Archive for category: Agriculture

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Boosting Yields and Income: Sustainable Farming in Nigeria

sustainable farming in NigeriaThe Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) is a nonprofit organization promoting sustainable farming in Nigeria. It’s helping local smallholder farmers increase their crop yields and lower costs. It currently operates in 54 different locations throughout the country, including several agricultural hotspots such as Nasarawa, Kano and Oyo.

Challenges of Smallholder Farming in Nigeria

Agriculture makes up a significant portion of the country’s economy, as the industry employs more than one-third of the entire workforce. Smallholder farmers, defined as those working on farmlands less than 24 acres, make up a large portion of this workforce and its production, with only 10% of the entire nation’s food supply coming from other sources. However, smallholder farmers face many challenges that inhibit productivity.

The regular use of the slash-and-burn technique to clear farmland, synthetic fertilizer and pesticides all contribute to a decrease in crop yields, as well as damage to their land. With Nigeria as a whole already impacted by climate instability and extreme weather, the additional damage done by these farming practices only worsens their predicament. Many of these practices lead to the erosion of soil and subsequent decrease in fertility. This issue currently impacts more than 23% of Nigerian land. However, many farmers do not have access to the knowledge of how to properly make the transition from their current methods to the practices of sustainable farming that the FSSS promotes.

Another obstacle that smallholder farmers face is a lack of access to proper resources. A majority of farmers do not have access to high-quality seeds and non-synthetic fertilizers. In addition, lack of access to loans and insurance means that many farmers would not be able to buy these products even if they were available, and cannot insure their lands against potential environmental damage. As a result of all of these elements, productivity has waned so greatly that, on average, these farmers are producing “less than half of their potential output per hectare.”

Food Insecurity in Nigeria

According to the Global Hunger Index, Nigeria’s hunger level is serious. It affects the population as a whole, as 18% are undernourished. However, it affects children the most, as 31.5% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 5 are stunted. In addition, more than 10% of children die before their 10th birthday, reflecting “the most serious consequence of hunger.”

This worrying level of food insecurity is due to a combination of many different factors. However, despite the country’s reliance on them as a main food source, the declining output of smallholder farmers is a significant contributor.

How FSSS is Helping Nigerians

To properly promote sustainable farming in Nigeria, the FSSS has several initiatives to improve the amount of education and resources available. One of its initiatives is the Farmer’s Service Centers, also known as Farmer’s Hubs. These centers are run for locals by locals and provide farmer’s necessities at low costs. They have tools such as high-quality seeds and fertilizers and rentals for farming machinery. Yusuf Haliru, the operator of the Farmer’s Hub in Bichi, said: “Now, everything is within their reach—and the impact has been massive.”

The FSSS also partners with local financial institutions to provide smallholder farmers with services such as low-interest loans and insurance. This helps farmers, especially those with little to no financial literacy, invest more into their farms and financially protect themselves and their lands in an emergency or natural disaster.

However, the organization’s foremost initiative is its education. The FSSS educates farmers on many techniques that help progress the advent of sustainable farming in Nigeria. These techniques include crop rotation and using organic fertilizers like manure to reduce soil erosion and degradation. The use of compost as fertilizer caused a “40% increase in crop yields compared to conventional fertilization,” according to the UNDP. It also teaches techniques such as agroforestry and intercropping. These methods all help the farmers produce more while using less.

In May 2025 alone, the FSSS reached more than 1,000 farmers across four states, including almost 300 female participants through its educational programs. It will continue expanding its reach and resources moving forward, maximizing its positive impact and helping improve the lives of farmers and all those who rely on its yield.

– Delaney Gouveia

Delaney is based in Newport, RI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Seaweed in Indonesia: How a Plant Can Reduce Poverty

How Poverty Is Being Reduced by Seaweed in IndonesiaSeaweed is becoming a growing industry globally and Indonesia has become the second-largest seaweed producer in the world. Located between the Indian and Pacific oceans, Indonesia comprises more than 17,000 islands, making its vast coastlines a prime location for growing seaweed. Indonesia sits within the world’s largest archipelago, making seaweed production a year-round industry. The country has centered its economy around this sector, which has helped boost its GDP.

How Seaweed Reduces Poverty in Indonesia

Global demand for seaweed is rising as the product gains recognition for its low cultivation cost and short production time and Indonesia’s exports are expected to continue climbing. With more than 267,000 families depending on seaweed farming for income, the industry has become vital to the region. The industry is generating employment, allowing the economy to grow at a time when other job opportunities along the coastlines have become scarce. It also provides an alternative food source for people in the region, aligning with the United Nations (U.N.) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Indonesia’s Economy

Indonesia’s economy has experienced ups and downs throughout its history, but it has recently been undergoing a period of growth. The country has employed macroeconomic policies, focusing on creating better jobs within the middle class that will lead to improved standards of living. 

