christopher Pellant
Christopher is based in Evansville, IN, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Aquaculture Mapping: Fighting Hunger and Poverty in Côte d’Ivoire
Persistent Food Insecurity
Côte d’Ivoire has made strides toward economic improvement and poverty reduction since this period of political destabilization. Yet progress remains limited and is especially apparent in the nutritional deficiencies that keep many citizens food insecure.
According to the World Bank, 44.2% of citizens experience moderate and severe food insecurity and about 7.7% of the total population is malnourished. Children face the most severe impacts, with 8% suffering from acute malnutrition and 20.2% experiencing impaired growth.
Stable production of basic staple crops has eased some of these issues, but it does not provide the necessary nutritional value for a healthy life. To improve outcomes for its people, the government created the Strategic Program for the Transformation of Aquaculture in Côte d’Ivoire (PSTACI), focusing on broader efforts in aquaculture mapping to fight hunger and poverty.
PSTACI
The Strategic Program for the Transformation of Aquaculture in Côte d’Ivoire (PSTACI) aims to combat poverty and food insecurity by strengthening the aquaculture sector. Its goals include:
To accomplish these goals, the government partnered with PROBLUE, an Aquainvest platform created by the World Bank to support sustainable aquaculture development. PROBLUE’s aquaculture mapping methodology uses a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) to identify the most productive locations in Côte d’Ivoire for aquaculture sites.
Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE)
The MCE evaluates site suitability using three categories:
After applying these criteria to Côte d’Ivoire, World Bank analysts concluded that 99% of the country’s topography offers suitable land for aquaculture. They found that the soil types most suitable for aquaculture contain 18% to 35% clay.
When analysts accounted for land constraints, they found that 76% of the country lies outside protected areas, military zones and urban pockets. Based on infrastructure criteria, PROBLUE identified at least 70% of existing infrastructure as potentially suitable for aquaculture.
The Future of Aquaculture in Côte d’Ivoire
PSTACI plans to develop Sustainable Aquaculture Economic Zones at 30 sites that meet the necessary criteria. This plan offers an opportunity to rebuild the country’s food systems and reduce poverty and malnutrition. By attracting investors and entrepreneurs to these areas, Côte d’Ivoire can build a more stable economy. Additionally, this could lead to expanded opportunities for young people and the continued use of aquaculture mapping to fight hunger and poverty.
– Sachin Kapoor
Photo: Flickr
The Cut of USAID Programs in Burma
While USAID may be generally paused, this has not stopped individual U.S. volunteers’ going out to play their part! Doctors Without Borders, for example, took U.S. volunteers’ aid to the Myanmar skies. Brought into action in April 2025, the program “immediately deployed its teams of medical, mental health, logistics, and water and sanitation staff,” even installing a new water filtration system at Mandalay General Hospital. Here is information about what is happening in light of the pause of USAID programs in Burma.
Life in Myanmar
Oxfam America highlighted the aftermath of USAID cuts, stating that “at least 23 million children stand to lose access to education, and as many as 95 million people would lose access to basic health care, potentially leading to more than 3 million preventable deaths per year.”
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) defines poverty in Myanmar as:
With the notable absence of American assistance and USAID programs in Burma, reporter Theresa Naw wrote that Myanmar has once again become a victim of Trump’s “America First” foreign policy. The country’s loss of a $45 million scholarship program has left its funding nearly depleted.
Oxfam International
Oxfam International “works to reduce poverty and inequality through promoting the power of women and men to harness the benefits of political reform and economic development,” according to the organization. Its 2016 project ‘‘Building Equitable and Resilient Livelihoods in the Dry Zone” solidified their good work for Myanmar’s people. Its score for improved/sustained livelihoods and resilience sector exceeded expectation, after being set at 2.94, yet reached 4.02. The project established business relationships between township departments and parliament with local NGO’s and Mo’s of other villages, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and building resilience against climate-related hazards.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee has been working to support emergency response efforts. Reporter Joanna Nahorska wrote that priorities include “medical assistance, shelter, emergency items such as blankets, food, clean water, and cash support.”
With more than 19 million people now in need, the IRC:
The Disasters Emergency Committee
The Disasters Emergency Committee has provided critical support, funding cash assistance and vouchers for 105,000 people to repair homes and pay medical expenses and directly helping the cut to health and education expenses. It set up the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal, which in line with their charity ‘Age International’ has been providing cash assistance to older people in the Inle Lake region, alongside psychosocial support to help them process what they have been through.
