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Fighting Poverty with Dirt: Soil Mapping

Soil MappingTechnology is always growing, always changing and always evolving. Now, some scientists are using new soil mapping methods to improve one of the most ebbing professions: farming.

The Basics of Soil Mapping

Soil maps catalog features and soil types in an area. Early on,soil mapping was done using field and lab observation. With the advent of more advanced technology, soil mapping is now done digitally while still using data. This data can be collected in multiple ways. It can be as simple as a special drill called a bucket auger and a single aerial photo of the land or as complex as using special geospatial software.

Once collected, the map is created in a grid layout, with each cell representing a different location. Soil mapping often tests the amount of nutrients in soil, allowing for more efficient farming and more effective use of products like fertilizer.

The Upsides of Soil Mapping

  1. Improving farming profit: Creating better soil produces more crops. Many farmers in developing countries use their crops as a form of survival and use what little is left over as products to sell. This is known as subsistence farming. By optimizing the use of fertilizers and other products with soil mapping, more crops are available to market while still feeding producers. The estimated increased yield is about 4-9%.
  2. Creating sturdier crops: Temperature changes and natural disasters can quickly tank a harvest. By using soil mapping, crops become more resilient and more able to survive harsh or fluctuating conditions.
  3. Improving soil health: Continents like Africa struggle with inconsistent soil health and high fertilizer prices due to inflation. Preventing resource waste is critical when costs are so high. Creating detailed soil maps provides important information that can help restore soil and reduce waste. Restoring soil health means more crops can grow, which means more profit for the people who need it most.
  4. Improving nutrition: More nutrients in the soil mean more nutrients in the food that the soil produces. Nutritious food is crucial for preventing malnutrition and health problems in low-and middle-income countries.
  5. Long-lasting solution: Soil maps are a local solution to food insecurity. They are more sustainable than direct aid because they allow for more output year after year. Providing more than just food, the extra crops taken to market can provide other critical needs.

The Global Soil Partnership

Soil mapping supports improvised communities globally, especially through government-run programs. The biggest program of this type is the Global Soil Partnership. The program uses 500 experts from 52 countries to create soil maps and databases to combat problems like food insecurity. These mapping programs are especially helpful in Africa and South America, where the climate can be volatile and many people are malnourished.

What’s Ahead?

Soil mapping demonstrates that technology and progress can also help end poverty. Large problems require innovative and scalable solutions and soil mapping qualifies. It is not necessary to only use traditional human labor to assist those who need help. Technology can assist grassroots and nonprofit groups in providing lasting solutions. The results show the power of human advancement.

– Meredith Wyrick

Meredith is based in Magnolia, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How AVANTI’s Initiatives Lifted an Ecuadorian Town from Poverty

AVANTI's InitiativesNestled in the Andes mountains of Ecuador, the small rural town of Pistishi-Tolte or the Devil’s Nose, was once plagued by extreme poverty, with nearly all of its residents living in dire conditions. Deemed one of the poorest parts of Ecuador, most residents relied solely on agriculture to make a living, working day and night in the fields to scrape by. After witnessing these unfortunate circumstances, a local nonprofit organization, AVANTI, came up with a plan to lift the town out of poverty. AVANTI’s initiatives in education, agricultural innovation and community empowerment have significantly improved Pistishi-Tolte’s economic and social conditions. Through its efforts, the town has begun its journey to economic recovery.

AVANTI’s Education Initiatives

AVANTI saw how the lack of education structure impacted the community’s ability to find and hold down higher-paying jobs. It tackled this problem in three ways:

  1. It built the infrastructure to house educational opportunities, starting with a library and multiple schools.
  2. It worked on restoring and acquiring the proper educational equipment in the town. The nonprofit set up a computer laboratory in the library and provided educational materials for schools and nurseries.
  3. It organized and finalized educational programs, such as computer classes at the library and English and reading courses at the school and completed the special education programs.

This groundwork to improve education and literacy was set in place to improve employment rates due to better education and higher-paying skills.