One of the markets responsible for Indonesia’s economic growth is seaweed. Indonesia’s seaweed production capacity is second only to China’s. It has become an industry that is integral to the many coastal communities in the country, where these families depend on seaweed farming to live. As a result, seaweed farming in Indonesia has helped reduce poverty and bolster economic growth. 

Seaweed from Indonesia is gaining global popularity, creating a higher demand for the product. The country’s trade exports have steadily increased, contributing to economic growth. This growth is largely due to the rising value of the seaweed trade and Indonesia’s consistently lower price per ton compared to competitors, giving the country an opportunity to increase its economic gains and invest further in infrastructure.

Current Challenges

The seaweed industry is currently facing three challenges that limit its capabilities to expand even further. The first is its limited processing capabilities domestically, which local farmers can potentially resolve by investing in processing infrastructure. Currently, Indonesia can produce seaweed cheaper than any other country, but it does not have the same processing capabilities as its competitors.

Its second challenge is an inefficient supply chain, which stems from the issue of scale. Due to the relatively recent boom in the seaweed industry, seaweed farmers in Indonesia are not used to producing on this large a scale. They are currently addressing this issue by standardizing the process in an effort to create more uniformity across the industry. The third challenge it is facing is weakened compliance with international standards, which reduces consumer confidence in the product. Indonesia is addressing this by developing national standards that all seaweed farmers must follow. While the country is facing challenges, they are actively developing policy and infrastructure designed to combat these challenges and continually grow the industry as well as its economy. 

Looking Forward

As Indonesia continues to develop its infrastructure and policies, it can further expand its economic growth. Seaweed has become an integral part of life, as thousands of families rely on the product for income. Due to the industry’s growth, many citizens in coastal regions have been able to improve their livelihoods.

– Olivia Peters

Olivia is based in Newport, RI, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Urine Fertilizer in Burkina Faso is Boosting Food Security

Urine Fertilizer in Burkina FasoIn Burkina Faso, smallholder farmers are grappling with a crisis that is both old and new: declining soil fertility and skyrocketing fertilizer prices. In a country where approximately 80% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood, even slight drops in yield can push families deeper into poverty. Now, an unusual solution is turning human urine into a powerful, low-cost fertilizer that could help farmers grow more food with fewer resources.

Urine Fertilizer in Burkina Faso

Human urine is naturally rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, the same nutrients found in commercial fertilizers. By separating urine at the household level using urine diversion toilets, farmers can collect, sanitize and apply it directly to their crops. According to a study in Burkina Faso, using urine fertilizer and compost together increased maize and eggplant yields by up to 90% compared to unfertilized plots.&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;</p&gt;</p>

style=”font-weight: 400;”>Programs led by organizations like CIRAD and the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement are helping farmers in Burkina Faso and neighbouring countries adopt safe collection and application practices. These nutrient recycling pilots demonstrate that farmers can reduce reliance on expensive imported fertilizers while protecting groundwater from untreated waste runoff.

How it works

Simple ecosan toilets separate urine and feces, allowing households to store urine in sealed containers for a few weeks to kill pathogens. Once sanitized, the liquid can be diluted and spread on fields as urine fertilizer. A recent study in Mali found that farmers using urine fertilizer on rice paddies produced 1,623 kg/ha, outperforming plots fertilized with mineral fertilizer and achieved a benefit-cost ratio of 3.3. Farmer cooperatives and local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) provide training on safe handling, dosage and storage, helping communities overcome taboos around human waste. Many see this as a crucial step for smallholders who struggle to afford chemical fertilizers, which can use 20% to 30% of their annual household budget. 

Benefits for Health, Food Security and the Environment

Urine recycling boosts both yields and reduces pollution. Poor sanitation systems in West Africa often leak nutrients into rivers and groundwater, harming ecosystems and drinking water supplies. By recovering the nutrients from urine for farming, communities can close the loop between sanitation and agriculture in a safe, circular way. This practice directly supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Looking Ahead

Nutrient recycling is not so widespread in Burkina Faso, but the evidence shows it could be transformative for food security in regions where soil fertility is falling and fertilizer prices are rising. As farmer cooperatives expand training and share success stories, more communities may see that the solution to hunger can be as simple as the waste they flush away.