USAID in Burma
In 2015, USAID program officials declared that they would work alongside the Government of Burma to “initiate new activities that strengthen parliamentary systems, engage civil society in the reform process, provide technical expertise to the Union Election Commission, and develop inclusive and accountable political parties.”
Previous USAID programs in Burma are still prevalent in today’s crisis. Back in 2009, Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT) was formed to tackle “poverty and hunger directly in Myanmar’s rural communities.” Now in 2025, it has served 2.6 million people through microfinance institutions, with 91% of recipients being women, helping to re-build the falling economy.
Moving Forward
As early as 2024, CNN reported that half of Burma’s 54 million people were living below the poverty line, with nearly 50% surviving on less than 76 cents a day, according to reporter Helen Regan. Following this, Trump’s pullbacks meant that “Myanmar was on track to lose around $1.1 billion in foreign assistance over the second Trump term,” The Diplomat reported.
Despite this, hope for change remains. Oxfam America found that “when asked how much would be appropriate for the U.S. to invest in foreign aid, more than 95% of respondents identified an amount higher than the administration’s current budget.”
What comes next is for the remaining 5% to continue pushing for stronger foreign aid investments.
– Gemma Nailer
Photo: Unsplash
Solar-Powered Fridges are Fighting Hunger in India
Perishable foods such as milk, fruits, vegetables, meat and fish spoil quickly without temperature control. Developing countries lose 23% of perishable foods before they reach markets. These losses reduce farmer incomes and restrict access to nutritious food, especially in rural areas.
Amid these challenges, solar-powered fridges are fighting hunger in India. By providing reliable, off-grid cooling, they help farmers preserve perishable crops, maintain income streams and reduce food waste. These fridges also support health and nutrition by safely storing vaccines, medicines and dairy products while lowering dependence on polluting diesel generators and unreliable electricity grids.
What Is a Solar-Powered Fridge?
Cold storage plays a central role in reducing food loss, but traditional refrigeration creates serious risks. Conventional systems rely on fossil-fuel electricity and refrigerants such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which trap heat far more effectively than carbon dioxide.
Exporting these systems to low-income regions would lock communities into carbon-intensive infrastructure. Solar-powered refrigeration offers a different path. These systems run on renewable energy and avoid dependence on unreliable grids or diesel generators. In India, where power cuts remain common, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, solar refrigerators provide consistent cooling for food, medicine and vaccines. As a result, solar-powered fridges are fighting hunger in India directly.
Real-Life Impact
In northeastern India, farmer Lalmuankimi Bawitlung experienced the impact firsthand. Rising heat forced her to discard about one-third of her 350-kilogram annual orange harvest after fruit ripened too quickly to sell. In January, the state installed a 10-ton solar-powered cold storage unit in the nearby village of Khawzawl.
The Mizoram Science Technology & Innovation Council worked with Inficold to build the facility, which now serves about 235 farmers. The system uses solar-powered ice battery technology that stores thermal energy and keeps produce cool for months. Lalmuankimi stored oranges until the off-season and sold them for five times the usual price, turning losses into income.
India already has more than 8,200 cold storage facilities, but most rely on the electricity grid. High energy costs and frequent outages force farmers to use diesel generators or abandon cold storage altogether. Solar-powered units address both problems. They reduce operating costs and continue working during power cuts, which often follow floods, landslides or heat waves.
Solar-Powered Fridges Supporting Health
Solar refrigeration also supports health and nutrition. Refrigerators allow households to store food longer and reduce trips to markets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, off-grid refrigerators helped families limit exposure while protecting food supplies. In an Indian pilot, 70% of solar refrigerator customers reported monthly profit increases of about $57 by selling cold beverages and dairy products from home-based businesses.
Health systems also depend on refrigeration. Clinics require cold storage for vaccines, blood, insulin and other temperature-sensitive medicines. Millions of children missed routine immunizations before the pandemic, largely because health facilities lacked reliable cooling. Delivering COVID-19 vaccines to 60%–70% of the world’s population requires a massive expansion of cold chain infrastructure, especially in poorly electrified areas. Solar-powered refrigerators provide a practical solution.
Looking Ahead
Solar-powered fridges are already transforming rural communities by keeping food fresh, protecting incomes and strengthening health systems. Across India, these systems reduce food loss, expand access to nutritious products and create opportunities for women and small-scale farmers. By cutting reliance on polluting energy sources, they also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Solar-powered fridges are fighting hunger in India by offering a practical, scalable solution that improves lives village by village.