AVANTI’s Agricultural Innovation

The NGO improved the overall farming experience for the existing agriculture system in Pistishi-Tolte. It also accomplished this goal in three ways:

  1. Its new school system implemented an agricultural training program. This program allowed for more effective and efficient training on technology and sustainable agriculture practices both in person on the field and in the classroom.
  2. It created and implemented an organic uvilla program. This technique was used to introduce crop rotation and organic farming to grow golden berries. By educating the farmers on organic farming methods rather than chemical-heavy traditional methods, the farmers gained confidence and saw results in better crops.
  3. It created a community to pool resources and share knowledge since farmers came from all over the town to receive education in these new methods.

These AVANTI’s initiatives increased food security and reduced poverty due to higher incomes from better crop yields.

Prioritizing Health in Community

One of the ways AVANTI empowered the community was by emphasizing health in the town. It focused on achieving this goal in two ways:

  1. Providing spaces to seek medical treatment or for health education. It built a primary care health center to give instant medical attention to critical cases and oversee medical brigades. In addition, by constructing the library and other community spaces, the community was able to acquire education on health and wellness to improve their lives.
  2. Providing access to aid: Bringing aid to families. It was able to transport life-saving health care items to homes, such as water filters, first aid kits and fire extinguishers.

These efforts set in place a system to improve the livelihood of all residents of Pistishi-Tolte.

Conclusion

AVANTI turned a town suffering from extreme poverty and being one of the poorest places in Ecuador into a thriving city out of poverty’s grasp. The nonprofit used infrastructure and systems in education, agriculture and community empowerment through health to achieve its goal. AVANTI provided safe places for the people to learn to improve their job pay, farm with sustainable practices to improve crop yields and get access to health care to improve their quality of life.

– Rachel Venable

Rachel is based in Berkeley, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Supporting Cambodian Farmers With Drone Technology

Cambodian FarmersCambodia, famed for its ancient temples, rich history and vibrant culture, offers unique natural beauty and historical importance. Located in Southeast Asia, its landscape spans the Mekong Delta, which has been an important source of vitality for its surrounding countries for centuries. The lower Mekong basin runs through the East of Cambodia, providing a livelihood for Cambodian farmers. More than 90% of total production in Cambodia along the Mekong basin is attributed to paddy production.

Furthermore, more than 50% of total agricultural production in Cambodia is attributed to rice production. Due to its proportion of national production, the development of this sector can bring great returns to Cambodians. The agricultural sector needs reforming to support the crop’s commercialization in the region, a process encouraged due to its export value. If the government’s aim to make the country a “rice basket” (a major rice exporter) is to be fulfilled, using new technology can aid this endeavor.

The Economic Situation

Cambodia is both one of the most impoverished countries and one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia. The genocide from 1975 to 1979, which saw the killing of almost one-quarter of the population, has undoubtedly left its mark on the people of Cambodia and the economic health of the country. About 16.6% of Cambodians are multidimensionally poor, meaning they suffer from multiple aspects of poverty beyond monetary means.

One legacy of the genocide is seen in the poverty rate of areas near where the atrocities took place. Villages nearer mass grave sites suffered an increased 4% poverty rate in a study done in 2023. Agriculture is a huge proportion of Cambodia’s production. It is an area where the country can focus on improving to compete further in the export market. Its status as a less-developed nation in the region makes it an attractive prospect for investors, especially investment in the agricultural industry. This makes Cambodia’s agriculture industry a prime sector for increasing overall wealth and reducing poverty.

Cambodia’s Paddy Problems

Paddy production increased by 2.9 million tons from 2012 to 2020, sitting at 10.9 million tons in 2020. Cambodia’s capacity for paddy production is clear. However, it is vulnerable to climatic conditions and the export market is strict about the type of rice seed it accepts.

Varying climatic conditions threaten to lower rice yields as both flooding and shortages of water can reduce the total rice yield for the year depending on the type of rice seed. To make Cambodia’s paddy production sustainable, investing in new technologies can aid the commercialization of the crop and its climate-resistant capabilities.