– Rebecca Lee

Rebecca is based in Scotland and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Introducing Zero Budget Natural Farming in India

Introducing Zero Buget Natural Farming in India Investing in rural development in India is not only essential for uplifting rural communities but also crucial for supporting the nation’s environmental and economic growth. Rural sustainability seeks to improve the quality of life and overall well-being of people living in these areas. A key factor driving the urgent need for rural advancement is the ongoing agrarian crisis. Marginal farmers’ reliance on chemical inputs and the rising cost of agricultural materials have degraded fertile soil, yielding minimal economic returns and growing debt—ultimately adversely affecting the livelihood of people who depend on agriculture.

In response to these challenges, a promising solution has emerged in the form of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), an efficient agricultural system that enriches soil naturally using materials such as cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour etc. This approach enhances soil health, strengthens crop resilience against climate extremes and improves access to safe, affordable food. ZBNF holds significant potential to transform rural India by promoting ecological balance, economic resilience and sustainable livelihoods. 

The Practices and Principles of ZBNF

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) was initially practiced by Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese farmer and philosopher, on the island of Shikoku. However, the method gained prominence in the 21st century through the work of Indian agriculturalist Subhash Palekar, who drew inspiration from traditional Indian farming techniques. To reiterate, ZBNF is an ecological and low-cost approach to agriculture that seeks to replace chemical inputs with natural resources, enabling farmers to cultivate without dependence on loans or market-purchased inputs. 

Palekar developed four core principles of ZBNF, referred to as the four wheels, each representing a foundational aspect of the practice: Beejamrit, Jeevamrit, Mulching and Waaphasa. Beejamrit is a natural microbial treatment applied to seeds before sowing, made using cow dung liquids comprising of local cow dung, local cow urine, and is designed to stimulate healthy germination.  Jeevamrit refers to the enhancement of soil microbes using an inoculum of cow dung, cow urine and jaggery, fostering soil fertility through biological means. 

Mulching involves covering the soil with crop residue, such as mulch, to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Waaphasa focuses on the building up of soil humus to increase soil aeration, which improves soil structure and reduces water usage. Under this method, irrigation—defined as applying water to crops artificially—is carried out only at noon and in alternate furrows.

The Impact

Researchers have increasingly observed that Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) holds the potential to substantially improve agricultural productivity when compared to conventional farming methods, which typically rely on synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Empirical evidence suggests that ZBNF practices increased by up to 22% for crops such as gram, lentil, soybean, black gram and red mash as compared to inorganic farming. This indicates a promising trend toward more sustainable yet productive agricultural systems. 

Further supporting these findings, a survey conducted in the state of Karnataka revealed that farmers who adopted ZBNF techniques experienced an impressive 79% increase in crop yields. Even more striking, a separate study carried out in Andhra Pradesh recorded an even higher yield improvement, with increases reaching up to 88% when utilizing ZBNF methods.

Nonetheless, it is important to recognize that agricultural practices are rarely universally effective and outcomes can vary significantly based on regional conditions, crop type and soil characteristics. For instance, a study conducted in the state of Telangana found that maize, in this particular case, yielded better results when grown using conventional farming methods rather than through ZBNF practices. This serves as a reminder that while ZBNF shows great promise, it may not consistently outperform traditional approaches across all contexts and crop systems. 

Ongoing Challenges

Despite the promising benefits of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), it remains the subject of valid controversy, most notably, the concern that over a couple of decades or less, the soil may run out of organic matter, resulting in a catastrophic crash in food production across India. In other words, experts worry that ZBNF may mine nutrients from the soil’s organic matter, leading to long-term soil degradation, reduced crop yields and a potential collapse in food production if widely adopted without proper research.

Looking Ahead

This highlights the need for future research to reevaluate the long-term effects of ZBNF so that countries utilizing this practice can flourish both in the short term and the long term. The good news is that with timely, science-based evaluation and careful adaptation, ZBNF has the potential to evolve into a resilient, sustainable model of agriculture that benefits both farmers and the environment. 

– LaRaymee Lee

LaRaymee is based in Missouri City, TX, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Bold Solutions for Poverty Reduction in Myanmar

Poverty Reduction in MyanmarMore than 32% of the population in Myanmar lived below the national poverty line in late 2023/early 2024 and about two-thirds face economic insecurity. These most recent statistics erase all of the progress the country had made since 2015.