– Mollie Skogen
Photo: Unsplash
The Link Between Disability and Poverty in Palau
How Disability and Poverty Reinforce One Another
People with disabilities face a heightened risk of poverty globally and Palau is no exception. Disabilities can limit access to education and employment, reducing income and long-term economic stability. At the same time, poverty can increase the likelihood of disability due to limited access to health care, rehabilitation and support services. This creates a cycle in which disability and poverty reinforce one another. In Palau, where employment opportunities are limited and the cost of imported goods remains high, people with disabilities often struggle to achieve economic independence, reinforcing disability and poverty in Palau as an interconnected development issue. Households with disabled members often face higher opportunity costs, as family members may reduce paid work to provide informal care.
Limited Support and Unequal Access to Education
According to government and regional data, approximately 2% to 3% of Palau’s population lives with a disability, though advocates suggest the true figure may be higher due to underreporting. Individuals with disabilities are statistically less likely to complete higher levels of education and more likely to depend on informal family care. While Palau provides a disability assistance stipend, reports indicate that this support is insufficient to meet the country’s high cost of living. Rising inflation has further reduced the real value of this assistance, leaving many households with disabled family members economically vulnerable.
Villaney Remengesau
One person whose life reflects both the challenges and possibilities facing people with disabilities in Palau is Villaney Remengesau, a prominent disability rights advocate. Remengesau has lived with a physical disability since childhood and uses a wheelchair daily. Her experiences exposed widespread barriers in Palau’s education system, labor market and public infrastructure. She has described how inaccessible buildings, transportation systems and limited employment opportunities restricted her ability to achieve financial independence, demonstrating how exclusion can directly contribute to poverty in Palau.
Rather than accepting these limitations, Remengesau transformed her lived experience into advocacy. She helped revive Omekesang, a national organization advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, and worked closely with government agencies to promote accessibility and equal participation. Her work highlights how structural and societal barriers, rather than disability itself, often push individuals into poverty by restricting access to education, jobs and public services.
Policy Progress and Remaining Gaps
In recent years, Palau has taken steps to address disability-related inequality. The government enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, strengthening legal protections and promoting inclusion across sectors. Palau has also engaged with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, signaling a shift toward a rights-based approach. However, international reviews note that gaps remain, particularly in transportation access, employment opportunities and emergency preparedness for people with disabilities.
Why Disability Inclusion Matters for Global Poverty Reduction
Remengesau’s story demonstrates why addressing disability is essential to reducing poverty in Palau. While legal reforms mark important progress, advocates emphasize that lasting change requires sustained investment in accessible infrastructure, inclusive education and economic opportunity. For small island nations like Palau, breaking the cycle between disability and poverty is not only a matter of social justice but also a necessary step toward sustainable development. Addressing disability inclusion at the national level ultimately contributes to broader global efforts to reduce poverty and inequality.
– Daisy Winstone
Photo: Flickr
Inside the 2025 G20 Summit
Mission 300 and the Energy Gap
One of the 2025 G20 summit’s most significant legacies is Mission 300, which promises to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. The World Bank and the African Development Bank back this initiative, which aims to address Africa’s persistent energy poverty through grid expansions, mini-grids and off-grid solar.
Currently, more than 600 million Africans lack access to electricity and about 1 billion rely on unsafe cooking fuels, which are associated with more than 2 million premature deaths each year. Despite agreement on the urgency of the situation, many challenges remain. Sustainable financing continues to pose a major issue. Private sector participation, technology transfer and strong regulatory frameworks will be essential to turn commitments into infrastructure. Without predictable financing and policy support, critics warn that progress could lag behind its targets.
Climate Action and Tackling Debt
The 2025 G20 summit took place around the same time as the COP30 climate negotiations, increasing global scrutiny on climate commitments. The summit reaffirmed support for climate resilience and scaling renewable energy capacity, aligning with broader calls for climate justice.
However, many controversial aspects of global climate politics remain unresolved. At COP30, negotiators did not secure an agreement to phase out fossil fuels or guarantee meaningful climate finance. Although G20 leaders expressed ambitions to mobilize additional climate financing, the absence of several wealthier nations in Johannesburg limited concrete commitments.