Drones Can Be a Solution

Drone usage is an example of a technological innovation that can help the government and individual farmers achieve greater efficiency in paddy production. Particular drones can be used for aerial fertilization, saving time during a typically time-consuming part of the production and increasing the safety of administering pesticides and insecticides.

The Cambodian Agriculture and Research Institute (CARDI) has partnered with Queensland University to develop the technology and to deliver training to Cambodian farmers and government officials on how these drones can be used.  A woman in Battambang province has been providing spraying services to farmers in her province for two years already, proving to be a profitable and reliable business venture. She is among a group of women who have invested in drone technology to provide this service, which is guaranteed to use less water than traditional methods.

Another type of drone has been used in the Siem Reap province to sow rice. The community in Siem Reap has successfully used drones to sow the Neang Ang rice seed, covering 70 hectares of rice per day. This is a huge proportion of ground covered, improving the livelihood of Cambodian farmers and providing food security to the community.

Looking Ahead

The successful case of drone usage and the current partnership between CARDI and Queensland University spell optimism for the development of Cambodia’s rice seed systems. The greater efficiency provided by drones can be used to produce greater yields of climate-resistant rice suited to the export market.

This innovative technology can simultaneously improve farmers’ livelihoods and make Cambodia’s export market more sustainable in the face of adverse climatic conditions. Innovation and investment in agricultural technology can be the key to achieving sustainable growth and subsequently reducing poverty in Cambodia. 

– Lauren Alkhalil

Lauren is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Cultivating Growth in Bangladesh with Floating Gardens

Cultivating Growth in Bangladesh with Floating GardensHeavy monsoon rains douse Bangladesh for eight months each year, submerging nearly one-third of the country. Severe flooding jeopardizes food security and threatens the livelihoods of almost half of the population directly employed by agriculture. Farmers are taking matters into their own hands, transforming waterlogged fields into hydroponic floating gardens. This method boosts crop yields and provides a more diverse, robust bounty.

The transition from predominantly growing rice to cultivating more nutrient-dense foods like pumpkins, tomatoes, papayas and beans will be instrumental in promoting health and well-being across Bangladesh, a country with one of the highest malnutrition rates. Development charities like Practical Action and humanitarian organizations like Care International have helped bring an ancient farming practice to the country’s most at-risk areas, namely rural and impoverished communities.  

Agricultural Progress and Environmental Setbacks

In the past few decades, Bangladesh has made significant strides toward reducing poverty and averting famine with incremental improvements in farming technologies. According to the World Bank, productive agricultural strategies facilitated a tripling of food grain production between 1972 and 2014, helping meet the needs of a rapidly expanding population. Still, salt intrusion, drought and flood threaten to hamper progress, which demands continued adaptability and innovation in the agricultural sector. 

Revival of Ancient Agricultural Practices

Farmers in south-central Bangladesh, are turning to a historical gardening practice: floating vegetable gardens. These gardens, constructed on artificial islands in swampy wetlands and rivers, provide a lifeline during monsoon seasons. They also serve as shelters for livestock and double as fishing spots. The simplicity of this method makes it a viable alternative to traditional farming during periods of intense flooding. Farmers tend to their plants by paddling across the water in rafts fashioned from natural materials like water hyacinth. As the floating gardens rise and fall with rain patterns, farmers reap the rewards of their labor and nourish local villages. 

Hydroponic Innovations to Resource-Poor Regions

While hydroponic gardening has shown promise in some parts of Bangladesh, it’s crucial not to overlook the areas with fewer resources. These regions, often in urgent need of intervention, could greatly benefit from the tools and support to convert their fields into floating gardens. The work of groups like Practical Action, which have set up floating gardens in the northern part of the country, enables and empowers farmers to grow food year-round, regardless of weather conditions. 

Looking Ahead

Bangladesh’s adaptation of hydroponic floating gardens promises a resilient agricultural future, especially for regions perennially affected by flooding. As more communities embrace this innovative farming technique, it could significantly enhance food security and reduce malnutrition nationwide. Continued support from development charities and local innovation will be key to expanding these ongoing sustainable practices to ensure all regions can thrive despite environmental challenges.