By 2017, the poverty rate in Myanmar had dropped below 25% with 24.8% of the population living below the national poverty line. However, conflict, political instability and a faltering economy (just 1% GDP growth) have displaced more than 3 million people and worsened living conditions. These challenges underscore the need for bold and proven strategies to achieve poverty reduction in Myanmar. Here are five solutions for poverty reduction in Myanmar.

1. Revive Rural Agriculture

Almost half of Myanmar’s workforce depends on agriculture; however the yields remain low. Climate-smart seeds and improved irrigation can greatly improve the output of yields. 

From 2019 to 2022, the Climate Smart Rice Project helped 4,100 farmers in Shan, Mon, Mandalay and Bago adopt improved seed varieties and water-saving practices. These efforts increased rice yields by up to 22% while reducing methane emissions and water use. Similarly, the MYRice Pilot Program by IRRI introduced better post-harvest drying and storage techniques. This reduced crop losses and increased the market value of rice by 15%.

Investing in value chains, such as processing, transport and storage, not only increases rural incomes but also creates jobs and reduces food waste, contributing significantly to poverty reduction in Myanmar. 

2. Scale Up Social Protection 

A limited number of vulnerable households benefit from social safety nets. In Chin, Rakhine, and Kayin states, which are part of the nationwide rollout that began in 2017, the Maternal & Child Cash Transfer (MCCT) program has provided 15,000 kyats per month (about $10–11 USD) to pregnant and lactating women for up to 24 months, supporting their children’s crucial first 1,000 days. As of October 2019, the program reached 33,723 women in Chin State and 124,719 women in Rakhine State.

Meanwhile, Yoma Social Development Association’s mobile health initiatives in Karen State have tackled child malnutrition by training mothers in organic vegetable cultivation. In 27 villages, field facilitators identified children with moderate acute malnutrition and then equipped women, especially expectant and breastfeeding mothers, with seeds (e.g. beans, okra, eggplant) and farming tools. They also held nutrition awareness sessions and cooking demonstrations, resulting in a “noticeable improvement in positive social behaviors related to nutrition,” particularly for children under five.

3. Invest in Smart Infrastructure 

A shocking 84% of rural households lack electricity access in Myanmar. NGOs, like Techno Hill, have implemented solar micro-grids which serve 700 households and deliver 24/7 power to remote villages.

Moreover, by investing in all-weather rural roads and digital infrastructure, daily life in underserved regions can be transformed as economic productivity would be boosted and various aspects of life, such as education, disaster resilience, financial services and health care would be greatly improved, helping to reduce poverty in Myanmar. 

4. Expand Financial Access 

Only 23% of adults possess formal bank accounts, according to CGAP and GSMA. Expanding mobile banking and microfinancing services will create many opportunities for millions currently excluded from formal finance. Wave Money dominates the mobile finance market here—holding more than 80 % market share and serving about 38 % of the population via its agent network of 50,000 outlets. In 2019 alone, its transaction volume more than doubled to 6.4 trillion kyat ($ 4.3 billion USD).

KBZPay, which the KBZ Bank developed and launched in October 2018, has rapidly scaled, amassing more than 6 million downloads, serving 4 million customers, and enabling seamless digital access via a network of 280,000 agents nationwide.

5. Govern With People, Not Just for Them 

Corruption and opaque procedures pollute trust and public support. In Kachin, Kayah and Ayeyarwady, community budgeting and public scorecards have allowed for more responsive local services and reduced fund leakages. It is important to note that in conflict zones, poverty reduction and peacebuilding work in tandem as displaced households can be supported through integrated Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) approaches.

Moving Forward 

Despite Myanmar’s worsening poverty crisis, there are tested and scalable solutions already in place: cash transfers, solar energy, climate-resilient farming, mobile finance and community-led governance. These interventions have demonstrated measurable impact and represent a viable path forward.

The future of poverty reduction in Myanmar depends on building on what works and ensuring these strategies reach the most affected, including rural communities, women, ethnic minorities and displaced families. While the challenges remain immense, the tools for transformation are already in motion.

– Arabella D’Aniello

Arabella is based in The Hague, Netherlands and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Rural Fishermen Safeguard Small-Scale Fishing in Honduras

Small-Scale Fishing in HondurasArtisanal fishermen on the Caribbean coast of Honduras are celebrating the creation of a marine protected area managed in partnership with their small-scale fishing communities. The ordinance for the Santa Rosa de Aguan Site of Importance for Wildlife, overseen by the Honduran Forest Conservation Institute, was signed on May 28, 2025. Created in collaboration with Rare, an ecological nonprofit, the project saw the communities of Colon, Cortes, and Atlantida rejoice at the declaration and join together in envisioning a positive future for the fishing industry.