Debt sustainability was also a central topic at the summit. Leaders acknowledged gaps in debt management, transparency and fiscal capacity, particularly in low-income economies, as well as the need for reforms to the global financial architecture.
Economists suggest that effective debt relief should be linked to verifiable green investments. The U.S. absence complicated negotiations, leaving a gap in financial commitments that could weaken the G20’s influence on global finance reforms.
Critical Minerals: Turning Debt Into Development
Resource governance also emerged as a key topic. Africa holds a significant share of the world’s critical minerals, including cobalt, lithium and rare earth elements, which are vital for renewable technologies and digital infrastructure.
The G20’s critical minerals framework aims to promote sustainable supply chains and stronger governance standards. If widely implemented, the framework could shift countries away from dependence on raw exports and toward more equitable partnerships in global markets. However, the framework remains voluntary and nonbinding.
From Promise to Implementation
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the Johannesburg summit demonstrated Africa’s ability to lead and influence global debates. The Global South, particularly African nations, has gained visibility in setting priorities on climate, development and globalization. Whether this momentum is sustained depends on implementation by governments, private sector partners and civil society.
The G20 summit outlined goals for energy access, climate resilience, equitable resource governance and debt reform. These goals signal a shift toward prioritizing the needs of the Global South and Africa’s development agenda. For Africa to benefit, these frameworks must be matched with financing and political will. While Johannesburg provided a blueprint, the true test lies in execution.
– Gloria Bwenge
Photo: Flickr
Malala Yousafzai: Fight for Education and Poverty Reduction
More than a decade after surviving an assassination attempt for defending girls’ education, Yousafzai continues to use her voice to challenge inequality. Finding My Way charts her journey from a student in Pakistan’s Swat Valley to a global advocate for education and women’s rights. The memoir’s release has reignited conversations about how education and poverty reduction remain one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty worldwide.
Education as the Foundation for Poverty Reduction
For Yousafzai, the connection between education and poverty reduction is not theoretical but lived. Growing up under Taliban rule, she witnessed how denying girls an education limited entire communities’ potential. Yousafzai’s overall message is that “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” When one child is denied the chance to learn, the whole world suffers.
According to UNESCO, more than 244 million children and youth remain out of school globally, with girls disproportionately affected. Each additional year of schooling can raise a woman’s income by up to 20%, reduce child marriage rates, and improve family health outcomes. Yet, education funding for low-income nations remains chronically under-resourced, accounting for less than 3% of global humanitarian aid.
Studies consistently show a link between access to education and economic mobility. Literate populations drive stronger GDP growth, healthier families, and lower rates of violence. Still, more than half of the children in low-income countries cannot read or understand a simple story by age 10, or the end of primary school. This learning poverty traps generations in economic instability. By highlighting her story once more, Yousafzai reminds the world that personal resilience and policy reform must work in tandem to create lasting change.
Barriers and Breakthroughs
Yousafzai’s college years at Oxford, as detailed in Finding My Way and interviews with NPR and USA Today, offered a different kind of education. She “nearly failed” her exams, struggled to balance global advocacy with coursework, and faced panic attacks that forced her to confront the trauma she had long suppressed. She explained to Fresh Air how marijuana triggered flashbacks to the day she was shot. That episode led her to therapy and a realization that the mental health part was the missing piece.
This moment of vulnerability underscores a broader truth: trauma, whether from war, displacement, or generational poverty, is often the invisible barrier keeping people, especially women and children, from escaping deprivation. As her foundation continues to support girls’ education in conflict zones, Yousafzai’s openness about healing offers a new kind of leadership: one that views recovery as essential to sustainable progress and lasting education and poverty reduction.
Progress in global education, however, has slowed since the pandemic. COVID-19 pushed millions of children, especially girls, out of school, many of whom never returned. Natural disasters, conflict, and gender-based violence have further deepened inequalities. Yet, countries like Kenya and Bangladesh are showing that targeted investment can reverse this trend. Programs offering conditional cash transfers, free school meals, and digital learning access have successfully kept children in classrooms. Organizations like the Malala Fund, Education Cannot Wait, and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) continue to advocate for stronger international commitments to make education a universal right rather than a privilege.
Beyond Charity: Education as Empowerment
Yousafzai’s approach reframes education not as an act of charity but as a human right and an economic imperative. Educating girls creates ripple effects that lift entire communities, reducing poverty, improving maternal health, and promoting democratic participation. “Investing in education,” Yousafzai has written, “is investing in peace.” This perspective reinforces that education and poverty reduction go hand in hand as human rights essential to progress.