– Natalie Kaufman

Natalie is based in Orlando, FL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty and Permaculture Design in Rwanda

Permaculture Design and Poverty in Rwanda In Rwanda, permaculture design is gaining traction as a tool to combat poverty and enhance environmental sustainability. This method combines biodiversity conservation with community empowerment, offering a robust framework for tackling socioeconomic and ecological challenges. Permaculture design fosters strategies that simultaneously alleviate poverty through regenerative agriculture, community gardening and ecosystem restoration projects by focusing on sustainable practices, biodiversity conservation and community empowerment.

Core Principles of Permaculture Design

In essence, permaculture is permanent agriculture or permanent culture. It encompasses principles and practices aimed at creating sustainable and self-reliant systems modeled after natural ecosystems. At the heart of permaculture design are three ethical principles: earth care, people care and fair sharing, which involves the sharing of surplus. These ethics underpin the application of various principles, which include:

  • Observe and Interact. Research and make use of the natural patterns and processes of the landscape and, in the process, build a closer relationship between humans and their ecology. 
  • Designing from Patterns to Details. Study existing patterns in nature as a source of information to develop an integrated and harmonious system.
  • Integration of Functions. Ensure a multi-functional design that maximizes the benefit of every element in a system for efficiency and resilience.
  • Renewable Resources. Increase the usage of renewable resources and decrease the use of nonrenewable inputs that decrease the ecological footprint and make the project sustainable.
  • Small-Scale Intensive Systems. Even on a small scale, much is done for intensive agricultural systems to optimize yields while trying to minimize input in resources and labor use and reduce environmental impacts.

Permaculture’s Role in Poverty Alleviation

In Rwanda, a large proportion of the population faces poverty and permaculture design principles are proving effective in addressing these ongoing challenges and fostering sustainable development. Regenerative agriculture practices, such as agroforestry and soil conservation techniques, show great potential for restoring degraded lands, enhancing soil fertility and boosting productivity. Recent statistics from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) indicate that smallholder farmers adopting permaculture techniques have seen crop yields increase by 30%, significantly improving food security and income generation.

Community Impact

Community gardening initiatives in Rwanda, driven by permaculture principles, are making strides in alleviating poverty and enhancing social cohesion. These ongoing initiatives enable communities to cultivate nutritious food while fostering collective decision-making, knowledge-sharing and skill-building. According to a report from the Rwanda Agriculture Board, food insecurity has decreased by 25% among households involved in these projects and dietary diversity has increased by 15%. This data underscores the effectiveness of permaculture-based interventions in boosting household resilience and well-being.

Employment Opportunities

Permaculture design creates employment opportunities for marginalized populations in Rwanda by focusing on environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration. Projects that rehabilitate degraded landscapes through tree planting, water harvesting and biodiversity conservation enhance ecosystem services such as water filtration, carbon sequestration and pollination. These services are vital for agricultural productivity and human livelihoods. According to Rwanda’s Environment Management Authority, permaculture-based initiatives have rehabilitated more than 500 hectares of degraded land, involving more than 10,000 rural households and reducing soil erosion by 40% in targeted areas.

The Future of Permaculture in Rwanda

Rwanda’s commitment to permaculture continues to promise sustainable development and poverty reduction. As more communities engage in these ecological and agricultural practices, the potential for improved livelihoods and environmental health grows. The future holds great promise for expanding permaculture’s impact, enhancing both the economy and the ecosystem in Rwanda.

– Honorine Lanka Perera

Honorine is based in Highland, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Self-Sufficiency and Food Insecurity in Japan

Food Insecurity in JapanJapan is known for its rapid development and hosts one of the world’s largest economies. Over the last century, the nation has made tremendous strides across many domains like technology, education and infrastructure. However, food insecurity remains one significant shortcoming in Japan’s development. 