Background

Honduras is a lower-middle-income country, as 63% of the population lives in poverty, one in five rural residents experiences extreme poverty, and 19% of children under 5 experience malnutrition, causing developmental delays. Unstable access to essential services, increasing violence and inequality alongside the changing climate and disproportionate economic growth have contributed to food insecurity and malnutrition.

Additionally, in 2024, the country faced several challenges, including droughts, unpredictable rainfall, inflation, and economic instability, which led to struggles in the agricultural sector and a decline in household incomes. These problems were significantly more damaging in rural and marginalized communities.

Fishing Project

The plan in Santa Rosa de Aguan will involve collaboration with local fishermen, who will survey and patrol coastal waters to combat illegal fishing, utilize sustainable fishing gear, and protect the long-term health of shoreline ecosystems. Beaches, rainforests, coastal mangroves and 12 nautical miles of open ocean comprise the 112-square-mile zone accessible to fishermen working within the new project. With the help of Rare, the project aims to protect 100% of mangrove swamps and reserve 12 nautical miles of open seas exclusively for small-scale fishing and conservation, Good News Network reports.

Rare, through its Fish Forever initiative, has helped create more than 28,000 square miles of community fisheries in 2,000 cities and towns around the world. The global project recognizes that healthy coastal fisheries are essential to the food security, economic prosperity, and climate resilience of coastal communities worldwide. Furthermore, they work with fishers to revitalize coastal fisheries and partner with local governments, funders, leaders, and NGOs to support local communities in managing them sustainably.

Outcomes

According to the Statistics Institute of Honduras, the indigenous Garifuna speakers of Santa Rosa de Aguan live with half their population in extreme poverty. These small-scale fishing communities, comprising multiple generations of fishermen, have exclusive access to sustainable food supplies, employment opportunities, and secure wages. The scheme enables locals to utilize traditional fishing methods, building upon the fishing industry and developing it into a sustainable source of employment in the country. With the help of Rare, fishermen have gained access to an expansive region of waters that will be used to continue developing the fishing industry and eventually contribute to Honduras’ economy. Mayor of Santa Rosa de Aguan, Heber Flores, states, “By protecting the resources that sustain us—fishing and agriculture—we’re securing a future of dignity, resilience, and opportunity for our communities,” Good News Network reports.

The Future

In conclusion, the establishment of the Santa Rosa de Aguan Site of Importance for Wildlife marks a significant step toward sustainable small-scale fishing practices and community empowerment on the Caribbean coast of Honduras. By involving local fishermen and prioritizing environmental conservation, this initiative aims to uplift impoverished communities while ensuring the long-term health of vital marine ecosystems.

As these communities come together to protect their resources, they pave the way for a brighter future where dignity, resilience, and economic opportunity can flourish in harmony with nature. Through collaborative efforts, the vision for sustainable fishing addresses not only immediate needs but also strengthens the overall welfare of future generations.

– Phoebe Guildford

Phoebe is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Systems in Yemen

Food Systems in YemenYemen is enduring one of the most severe and unprecedented humanitarian crises of the 21st century. After years of economic collapse, political corruption and civil war, around half of the population now depends on humanitarian aid to survive. Here is information about the food systems in Yemen and efforts to improve them amidst the country’s crisis.

A Nation in Crisis

In the wake of decades of tribal alliances, the pursuit of land and misuse of national resources, the people of Yemen are suffering among the most complex conflicts in the Middle East, with around a total of 20 million Yemenis facing inadequate access to clean water, sanitation or hygiene services.

Following over a decade of conflict, a UN report estimates that the total death toll stood at 377,000, with at least 150,000 killed as a direct consequence of violence by the beginning of 2022. Many more have since perished due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

With a rapidly rising population, widespread poverty and major damage to public infrastructure, food prices in Yemen have also soared by 300% in the last 10 years with families in rural areas and those displaced among the worst affected.

Ranked 10th lowest on the Human Development Index (HDI), food shortages are now at an all time high with outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases constantly being exacerbated by scarcity and poor nutritional standards.

Food Insecurity in Yemen

While Yemen hosts some of the most fertile land in the Arabian peninsula, the economic, social and environmental functions of its agriculture are being shattered. 

Once a thriving agrarian society, Yemeni agriculture is not just an important economic sector, but a way of life that is under imminent threat. With around one in two children under the age of 5 facing malnourishment, this decline is directly affecting food security throughout the region.