Her new memoir also challenges the narrative of perfection often imposed on global icons. “I want to introduce the real me, the funny me, the messy me, the sad and the annoying me,” Yousafzai told USA Today. That authenticity matters: it reminds the world that empowerment and healing are personal before they are political. Her evolving views on marriage, shaped by her cultural background and feminist reading list, also reflect this balance between independence and belonging. “Marriage is a beautiful relationship,” she said, “it is friendship, and it’s this strong bond between two people who love each other and who bring more beauty to each other’s lives.” For a woman who once feared marriage meant compromise, her reflection becomes a metaphor for reclaiming agency. Something millions of women in poverty still fight for daily.
A Call to Action
Yousafzai and her journey from survivor to scholar, from activist to author, is a testament to the enduring power of education. Her story invites a global reckoning: ending poverty demands not only policy reform and aid but also the freedom for people, especially women, to heal, to learn, and to live fully.
Empowering students today shapes the prosperity of tomorrow. As Yousafzai continues her mission, her voice underscores a timeless truth: education and poverty reduction are inseparable, and education is not only the way out of poverty, it is the way forward.
– Ella Bogdan
Photo: Flickr
Taipei Christmas Market Gifting Aid For Ukraine
A Taiwanese organizer who identifies as “Jen” founded TSWU, which consists of Ukrainians, Taiwanese and international volunteers who mobilized around the invasion’s onset. It serves to support Ukrainians through volunteer-led efforts and government backing. TSWU uses its funds to provide humanitarian and medical aid to Ukrainian refugees, children and elders who have resettled in Taiwan. The booth acquired donations at the Taipei New Year’s Eve Party that took place from December 26 to December 31, 2025, serving the same humanitarian purpose.
Amid the festivities and market stalls during the celebration, TSWU distinguished itself by organizing a Taipei Christmas market gifting aid for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Booth
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, annually holds a New Year’s Fair in the Xinyi District. The fair itself features live performances, a countdown celebration and department stores that illuminate the city during the holidays. TSWU’s booth, which opened on the fourth day of the fair, blended culture and festivity with charity through the Taipei Christmas market gifting aid for Ukraine.
The booth collected donations through the sale of unique Ukrainian souvenirs and the performances of traditional Ukrainian Christmas carols. Participants could also join the educational workshops to create Malanka masks and didukhs. The souvenirs ranged from traditional crafts to original artworks and festive treats. Traditional festive Ukrainian folk songs echoed throughout the district and along the streets near the Taipei 101 skyscraper, allowing the public to experience Ukrainian traditions.
This year’s booth featured multiple students from Zhenzhi National University and Taiwan National University under the guidance of their instructor, Su Yuxuan. It brought Ukrainian and Taiwanese volunteers together with local residents, not just to share Ukrainian culture, but to inform them of Ukraine’s current conditions.
TSWU’s Previous Successes
Since its formation in response to Russia’s invasion, TSWU has done multiple projects that have delivered aid to Ukraine from Taiwan, the Taipei Times reports. It has raised a total of 4.5 million New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) since February, 2022. It has also raised enough money at Taipei’s Europe Festival in 2023 to buy two ambulances and medical supplies for Ukraine. Since September 17, 2024, Ukraine has purchased a total of six ambulances, which helped medical personnel evacuate more lives, deliver aid and reduce fatalities.
Taipei’s 2025 European Countries Festival highlighted Ukrainian culture, thanks to TSWU’s collaboration with Leleka, another organization aiding Ukraine. They sold Ukrainian souvenirs, clothing, treats and more to raise funds for aid. The organization has also collaborated with other Ukrainian aid organizations such as Kids 2 Kids, Through The War and OBOZ. In July 2024, TSWU transferred 518,624 NTD to Ukraine and its collaborators. One contribution funded renovations to make the first floor of Through The War’s shelter wheelchair accessible. In recognition of donor support, TSWU has given small tokens of appreciation ranging from stickers to custom name patterns.
Conclusion
Ukraine continues to face deepening poverty and hardship as the invasion persists. However, efforts by nonprofit organizations such as TSWU continue to provide meaningful support with engaging cultural exchanges. Compassion takes many forms, including quieter ones. While modest in scale, the Taipei Christmas market gifting aid for Ukraine helped maintain global attention on the invasion and reinforced a sense of international solidarity across communities worldwide.