Japan’s Low Food Self-Sufficiency Rate

Food self-sufficiency means a country produces enough food to feed its entire population without needing to import food from abroad. Japan’s food self-sufficiency rate stands at only 38% on a calorie basis, indicating that less than half of the calories needed to feed the entire Japanese population are produced within the country. In contrast, Canada boasts a calorie-based self-sufficiency rate of more than 200%, while the United States (U.S.) and Australia have rates exceeding 100%, highlighting Japan’s shortcoming in this area.

Impact of Natural Disasters

Several factors contribute to Japan’s lack of food self-sufficiency. One of the most significant is the series of natural disasters that have struck the country in recent years, including crop failures and droughts. These events have led to a steady decline in overall self-sufficiency rates.

Economic Competition

Japan has long imported staples like wheat and soybeans, primarily from the U.S. and China. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, countries that previously relied on Ukraine and Russia for wheat are seeking alternative sources. Meanwhile, other Asia-Pacific nations, including China, are expanding their economies. This competition for resources could lead Japan to be outbid, potentially increasing food insecurity if these trends persist.

Food Security vs. Nutritional Adequacy

Currently, Japan maintains one of the highest food security rates globally, with only 3.4% of its population experiencing food insecurity. However, Japan’s poverty rate is relatively high compared to other developed countries, standing at 15.7%. A significant portion of this demographic includes elderly Japanese citizens.

Although Japan imports sufficient food, the nutritional value often does not meet requirements, leaving many, particularly those in marginalized communities, without adequate nutrition. Vulnerable populations in Japan, who lack access to supermarkets and imported fruits and vegetables, are more susceptible to inadequate food supplies.

Government Initiatives to Boost Food Self-Sufficiency

In 2022, the government introduced a new framework aimed at boosting domestic production of key food products like wheat and soybeans. Additionally, the Japanese government has distributed food guides in schools to educate young people about nutrition and the benefits of eating seasonally. Emphasizing seasonality ensures that the Japanese diet relies primarily on locally produced foods. This approach increases the proportion of calories consumed in Japan that come from domestic sources.

Future Directions in Food Security

Japan’s commitment to enhancing its domestic agricultural production is a promising step toward greater food self-sufficiency. By investing in local farming, prioritizing seasonal eating and educating the public about nutrition, Japan can reduce its reliance on imported goods and strengthen its food security. These efforts are crucial not only for economic stability but also for ensuring the nutritional well-being of all its citizens.

– Adrita Quabili

Adrita is based in Atlanta, GA, USA and focuses on Celebs and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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FairTrade International Fighting Poverty Through Ethical Trade

FairTrade InternationalThe trade of goods, such as coffee and bananas, is a significant source of income for smallholder farmers in South and Central America facing poverty. An estimated 500 million smallholder farming families worldwide produce about a third of the world’s food, yet many of these farmers live on less than $2 per day, making them among the world’s poorest. Consequently, FairTrade certification on purchased and traded goods plays a crucial role in the fight against poverty.

Poverty and FairTrade’s Goal

In countries like Colombia and Ecuador, where many smallholder farmers reside, a significant portion of the population ranges from unemployed to upper-middle income, with various levels of poverty. Recognizing this, FairTrade International has set a goal to eradicate poverty by 2030. It emphasizes that poverty extends beyond lack of money, inadequate access to health care, discrimination and inability to provide for children. To achieve this goal, the organization creates a safety net for certified farmers, ensuring they receive a living wage and protection from market volatility. Additionally, it provides extra funds for farmers to invest back into their communities, helping elevate everyone collectively.

FairTrade International Certification

FairTrade International maintains a meticulous certification process to ensure that funds reach those most in need. Primarily executed through FLOCERT, certifications adhere to quality norms, assurance codes and include on-site audits. Follow-up audits serve to maintain transparency and prevent distrust. The certification process can take up to three years, striking a balance between rigorous scrutiny and promoting development and health. Once achieved, a FairTrade International certification is among the most reliable available.

Coffee and Bananas

The FairTrade Standard ensures that products grown and traded by smallholder farmers are not only of good quality but that the farmers are fairly compensated. This “Standard” addresses both product quality and the standard of living. Coffee and bananas are among the most common goods from FairTrade-certified smallholder farmers. Despite a price dip in 2019, coffee sales have surged, and consumers report that they would pay an extra $1.36 per pound for FairTrade coffee. This premium allows more funds to support smallholder farmers.

High demand for quality coffee has spurred the development of community infrastructure in impoverished rural areas, including roads, bridges, clean water lines, schools and health care centers. Similarly, demand for bananas remains strong, with consumers willing to pay more for FairTrade certification. Even with recent market struggles for bananas, significant funds have continued to be distributed. Smallholder farmers of both coffee and bananas have noted that FairTrade International plays a crucial role in their income and their fight against poverty.

Looking Ahead

The continued growth of FairTrade certification holds the promise of better livelihoods and stronger communities for smallholder farmers in South and Central America. Through sustainable practices and fair compensation, these farmers are poised to break the cycle of poverty and improve their quality of life.

– Isaac Songster

Isaac is based in Wheaton, IL, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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US Aid to Colombia: Navigating the Complexities of Internal Conflict

US Aid to ColombiaTo understand the complexity of U.S. foreign aid to Colombia, it is necessary to examine the current state of the country’s internal conflict. U.S. aid to Colombia has historically focused on combating the drug trade in Buenaventura, as evidenced by initiatives like Plan Colombia. The relationship between poverty, illicit markets and paramilitary groups in Colombia complicates the lives of individuals living in impoverished areas, often forcing them to turn to coca farming and drug trafficking as a means of survival.

“I was raised in Medellín,” said Luis Arango, who did social research in Buenaventura with the University of Antioquia, in an interview with The Borgen Project. “Medellín in the 1980s was the most violent city in the world, so I can understand how drug trafficking links with minorities living in poverty areas. They become part of the business, not because they want to, but because it is one of the only possibilities of making money.”

Considering the role of the drug trade in the country’s internal conflict, recent U.S. foreign aid to Colombia has centered largely around prohibition – for better or for worse. Here is a summary of the role of the drug trade in Colombia’s internal conflict and how it relates to U.S. aid and its prospects.

Internal Conflict in Colombia

A nuanced relationship between the illicit drug trade, paramilitary groups and poverty punctuates the country’s internal conflict. To begin, Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine producer and the port of Buenaventura handles 60% of its imports and exports – from coffee to gold to drugs.

Buenaventura’s port generates $1.8 billion annually in customs tax revenue, but the surrounding regions see little of it. For many, the only viable way to earn a living wage is by working in drug trafficking, as the area has experienced significant poverty. For example, 80% of Buenaventura’s population lived below the nation’s poverty line in 2003, compared to 39.3% nationally. There is also rural dependency on cocoa farming for survival. Outside the port city, in the Andes Mountains, cheap labor continues. In 2021, the UNODC reported that coca cultivation reached a historical high, and 52% of farming is located in special management zones where it threatens preservation of biological and cultural diversity.

Further, numerous armed groups, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), fund themselves on illegal economies such as drug trafficking.

History of US Aid to Colombia

The U.S. has provided aid to Colombia since 1822, when the country gained independence from Spain. In recent years, U.S. aid has focused on promoting peace in the country, the U.S. Department of State reports. According to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, “Since 2016, the United States has provided more than one billion dollars in direct and indirect support to Colombia’s peace implementation – the largest contribution of any international actor.”

To promote peace, foreign aid to Colombia has focused on combating points of internal conflict such as paramilitary groups and the illicit drug markets that fuel them. According to the U.S. Department of State, “The U.S. government supports Colombian peace efforts by working in conflict-affected rural areas of Colombia where violence, drug trafficking, limited state presence and the absence of licit economic opportunities historically converge.”

In 2000, the U.S. initiated Plan Colombia, allocating $10 billion for cartel combat through crop eradication. Initial aerial fumigation was halted due to carcinogenic concerns by the World Health Organization (WHO). Presently, Washington and Bogotá fund eradication by hand. The National Police aims to eradicate 20,000 hectares in 2023, 60% less than the unmet 2022 objective. Previous plans to dismantle the drug trade have not been as effective as anticipated.

Current Updates and Prospects

International partners have initiated projects to improve the socioeconomic position of farmers. The Colombian Government, UNODC and international partners began a project that aims to increase income for farmers by supporting their sale of legal products such as coffee, honey, coconuts and beans to make them more competitive in domestic and international markets.

The World Bank also ratified its support for Colombia through a $750 million financing of the Program for the Development of Equitable and Sustainable Policies. This was “in recognition of the country’s efforts to overcome the injustices and exclusion that have generated high levels of inequality and to advance the peace process in the country,” according to a 2023 press release from the World Bank.

Luis Arango considers more alternative approaches to prohibition, with a focus on alleviating poverty in Buenaventura through legalization and regulation, youth art initiatives and new financial incentives for farmers. “It will be interesting to see if there’s some kind of support for the people who are trying to have another answer,” Arango says. Meanwhile, the notable shift in focus on increasing income for farmers of Buenaventura presents a promising example of a sustainable resolution to drug-related poverty in Colombia.

–  Sheridan Smith

Sheridan is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Work of the FAO in Ethiopia

Supporting Ethiopia: The Work of the FAOEthiopia remains one of the poorest countries globally despite significant reductions in its poverty rates, from 44% in 2000 to 30% in 2011. However, the World Bank notes that Ethiopia’s economy has experienced some of the strongest growth rates in the region. With continued improvements planned by its government, Ethiopia aims to reach lower-middle-income status by 2025. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Ethiopia supports these efforts.

Barriers to Economic Progress

To achieve lower-middle-income status by 2025, Ethiopia must overcome several challenges, according to the World Bank. These include recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left high urban unemployment and an overall increase in poverty levels. Additionally, environmental and natural crises, such as locust invasions and adverse weather conditions, have driven food price inflation. The World Bank also notes that the 2022 drought, the worst in half a decade, has contributed to severe food insecurity affecting an estimated 20 million people as of 2023.

Furthermore, expansion of the labor market, reducing learning poverty which remains high at 90% and preventing the impact of further conflict within the nation are crucial to the continued growth of its economy. To encourage these circumstances, overseas aid is of vital importance and one such provider is the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (U.N.) or the ‘FAO’. 

The Country Programming Framework (CPF)

A subdivision of the FAO, the CPF has worked in Ethiopia providing the government with priority areas to focus on. The FAO’s website cites that the CPF was realized after a series of consultations with departments such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Resources, among others. Together, these departments devised a four-year plan to take effect between 2022 and 2025. The priority areas to be focussed on during the plan are as follows: 

  1. Innovation for sustainable agriculture production
  2. Nutrition for the most vulnerable and safe food for everyone
  3. Natural Resource management and agricultural production system
  4. Promotion of inclusive economic growth and reducing inequalities
  5. Addressing cross-sector issues

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

To address the first three priority areas, the CPF is promoting new agricultural methods to produce sustainable crops and encouraging the development of sustainable livestock and fishery approaches. In this way, it aims to create climate-resilient systems to strengthen and grow food security and improve overall nutrition. This includes continued research into how to utilize drylands and ensure better drought resilience. To address the fourth priority area, the CPF outlines its aim to provide support to households to develop alternative sources of income, such as eco-tourism and support small and medium-scale businesses such as milk, hides, skins and grain enterprises.

Success Stories from the FAO

The work of the FAO has had particular success in the agricultural sector of Ethiopia. Supporting programs such as fruit nurseries across the nation, its website highlights Aleje as a beneficiary of such initiatives. The nursery sought to increase local farmers’ stock by growing and distributing seedlings of highland fruit. The nursery received 20,844 Italian rootstocks and 24,160 grafted seedlings in total. Beyond this, the nursery also provides opportunities for local workers, with 437 farmers being trained on its practices like irrigation and sustainable planting methods. 

Priest Habte Yiheyis was one such farmer. After participating in training given by the nursery, he received seedlings of apricots, plums, almonds and apples. Habte has since begun to harvest the yield, generating 7,500 Ethiopian Birr. The FAO notes that this gave him the opportunity to “cover all necessary expenses such as school stationary and uniform for his children, health care and other needs of his family.” He has since passed on his training and knowledge to an additional 35 local farmers, demonstrating the positive impact of the FAO in his case.

Looking Ahead

Ethiopia’s strategic partnership with the FAO and ongoing efforts in sustainable agriculture and economic diversification offer a promising pathway to achieving its lower-middle-income status by 2025. These initiatives continue to empower local communities and lay the foundation for a resilient, inclusive economy.

– Kayleigh O’Brien

Kayleigh is based in Leeds, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Creative Ways People Are Solving Big Problems

Solving Big ProblemsOn March 30, 2024, in a podcast episode called “Pulling Water Out of Thin Air, Raising Fish on Land and Other Creative Ways People Are Solving Big Problems,” “The Borgen Project Podcast’s” hosts Clint Borgen and Michelle Twarowska delved into an array of initiatives aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues, such as water scarcity, infant mortality rates, aquaculture and food production.

Harvesting Water Out of Thin Air

“Lima, Peru has ten million people but they get less than an inch of rain every year,” said Borgen. 

Fog nets have existed in areas like Lima for centuries, providing a lifeline for communities by capturing moisture from fog and it into a vital source of water. As access to water has become progressively more challenging, companies have devised more efficient methods to extract water from the atmosphere. 

Borgen and Twarowska delivered a fascinating insight into SOURCE, a revolutionary device that resembles solar panels and extracts moisture from the air, converting it into drinkable water. Designed to operate in arid regions and locations with minimal rainfall, SOURCE holds immense potential for solving big problems like water scarcity around the globe. 

Tackling Infant Mortality Rates

Another pivotal topic explored is the global effort to reduce infant mortality rates under five years old, which have reached an all-time low but remain a pressing concern. Borgen and Twarowka shed light on the significant process made since 2000, with rates halving, yet emphasized the persistent challenge posed by infectious diseases like diarrhea, malaria and pneumonia. 

“My grandfather had 11 siblings and seven of them died before they were 20. Most of it was from pneumonia,” said Twarowska. 

Access to essential treatments remains paramount in saving young lives and bridging health care disparities. 

Innovations in Sustainable Aquaculture

Transitioning to sustainable aquaculture, the conversation introduced HIMA Seafood, a pioneering fish farm employing water recycling techniques. Traditional fish farming methods often encounter environmental challenges such as waste buildup and invasive species, which can have detrimental effects on local ecosystems and biodiversity. 

HIMA Seafood’s approach, utilizing self-contained tanks and converting excess nutrients into fertilizer, offers a more eco-friendly and economically viable solution.

Ethical Considerations and Reflections on Food Production

Ethical considerations in food production took center stage as Borgen and Twarowska discussed the transition towards free-range poultry farming. Michelle shares insights from the Humane Society, including McDonald’s commitment to sourcing 100% of its eggs from free-range suppliers by 2025, which they have completed early.  

McDonald’s “uses two billion eggs a year. That’s a lot of chickens that would otherwise be stuck in cages all day long,” said Borgen. 

The dialogue concluded with introspective reflections on food consumption practices and their societal implications. 

“It’s so much easier to survive,” explained Twarowska regarding the profound shift in human instinct regarding food consumption.

“Humans feel bad to kill because that’s not naturally what we do every day.”

“We would eat so much differently if we had to kill everything we ate,” agreed Borgen. 

Clint Borgen

Clint Borgen is the Founder and President of The Borgen Project. His vision to address global poverty was inspired by his time spent volunteering during the Kosovo War and Genocide. Attracting volunteers from 854 cities around the world, Borgen has used his influence to support legislation that makes poverty a focus of U.S. foreign policy.  

Michelle Twarowska

Michelle Twarowska is an actress who is currently based in Los Angeles. Her Polish descent not only enriches her performances but also provides valuable insights into European traditions and initiatives. Her multicultural perspective is particularly valuable to “The Borgen Project Podcast,” where diverse viewpoints and global perspectives are highly valued.

– Lila Russell
Photo: Flickr