Due to these challenges, Yemen is increasingly reliant on imported food supplies with around 90% of its wheat acquired overseas. Here, an ongoing Saudi-imposed naval blockade is also majorly compounding scarcity and starvation due to the ongoing conflict. 

Despite the risks of famine and poverty spreading, around 30% of Yemen’s national irrigation water is currently used to grow Khat, a mild stimulant that not only uses up valuable water but also crowds out food crops as climate change decreases access to arable land.

Reviving Family Farming in Yemen

In line with a report from the United Nations in 2022, the fragmented Yemeni government is now endorsing a plan to develop its family farming industry, identifying agro-ecological conditions and improved knowledge and access to terrain and markets as key drivers for future agricultural developments.

In light of Yemen’s growing dependence on imports, improved domestic farming has the potential to contribute more significantly to the nation’s long-term food security, as its real gross domestic product (GDP) could potentially fulfill up to 25% to 30% of its needs.

Though improving food systems in Yemen remains a formidable challenge, greater efforts are now being taken to allow local farmers to engage more comprehensively in these processes, with strategies tailored to the obstacles they are facing in their everyday lives.

Yemen’s Fishing Industry

Prior to the war, the fishing industry was Yemen’s second largest export, employing more than half a million people. With financial support from the European Union, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is now actively supporting the coastal community in Aden and other areas in the south. 

With a coastal strip extending around 2,500 kilometers, fishing is re-emerging as a promising sector in improving Yemen’s food supply, enriching nutrition levels whilst stimulating the economy through increased trade.

For instance, a fish market at Al Hotta Lah was recently rebuilt and is now in use after being destroyed during the war. Around 100 tonnes of fish are sold there per month with an estimated value of $18,000 and more than 100 traders and retailers using it daily.

As a result, understanding the roles of local traders, farmers and fishermen in improving Yemen’s food systems is underpinning the importance of combining humanitarian relief with development responses that can support small businesses and empower local economies at a time of growing crisis.

In any case, as the humanitarian disaster persists, it has become clear that improving Yemen’s fishing and agriculture must play a vital role in improving food systems in Yemen, whilst also assisting the economic and social conditions of a nation ravaged by war and political uncertainty.

– Gabriel John Gunn

Gabriel is based in Paisley, Scotland and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Technologies to Prevent Food Insecurity in Morocco

Technologies to Prevent Food Insecurity in Morocco In 2024, Morocco suffered a 50% decrease in its wheat harvests, compared to the previous year, leaving many farmers and rural labourers without work or income. Although Morocco has always battled droughts and water shortages, the effects have become more apparent in the past decade. According to ROPUR, 40% of the Moroccan workforce participates in agricultural activities, with 137,000 jobs lost to the drought in 2024.

The lack of rainfall and reservoirs affects not just the rural populations in the most barren parts of Morocco, but also urban centers such as Rabat, which came close to a total dry up in 2023. Despite the inevitable threat of a water shortage in the country, foreign investors have partnered with scientists from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University to utilize technology in reducing the economic and health consequences associated with droughts and food insecurity.

Agritech and the Green Generation Strategy

A particular project that has worked effortlessly to solve food insecurity in Morocco is Agritech. The Green Generation Strategy (2020-2030), set out by King Mohammed VI, aims to modernise the Moroccan agricultural sector of the economy, not only to boost exports, but also to support the 73% of people living in rural Morocco who work in agriculture. 

As a product of this 10-year strategy, Agritech aims to provide precise and timely information to farmers through a mixture of satellite-based imagery, drones and artificial intelligence in order to help the sector better prepare for droughts. 

Al Moutmir: Irrigation and Job Creation

Agriculture in Morocco accounts for 14% of GDP, meaning slight shifts in the climate during growing seasons can have catastrophic consequences for locals. Among the frequent effects of climate shifts is a reduction in the rural labor force. However, through technological innovation, projects such as Al Moutmir have overcome some of these challenges.

Through its gravity-fed irrigation systems, some farmers have been able to reduce their field water losses from 40% to just 15%. In addition, the umbrella strategy that Al Moutmir forms a part of – Le Plan Maroc Vert –has created an additional 342,000 jobs since its inception in 2008. 

Sand to Green and Terraa

While organizations and partnerships in Morocco have taken direct action on combating food insecurity and water shortages, a hybrid of both physical and virtual uses of technology has benefited farmers. For example, Sand to Green uses technology to insert green spaces into previously arid lands or solar-powered desalination methods to increase the flow of appropriate water for agriculture.