– Cindy Nguyen
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Improved Food Security in the Sahel
VACS addresses the demand for varied, nutrient-packed farming that can endure ecological disruptions while enhancing livelihoods in rural areas. The program highlights “opportunity crops” — resilient yet underused varieties such as millets, sorghum and cowpeas — alongside efforts to rehabilitate depleted soils. This evidence-based approach seeks to interrupt ongoing patterns of poverty and malnutrition across the region. By combining climate adaptation strategies, nutritional safeguards and farmer empowerment, VACS delivers a roadmap for enduring agricultural progress in at-risk populations, ultimately contributing to improved food security in the Sahel.
Exploring the VACS Initiative
VACS functions as a multilateral trust fund integrated within the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s (IFAD) Rural Resilience Program (2RP). It consolidates climate financing, adaptation resources and development funds into a comprehensive strategy designed specifically for small-scale farmers. Four primary strategies guide VACS:
First, the promotion of crop diversity to enhance climate resilience addresses Africa’s dependence on a limited range of staple crops such as maize, rice and wheat, which are susceptible to environmental stress. VACS advocates for cultivating underutilized indigenous crops such as fonio and teff, which thrive in arid conditions and offer strong nutritional benefits. Although research and policy have historically neglected these crops, they hold significant potential for improving food security in the Sahel.
Second, restoring soils and adopting sustainable land management practices address Africa’s widespread soil erosion challenges. More than 65% of the continent’s soils are degraded, leading to productivity declines of up to 30%.
VACS supports restorative practices such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry and the use of natural soil amendments to enhance water retention, nutrient content and long-term sustainability.
Third, empowering farmers and establishing knowledge networks ensures that smallholders have access to essential resources and education for climate-smart agriculture. VACS strengthens community-based seed systems, provides training on climate-adaptive farming techniques and improves financial access, facilitating transitions to more resilient agricultural practices.
Finally, developing markets for opportunity crops ensures economic incentives for farmers to cultivate adapted varieties. By connecting smallholders with buyers such as school meal programs and expanding access to local and international markets, VACS enhances income stability and promotes economic growth in rural areas.
VACS’s Impact on Breaking Cycles of Poverty and Hunger
In the Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa, food systems remain trapped in a damaging cycle: environmental disruptions reduce harvests, triggering shortages, undernutrition and financial instability. VACS intervenes by targeting the underlying sources of fragility. Nearly 40% of Sahelian children experience micronutrient deficiencies stemming from diets high in calories but low in nutrients.
VACS emphasizes nutrient-rich crops such as amaranth and pigeon peas, which provide iron, zinc and protein. Through diet diversification, the program addresses stunting, anemia and malnutrition, particularly among women and youth, contributing to improved food security in the Sahel.
Projections indicate that without intervention, climate change could reduce crop outputs by 20% by 2050.
VACS’s resilient crops, including drought-resistant sorghum and heat-tolerant millets, help shield smallholders from irregular weather. In Niger, where drought-prone rain-dependent farming prevails, those using mixed cropping have maintained consistent yields amid worsening climate conditions.
VACS also strengthens economic resilience by creating equitable supply chains for opportunity crops. The fonio supply network in West Africa, supported by entities such as Yolélé Foods, has generated employment, increased farmer earnings by as much as 30% and opened new export opportunities.
Soil health remains central to VACS’s strategy. Degraded soils reduce yields while worsening water scarcity and emissions. Through comprehensive soil nutrient strategies, including organic composting and eco-farming methods, VACS has demonstrated yield increases of up to 28% in pilot areas such as Ethiopia, further supporting food security in the Sahel.
Tools for digital soil analysis further support targeted farming by aligning actions with specific locations for optimal results.
Advancing VACS: Key Policies and Future Directions
Realizing VACS’s full potential requires coordinated action among governments, aid organizations and commercial entities. Increasing investment in climate-resilient agriculture remains essential. Currently, just 1.7% of global climate funding benefits smallholder farmers, limiting access to critical resources needed for sustainable practices.
Governments and international contributors should prioritize VACS-compatible initiatives in agricultural budgets and climate adaptation funds. Strengthening seed systems and advisory services will also accelerate adoption. Many opportunity crops lack improved seed varieties due to prolonged underfunding in crop research. Expanding research and development, alongside digital-based farmer education and collaborative learning, will help address this gap.
Emphasizing fair land tenure and gender equity remains vital. Women manage approximately 60% of African farms but often lack secure land rights, which restricts investment in long-term soil care. Legal reforms supporting equitable land ownership and targeted initiatives for women farmers are key to VACS’s success.
Private-sector involvement is also a key to success. Incentives such as tax reductions, subsidies and public-private partnerships can spur investment in processing and marketing opportunity crops. Examples such as Kenya’s “Super Porridge” program, which incorporates nutrient-rich crops into school meals, demonstrate how consumer demand can drive broader adoption.</span>
Embedding VACS within broader regional climate strategies will further amplify its impact. Alignment with initiatives such as the Great Green Wall and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 can strengthen collaboration on ecosystem restoration, nutrition security and poverty reduction, advancing food security in the Sahel.
Looking Ahead
VACS extends beyond technical fixes and represents a shift in agricultural development for climate-vulnerable regions. By integrating scientific research, policy coordination and community-driven action, the initiative outlines a pathway to disrupt cycles of poverty and hunger. With sustained commitment from governments, farmers and partners, VACS has the potential to strengthen resilience, improve nutrition and support long-term livelihoods across the Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa.
– Christopher Pellant
Photo: Flickr
Libraries Without Borders Fights Poverty Surge in Ukraine
Children have been among the most affected. UNICEF reported in July 2025 that 70% of Ukrainian children — about 3.5 million — lack access to basic goods and services, forcing many out of school.
The loss of educational access has broader consequences for Ukrainian society. Mariya Levonova and Balázs Jarábik of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace found that the contraction of Ukraine’s educational networks has undermined access to basic services and weakened social infrastructure, eroding public trust in self-governance.
Education is not the only sector reflecting deepening poverty in Ukraine. An estimated 4.6 million people have experienced severe disruptions to water access, including physical damage to infrastructure and contamination.
“Fighting and shelling have polluted water sources with explosives, heavy metals and other hazardous substances, making them unsafe for consumption,” according to Anna Cherevko of the United Nations University.
The Big Picture
The erosion of basic services in Ukraine has left many families without nutritious food, adequate clothing, heating or educational materials, according to UNICEF.
Anna Cherevko of the United Nations University described Russia’s invasion as Europe’s largest military conflict since World War II. The war has caused Ukraine’s gross domestic product to shrink by more than 30% and left roughly 40% of the working population unemployed.
Amid the crisis, Libraries Without Borders or Bibliothèques Sans Frontières has worked since 2007 to provide protection, information and psychological support, particularly along Ukraine’s borders.
The organization supports people affected by war trauma, including an estimated 14 million Ukrainians in need of psychological assistance and roughly 9 million now living in poverty.
What Libraries Without Borders Does
The organization strives to “protect, support and guide Ukrainian inhabitants, displaced persons and refugees” throughout the ongoing battles.
Economic losses tied to the war exceed $499 billion, driven by unemployment and disrupted economic activity, according to the Ukraine Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2025
With losses of this magnitude, services such as those of Libraries Without Borders are necessary more than ever before.
The organization eases poverty in Ukraine through several initiatives:
The boxes include creative and literary materials, tablets and televisions, forming a “digital library that provides access to thousands of educational and cultural resources without requiring internet connectivity.”
Looking Ahead
UNICEF warns that millions of Ukrainian children are being deprived of a minimum standard of living, jeopardizing their long-term development, health and education.
The United Nations University estimates the war erased 15 years of development gains, pushing an additional 7.1 million people into poverty and raising the national poverty rate to 24.1% in 2022.
Despite the challenges, Libraries Without Borders reported its centres have assisted more than 50,000 people. The organization estimates a single Ideas Box can serve more than 100 people per day — potentially reaching about 100,000 people over three months.
Humanitarian planners say aid efforts in Ukraine will increasingly prioritize cash and voucher assistance aligned with community preferences, using multisectoral approaches to meet basic needs.
Final Remarks
The war in Ukraine has deepened poverty, weakened access to essential services and placed millions of children and families at risk, reversing years of social and economic progress. Rising unemployment, disrupted education and widespread psychological trauma have intensified humanitarian needs across the country.
As international organizations warn of long-term consequences, Libraries Without Borders has emerged as a critical source of support by providing access to education, information and safe community spaces.