Terraa, on the other hand, is a digital network that farmers use to distribute their products efficiently and cost-effectively so as to avoid waste in times of surplus. Through the combination of the two, farmers can work toward a more stable harvest, all the while selling their produce for a price that is fair for their work. As such, the Moroccan agricultural sector reinforces itself in the long term and expands its GDP. 

Looking Ahead

Although droughts are an inevitable reality in Morocco, state-of-the-art technology allows small and large-scale farmers to prepare for the worst. Although Morocco may seem like a distant country, 34% of Moroccan exports to the U.K. are fruits and vegetables, meaning a stable agricultural industry in Morocco leads to a consistent supply for British consumption. 

– Alfie Williams-Hughes

Alfie is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Ambitious Goals and Quick Results: Mongolia’s Vision 2050

Mongolia’s Vision 2050 Vision 2050 is a long-term policy plan that focuses on a country’s growth by setting up milestones and windows of time to devote resources for specific projects. Multiple countries have a Vision 2050 policy, including Papua New Guinea, Lithuania, and India. Specifically, the policy generally involves making more eco-friendly use of resources, creating more ideal uses of social services, and reducing poverty significantly.

Mongolia’s Vision 2050 was first introduced as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020. During 2020, Mongolia experienced an economic reduction of 10%, strikingly fast, unlike previous years. The lockdown on homes also revealed the vulnerability of citizens to poverty, with food insecurity, easy job loss, and a decrease in agricultural products. The policy has three phases: phase one from 2021 to 2030, phase two from 2031 to 2040, and finally from 2041 to 2050.

Mongolia’s Poverty Goals for 2050

Mongolia’s Vision 2050 has many objectives for different parts of the culture and government. For poverty specifically, Mongolia plans to reduce national poverty to 15% by 2030 and 5% by 2050. The first phase, 2021-2030, involves bolstering an economic environment that supports entrepreneurship, expanding the job market by moving many financially unstable citizens to the middle class, and providing at least 75% of herders and farmers with decent equipment and technology to support a stable business flow. On top of this, Mongolia plans to resolve any overdue external debt the government owes while maintaining a stable economy.

By resolving external debt, foreign trade and investment are stronger and less risky, which in turn helps create a steady stream of employment for citizens. If the country improves job opportunities, many Mongolian citizens could transition from poverty into the middle class. One of Mongolia’s Vision 2050 goals is to make the middle class a predominant economic group to encourage job creation and innovation.

The second and third phases, 2031-2050, will foster a competitive nature in business to keep cash flows going smoothly and to prompt innovation among citizens to improve the culture and economy. Alongside these goals is to improve credit ratings and increase national savings. In the last phase, 2041-2050, Mongolia hopes to make the middle class a predominant economic group. With many citizens transitioning to the middle class with a lucrative job environment and encouraging entrepreneurship, inflation should drastically decrease, while employment skyrockets. One of the most ambitious goals in this final stage of Mongolia’s Vision 2050 is to create at least one city completely free of poverty.

Strides in Progress

One of the fastest results that Mongolia’s Vision 2050 accomplished was improved air quality in 2020. This problem partly predated the implementation of Vision 2050, where in 2019, Mongolia’s Voluntary National Review raised the question of growing air pollution, and started taking steps to reduce it. However, thanks to the urgency and efforts of Mongolia’s Vision 2050, in 2020, Mongolia cut air pollution down by 40%.

Halfway through phase one, Mongolia’s Vision 2050 has already yielded some promising results for the rest of the policy plan. The creation of the E-Mongolia app is an e-government service that has been designed for public use. Essentially, the app allows citizens to look up vehicles and property for purchase in a given area. The app also allows citizens to look at personal medical records, prescriptions, and accurate data on floods. The app has made strides in making data, accessibility, and communication easier for citizens and political officials in Mongolia. In other words, the app has improved the quality of life through access and clarification while making political dealings faster and easier.

Value chains for livestock have also improved drastically from 2020 to 2025. Animal husbandry has experienced increases in quality, which has driven down price volatility in Mongolia, specifically for products like cashmere, meat and dairy. The economic potential for livestock bolstering is promising, with many more Mongolian politicians showing an interest in the sector in recent years, and continuing to pour resources and effort into the chain to create a stable pillar of economic income.

The Future

Mongolia’s Vision 2050 continues to work towards the ambitious goals of reducing national poverty to 5% and creating a poverty-free city by 2050. With the swift result of decreased air pollution, the growing focus on the farming economy, and the ease and quality of life improvement brought about by the E-Mongolia app, future success looks tangible and bright for Mongolia.