While the scale of the crisis remains vast, targeted initiatives such as these mobile libraries and community programs demonstrate how focused humanitarian action can help restore stability, resilience and opportunity for those most affected by the conflict.
– Gemma Nailer
Photo: Flickr
Transforming Rural Electrification in Tanzania Introduction
In response to these challenges, solar energy has emerged as a practical, affordable, and renewable source of energy. Rural Energy Agency (REA) in Tanzania has played a key role in promoting off-grid solar systems and mini-grids to expand electricity access in rural areas. Also, Private companies such as Zola Electric and Mobisol have also introduced pay-as-you-go solar models that allow low-income households to access electricity without high upfront costs.
In addition, organizations like IRENA report that decentralized solar systems have improved education outcomes, health care delivery and local business productivity in rural Africa. This paper will explore how solar energy is transforming rural electrification in Tanzania and supporting sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Background
Tanzania is a country in East Africa and home to more than 67 million people, it shares borders with countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Known for its rich natural resources, including wildlife, fertile land and renewable energy potential, incredible landscape, being home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa and diverse culture, Tanzania has played an important role in regional trade and development.
Despite those advantages, access to reliable electricity remains a major challenge, particularly in rural areas, with only about 25% of rural residents having electricity compared to 75% in urban areas that aren’t connected to the national grid. Limited rural electrification in Tanzania has slowed economic growth, restricted access to education and healthcare, and widened the gap between urban and rural populations.
Health clinics without reliable electricity have trouble operating medical equipment, storing vaccines safely, and providing emergency care during the night. Similarly, small businesses face reduced productivity when they cannot power machinery, refrigeration, or communication tools, limiting the income of workers and local economic growth. These challenges have encouraged Tanzania to adopt off-grid solutions such as solar home systems and mini-grids as practical alternatives to improve rural electrification in Tanzania.
To address Tanzania’s electricity challenge, the country has turned to solar energy as a practical and renewable solution for rural and off-grid communities. The following paragraphs will examine the main solar energy systems driving rural electrification in Tanzania and highlight how these innovations are improving access to electricity while supporting economic development.
Solar Home Systems
Solar Home Systems (SHS) are small, off-grid energy systems that provide electricity to individual households in rural Tanzania. SHS provide houses with small, solar setups that generate electricity for basic amenities such as lighting, phone charging, radios, and small appliances. These systems typically include solar panels, a battery for energy storage, and sometimes an inverter or controller, which makes them perfect for off-grid areas where the availability to switch to the national grid is costly and slow. They are designed to provide electricity to homes and small businesses that lack access to the central grid, with components like PV panels and batteries that are engineered for basic electricity needs.
One major provider is Zola Electric, which supplies solar home systems to households through flexible payment plans, allowing families to access electricity without high upfront costs. Another key company is Mobisol, which offers larger SHS capable of powering multiple appliances and supporting small home-based businesses. These systems have significantly improved living conditions by replacing kerosene lamps with clean, reliable energy.
Mini-Grids
Solar mini grids are small-scale power systems that generate and distribute electricity to entire communities, including homes, schools, health clinics, and businesses. Unlike SHS, mini grids can support higher energy demand and productive activities such as milling, refrigeration and phone charging services.
In Tanzania, the government supports mini-grid development through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), which works with private developers to expand electricity access in remote areas. These partnerships help reduce costs, improve system maintenance, and ensure long-term sustainability of rural electrification in Tanzania
Pay-As-You-Go Solar
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar systems allow users to pay for electricity in small, affordable installments using mobile money, thereby making solar power accessible to low-income households. This system removes the inconvenience of high upfront costs and enables families to gradually own their systems.
An example is Solar Sister, which combines PAYG solar with a community-based distribution model. Solar Sister trains and supports women entrepreneurs to sell solar products within their communities, increasing both energy access and local economic opportunities. This approach not only expands electricity access but also promotes gender empowerment and poverty reduction.
Looking Ahead
As Tanzania continues to explore other solar energy solutions, off-grid systems, mini-grids and pay-as-you-go models, a clearer path towards rural electrification can be achieved. With enough government support, private partnerships and continued investment in renewable technology, solar power has the potential to reach even the most remote communities. These systems not only improve daily living conditions, but also support education, healthcare and small businesses. Looking ahead, with enough innovation and practical application, solar energy can play an important role in reducing energy poverty and promoting rural electrification in Tanzania.
– Emmanuel Fagbemide
Photo: Flickr