– Russell Bivins

Russell is based in Phoenix, AZ, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Foreign Aid to Laos Is Key To Sustainable Development

Foreign Aid to LaosLaos is one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful and significant countries in terms of biodiversity – but also one of the region’s poorest nations. Foreign aid to Laos is key to alleviating this and protecting the  country. With around 40% of Laotians living in poverty in the 1990s, the country has seen significant growth in recent years. However, 18% of the population still live in poverty.

The Lao economy relies on foreign aid and tourism for its investments, while an overwhelming majority of citizens work in agriculture. To build a robust economy and continue to lift people out of poverty, foreign aid focuses on the intersection between changing weather, poverty reduction and biodiversity. Sustainable development which connects rural populations to landscapes and urban cities alike.

Lao Biodiversity and Infrastructure 

The environment in Laos comprises 166 species of reptile and amphibian, 700 birds, 90 bats and more than 700 mammals, according to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Situated on the heavily diverse Mekong River, the country contains more than 500 species of fish and 10,000 types of plant, with 40% of its landmass covered by forest. Locals can harness this biodiversity for poverty reduction through agricultural trade.

More than 60% of Laotians work in agriculture, primarily growing a diverse range of rice variants. This natural diversity and rich environment must receive protection to allow the 2 million farmers and laborers to make a profit. This sustainable use of the environment allows economic growth for the poorest in Lao society, while protecting the landscape for future generations.

The agricultural industry struggles when conservation is not at the heart of the sector’s development. Between 2001 and 2022, agricultural land increased from 8% to 18% due to a focus on protected spaces and arable land. Permanent pastures are key to supporting Lao agriculture. Through conservation efforts, the 48,000 unemployed Laotians can find work in conservation projects or crop production. However, these peripheral regions are ill-equipped and disconnected from the rest of the country.

Employment

Agricultural work can also be insecure and susceptible to seasonal fluctuations. Employment in all sectors decreased between 2013 and 2019. Industry itself has created few job opportunities, whereas rising farm incomes have primarily reduced poverty. Conservation projects create jobs that avoid these issues, providing wage-based income and job security. Alex Kremer, World Bank Lao PDR Country Manager, estimates “production forests could create up to 300,000 jobs through sustainable plantations.”

The combination of infrastructure projects and protection against natural disasters further allows Laotians to participate in a growing economy. Between 2010 and 2017, aid from the World Bank improved 171 km along two national roads, cutting travel time by 50% and 72% respectively. This infrastructure for travel and transport is crucial for rural Laotians living in poverty – the current focus of foreign aid to Laos. 

How This Helps 

The poorest live in rural villages away from larger cities, such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and struggle to find funding to improve their tertiary roads. Connecting these communities to larger financial centers and allowing them to travel for work lifts them out of poor conditions and opens them up for business.

During the aforementioned period, the World Bank reports 1,600 km of provincial roads were maintained to connect Laotians across the vast countryside. This allows an existing rural, agricultural economy to be connected to the growing investment centers in the Northern regions of Laos, potentially connecting a rural farmer to western markets.

Through conservation efforts, people not only find jobs but green jobs, which both harness and protect the rich biodiversity of Laos. With further infrastructure investments, local communities can manage their own forests within their local areas, but only if foreign aid can be expanded to the 1,200 villages within protected forest landscapes.

These areas are the hardest to connect to growing urban population ceners, but reaching them is crucial to helping those in extreme poverty on the fringes of Lao society. There is still a lot of work to do, and foreign aid to Laos can bridge these gaps. 

The Real-World Impact 

The Poverty Reduction Fund does this, for example, with its ‘community-based construction’ of local infrastructure. This also provides education on food consumption, which transforms the approaches of poor families in their health and hunger. Foreign aid to Laos stresses a ‘bottom-up,’ people-focused approach to downsizing poverty, which puts the community and its environment at the heart of poverty-reduction. This initiative was particularly crucial in educating poverty-stricken families who were vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.

Foreign aid to Laos is a case study in the intersection between climate, health and poverty in international development. Improving aspects of a country’s infrastructure, seemingly to help just one part of society, simultaneously lifts others out of poverty and improves the overall health of the population. This creates a sense of dignity for the country’s inhabitants, previously unthinkable before the turn of the century.

Important attributes in the makeup of society are amplified through foreign aid in unimaginable, and often intangible, ways. Foreign aid to Laos not only downsizes poverty, but acts as a practical strategy for sustainable development through local infrastructure and job creation.

– Lee Stonehouse

Lee is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash