Archive for category: Agriculture

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The Sustainable Agriculture Foundation: Improving Farmer’s Lives

Sustainable Agriculture FoundationThe Sustainable Agriculture Foundation provides agricultural support to smallholder farmers in developing nations to mitigate food insecurity, boost rural economies and make sustainable markets accessible. The foundation has worked with more than 1 million farmers to improve yield and advance economic prospects, with more than 700 farmer hubs in Bangladesh alone that have helped to improve approximately 595,000 smallholders’ yields and income levels.

Farming in Bangladesh

The majority of agriculture workers in Bangladesh are smallholder farmers. Limited opportunities to obtain training and use contemporary technology curbs farmers from working at a sustainable and attainable level. Bangladeshi farmers face the ramifications of extreme weather patterns which hamper the quality and quantity of crops. Deficient yields reduce the income made by smallholder farmers, significantly impacting their livelihoods and worsening their quality of life, according to the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation.

Agriculture and Poverty Reduction

Research indicates that approximately 70% of the Bangladeshi population live in rural areas, the majority of which have or are from a low-income background. Poverty in rural areas is often extreme and ensues at a higher rate than in urban areas. In rural Bangladesh, primary agriculture is the main employer of residents, with this type of agriculture remaining the least-productive.  A key driver of agricultural growth is technology that promotes high crop yields.

Agricultural technology has positive implications for the community. Due to the high proportion of people who live in extreme poverty and work in agricultural sectors, the development that new technology offers significantly helps to aid poverty reduction. Improvements in agricultural technology focus on productivity growth rather than resource growth. Instead of working to boost the availability of resources, such as accessing more water to grow more crops, new technology utilizes resources already in existence to improve and increase the productivity and quality of yields.

Growth Reducing Poverty

Growth in the agricultural sector is approximately two to three times more beneficial to poverty reduction than growth in other sectors. This is proportional to the rate at which poverty coincides with those in agricultural work; for example, those in developing countries may have a low level of literacy and therefore rely on agriculture for their livelihood.

Crucially, the advantages that agricultural development and technology present can be used in both coastal and inland regions. The stretch of these technologies is not geographically limited, making poverty reduction via agriculture technology an initiative that can be implemented across developing countries.

Enhancing Food Security

One way in which agricultural technology contributes to the alleviation of extreme poverty is by enhancing food security. Genetic modification bolsters food supply, which makes the availability of crops with desirable characteristics more prevalent. In turn, this increases the food supply and crops have high quality. Similarly, biofortification – the process of filling produce with nutrients – aids in the reduction of malnutrition and deficiency. Post-harvest losses are also tackled through agro-processing technologies that improve the quality, availability and accessibility of produce.

Agricultural technology also enables the use of territory surveillance, such as drones, to monitor and map the health of crops, allowing for early prevention if various issues in early stages. The technology also helps with weather forecasts, using sensors that make decisions on irrigation and crop control. The use of sustainable resources also augments soil health, pest control and water management by increasing effectiveness and decreasing dependency on chemicals and pesticides.

The Sustainable Agriculture Foundation in Bangladesh

The Sustainable Agriculture Foundation aims to improve the lives of smallholder farmers in Bangladesh by boosting economic growth and the livelihoods of locals via an emphasis on risk mitigation related to extreme weather patterns.

In Surokkha, Bangladesh, the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation carried out an initiative that promoted risk mitigation measures for natural disaster adaptability. From September 2018 to September 2022, the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation targeted 233,000 farmers to improve the resilience of agriculture and create stable livelihoods for smallholder farmers. Alongside providing farmers insurance, the program also emphasized the projection of the crop insurance market.

The key measures included the building of insurers and stakeholders, improving farmers’ literacy and awareness, market development studies, weather index crop insurance product expansion and risk management studies.

The outcome of the initiative meant that 421,767 farmers held insurance for potato, rice and maize – a quarter of which were women. Additionally, the initiative developed 21 weather index insurance products and on average, 6.60 decimals per farmer land gained insurance. Significantly, a further 149,343 farmers received payouts of BDT 84,016,858.

The work of the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation has provided stability and insurance to thousands of smallholder farmers in Bangladesh, strengthening the community’s ability to handle extreme weather patterns and mitigate associated risks. In turn, the lives of those experiencing extreme poverty improved through the stability of the resources that agricultural technology offers.

– Ella Dorman

Ella is based in Worcestershire, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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10 Facts About Hunger in Romania

Hunger in RomaniaOriginally under the control of the Turkish Ottoman Empire, Romania was occupied by the Soviets after WWII, which was followed by the abdication of its king. It was ruled for decades by an oppressive dictator who was overthrown in 1989, and controlled by communists until 1996. Now, Romania is a member of NATO and the European Union. Its population of over 18 million is 55% urban and is fairly evenly distributed throughout the country. 

10 Facts About Hunger in Romania

  1. Poverty in Romania has decreased, but inequalities exist. The National Poverty Line rate in Romania was 21.1% in 2022, but the lower International Poverty Line rate was just 1.8% in 2021. However, the rural poverty rate was almost five times higher than the urban rate. Yet, in 2023, Romania had the EU’s highest rate (approximately a third) of its population at risk of poverty or social exclusion. 
  2. Hunger in Romania is low. The 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) groups Romania with 22 countries (out of 127 countries ranked) that have a Low score (less than 5; the high is ≥50). All of the GHI’s component indicators for Romania are classified as Very Low. Less than 2.5% of the population is undernourished, 0.7% of children die before reaching their fifth birthday, and of children under 5, 8.1% are stunted and 3.1% are wasted. 
  3. Romania receives high marks on the Global Food Security Index. The overall score Romania received on the Global Food Security Index 2022 ranked Romania 45 out of the 113 countries assessed. Its strength was based on affordability (rank 36), availability (rank 50), quality and safety (rank 27). 
  4. Romania’s rural food insecurity is related to food availability. Research based on a sample of rural small farmers (published in 2024) concluded that perceived food insecurity was more a matter of the amount of necessary and appropriate food available domestically (food availability) than the resources to acquire that food (access). There was direct access to basic foods while there was a lack of diversity in crops available in the geographical area, and increased dependency on imported products. 
  5. Challenges to food security in Romania require a regional response. A study presented at the October 2024, 5th International Electronic Conference on Foods, suggested that food security solutions require collaborative efforts in the region (Romania and the neighboring countries of Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, Ukraine and Moldova). Recommendations for coordinated approaches to developing sustainable and resilient food systems identified agricultural diversification, infrastructure, food safety regulations and strategies for climate adaptation. 
  6. The war in Ukraine impacts Romania. Action Against Hunger reported that approximately 100,000 Ukrainian refugees are being integrated into Romania, with many considering staying there. Action Against Hunger initiated its program in Romania in 2022, helping almost 12,000 refugees and their host communities last year. The NGO provides monetary assistance for basic needs, in addition to mental health support—psychosocial and psychological services—to refugees. 
  7. Romania is a nation of small farmers. Romania’s agricultural land is estimated at 61% (2018), but only 39% (13.5 million hectares) is arable. Nevertheless, the highest percentage of people employed in agriculture in the EU are in Romania—23% of the labor force (3.5 million farmers)—and their farms comprise about a third of the EU’s agricultural holdings. A very large number of these farms (90%) have individual holdings on small plots of land.  
  8. Romania needs national agricultural policies. Despite the overall high 2022 GFSI ranking, Romania was 80th on the index’s assessment of sustainability and adaptation, most significantly because of ocean health, with oceans seen as a “crucial source” of protein. The country is also assessed in the middle range with regard to political commitment to adaptation, in large part because of the lack of a national climate change strategy covering adaptation for agriculture, and lack of a national policy/incentives for sustainable agricultural practices. 
  9. There is a need to improve the crisis response of Romania’s agricultural systems. A post-COVID-19 study identified the vulnerability of Romania’s agricultural systems, particularly its production systems. This was not unlike the situation in other countries. The agri-food sector supply chains were disrupted, adding to the pandemic restricted access to inputs, technologies, and labor, all of which increased global food insecurity. Conclusions of the study noted several ways to maintain food security during a crisis, including accelerating digitalization, investing in agricultural mechanization and innovation and, in general, maintaining a proactive relationship among agricultural actors in public institutions. 
  10. Romania’s CAP Strategic Plan (2023-2027) addresses agricultural sustainability. Romania has developed a plan to implement the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP). The goal of Romania’s CAP is to “develop a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector by increasing the economic viability of farms, reducing disparities between farms, and increasing the market orientation and competitiveness of the agricultural sector.” 

While Romania is not facing a hunger crisis, the country’s vulnerability to climate change demands attention to agricultural practices. It is not unreasonable to assume that developing sustainable agriculture will increase food security. Romania’s attention to agricultural innovation goes hand in hand with maintaining its continuing ability to feed its people. This includes the refugees it has welcomed into the country.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Pixabay

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Egypt’s Food System: A Possible Shift in Subsidies for 2025

Egypt’s Food SystemAccording to the World Food Programme (WFP), 14.4% of Egypt’s 106.7 million population face food insecurity. Egypt’s 21% stunting rate, which indicates the percentage of children too short for their age, indicates that malnutrition continues to be a national health concern. Between 2022 and 2024, a unique set of circumstances aggravated the issues in Egypt’s food system, which have been long present in the country. However, new plans that the Egyptian government presented indicate a possible way forward in 2025.

The Roots of Egypt’s Food Insecurity

Egypt’s agronomic issues are a major cause of its food insecurity. This food insecurity aggravates and is aggravated by its economic issues. Due to the growing threat of changing weather patterns, Egypt is experiencing chronic desertification and land degeneration. According to a United Nations report from November 2024, “around 100 million hectares…of healthy and productive land is being degraded each year due to drought and desertification.” This scale of land degeneration is especially critical in Egypt considering the already limited nature of its farmland. Only around 4% of Egypt’s land is fit for agriculture, with the rest of the country being deserted and secluded from its main irrigation method, the Nile.

The drought brought on by the changing climate, coupled with a growing population, also means that Egypt experiences severe water scarcity. Not only does this water scarcity impact its irrigation, and thus Egypt’s food system, but its poor irrigation methods also impact its water scarcity. The country already uses approximately 90% of the Nile water for its agricultural system, meaning only 10% is available as drinking water for its population. The low efficiency of these agricultural systems and the increasing demand for water means that since the 1970s, Egypt has had to import water and food to make up for its scarcity. This reliance on importing water and food presents a huge financial burden on the country and also makes it more vulnerable to external shifts. 

Bread and Egypt’s Food Subsidies

Egypt’s reliance on imports has everything to do with its food subsidies. More than 60 of the 105 million citizens depend on Egypt’s subsidized food system for sugar, pasta, and most importantly, bread. Bread is the main source of subsidized nutrition for the large majority of Egypt’s population, which consumes double as much as the country can produce. With wheat being one of the most water-intensive crops and Egypt’s lack of water, the country has become the largest importer of wheat in the world.

This presented a problem for Egypt in February of 2022, when the world’s largest exporter of wheat, Russia, declared war on Ukraine, the world’s fifth largest exporter of wheat. This sent Egypt into a crisis because historically, concretely, and symbolically access to bread represents the population’s stability. From the 1977 bread riots to the 2011 slogan “bread, freedom, social justice,” bread has long represented the struggle of the average Egyptian. 

As the World Bank Group puts it, “Egyptians seem to perceive food subsidies as the most concrete benefit they receive from government spending. Seen as an entitlement, food subsidies are politically sensitive.” This history of bread in the country puts further pressure on Egypt when making changes to its agriculture, imports or subsidies. 

Criticism and a Possible Way Forward

Many have criticized Egypt’s methods of tackling its food scarcity, suggesting that the country misplaces its budget and efforts. President el-Sisi’s government has long prioritized large-scale construction projects aimed at improving the economy such as the new mega-capital located 30 miles outside of Cairo. This new capital, however, does little to accommodate or feed its most vulnerable citizens. 

Moreover, though Egypt managed to maintain its subsidized system through the first few months of the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war, it increased pressure on local farmers in October 2022. During this time, the government cornered domestic farmers into selling them wheat. Though seemingly necessary in maintaining Egypt’s subsidized food system, these restrictions cut into the wheat that farmers use to feed their families. This period shed light on the possibly exploitative measures that the Egyptian government uses on local farmers. Egypt, however, does not apply this same strictness to laws that protect its agriculture. An important Egyptian regulation prohibits infrastructure on agricultural land, enforcement of which Aljazeera has described as “lax.”

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have long criticized Egypt’s subsidized food system, arguing that it causes waste, pollution and does not appropriately target the poor. When Egypt borrowed $8 billion from the International Monetary Fund in 2024, there was “a zero-growth policy in the total number of subsidy beneficiaries.” However, a new move might change things in 2025. In August 2024, Egypt announced that it might shift from food subsidies to cash payments in 2025. If the World Bank is correct in its estimation, this transition to cash payments may allow Egypt to more efficiently support its population, and invest in important sectors such as health and education. 

Cash Assistance to Sudanese Refugees in Egypt

As of January 6, 2025, a new CERF-funded project offers emergency cash assistance to Egypt’s Sudanese refugees, aiming to soothe their food insecurity. This $2 million grant, set to run until July, offers every refugee $14.8 monthly, which they can claim through an e-card. This initiative should provide a huge momentary relief for Egypt, giving the country a chance to put in place its cash subsidies and ease its food insecurity. Also, the second phase of the “Transforming the Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers” project is set to take place in 2025. Funded by five banks, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Egypt and the WFP, the project aims to improve the lives of small farmers by optimizing land, machine and water use. With a “34% increase in crop production, a 35% increase in net profit, and a 37.5% reduction in costs” during the first phase, the project shows great promise in its continuation through 2025. The compilation of major initiatives in Egypt may mean a decrease in food insecurity in Egypt this year. 

– Sophia Ghoneim

Sophia is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Sunny Days: Renewable Energy in Zimbabwe

Renewable Energy in ZimbabweAggressively changing weather patterns intensified the El Niño season in 2024, bringing a period of drought to the country of Zimbabwe. Already one of the countries susceptible to agricultural hardships, Zimbabwe is especially affected, making food security a top concern among the country’s leaders. The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, urged immediate action and intervention in an attempt to prevent further hunger due to crop loss, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Looking at current initiatives for the future, it is evident that renewable energy in Zimbabwe is a preferred method for addressing the dilemma of agricultural struggles.

How Renewable Energy in Zimbabwe Can Address Hunger

The fight against the looming hunger and poverty crisis begins with the calculated cultivation and preservation of integral crops. FAO reports the most recent drought has shown a 77% reduction in cereal crops; 26% in soybeans, 74% in cotton and 89% in sunflowers. Stover, a primary source of livestock diet, is also suffering a sharp dip in growth thanks to the dry El Niño season. To combat the challenges that the drought brought on, Zimbabwe is focusing on a renewable energy-reliant future, which offers a hopeful solution for long-term success.

The plans took shape in March 2024 when the United Nations announced a partnership with the Zimbabwean government, focusing resources on renewable energy solutions and establishing the Renewable Energy Fund. Mr. Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator associated with the program, observed that putting resources into renewable energy in Zimbabwe would not only protect the environment, but it would also create jobs and instigate economic development. With an initial investment of $45 million USD, the country set the precedent that it is serious about being proactive in improving its economic and environmental future. As the partnership moves forward, one area of focus seems to stand above the rest: solar power.

Solar Power Initiatives in Zimbabwe

According to the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), Zimbabwe receives plenty of solar irradiation each day and 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Solar grids running off of this energy accumulation will allow for refrigeration, lighting, device charging and more. This will not only allow the extended storage of cultivated crops, but it will also provide opportunities for ongoing education, which then compounds the improvement of the agricultural system. Improvements have already occurred in many areas across the country. 

Ongoing efforts in the town of Gwanda exemplify solar power as a tangible solution in the dilemma of crop loss. Prior to current initiatives, defunct irrigation systems were not being maintained, leaving them inoperable. To make matters worse, the farmers were not educated in the storage and distribution of water for crop management. Practical Action, an international development organization working in Zimbabwe since 2011, found success through an active project that involves installing solar-powered water pumps. This new tool has allowed farmers to cultivate more land, effectively stabilizing the food supply.

With extra cultivation capabilities, the farmers are able to produce enough crops to feed themselves as well as selling the excess. Along with training farmers in water conservation techniques, Practical Action also provides education on maintenance processes, allowing them to keep the solar-powered water pumps working well into the future. An added bonus is that a solar-powered mini-grid, that can also provide electricity for schools, hospitals and businesses as the community develops, energizes these water pumps.

Looking Ahead

Though the future seems straightforward, there are still obstacles to overcome. According to the AECF, projects similar to these tend to lack the project financing needed to get the ball rolling. When they do make it past this first hurdle, their steam tends to dissipate due to improperly focused investments paired with minimal skills in maintenance.

However, with Zimbabwe’s newly refocused emphasis on energy stability and allocated funds dedicated to long-term success, the country has the opportunity to truly shine in its agricultural and economic progress. With broad opportunities for renewable energy in Zimbabwe including solar, wind and biomass power, this developing country has ample resources and the definitive tools that will allow it to overcome its agricultural obstacles and enter a brighter future. 

– Jacob Christopher

Jacob is based in Granite Falls, NC, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Empowering Malawian Farmers: AI-Driven Agricultural Solutions

Empowering Malawian FarmersIn rural Malawi, where smallholder farming supports the livelihoods of more than 80% of the population, a new technological tool is empowering Malawian farmers to overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable. The app Ulangizi, which means “Advice” in the local Chichewa language, is transforming how farmers access critical agricultural knowledge. By harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and leveraging the widespread use of WhatsApp, Ulangizi is providing essential support to some of the world’s most vulnerable farmers.

The Need for Innovation in Malawian Agriculture

Unpredictable weather patterns, limited resources and a lack of timely access to agricultural expertise deeply impact agriculture in Malawi. The country’s farmers often face issues such as crop diseases, pest infestations and the devastation of climate disasters like Cyclone Freddy, which displaced more than 100,000 people in 2023. The loss of crops, including the crucial soy harvest, left farmers struggling to recover.

In this context, Opportunity International, a Chicago-based nonprofit, saw an opportunity to use AI to offer farmers practical solutions. Ulangizi, the app it developed, connects farmers directly to expert advice, offering them the guidance they need to manage everyday challenges and the unpredictable effects of climate instability.

AI at the Service of Farmers

Ulangizi functions through WhatsApp, a platform already popular in many parts of the world, including Malawi. This accessibility allows farmers to interact with the app through simple messages and receive tailored advice in their native language. The app uses AI tools, including data from ChatGPT and the Malawian government’s agricultural manual, to diagnose crop and livestock problems and suggest solutions.

For example, farmers can take a photo of a sick plant or animal, send it via WhatsApp and receive immediate feedback on the issue and how to address it. In one instance, a Malawian farmer used Ulangizi to identify and treat a health issue with her pigs, preventing further losses. This quick response is invaluable, as traditionally, farmers had to wait days or even weeks, for government agricultural extension workers to visit.

Addressing the Challenges of Rural Connectivity

While Ulangizi is empowering Malawian farmers, it also faces several challenges. In many rural areas, such as Ndodo, smartphones are scarce, with one device sometimes shared among 150 people. Connectivity can also be a significant barrier, as mobile network coverage in these areas is limited and data costs remain prohibitive for many farmers.

However, the nonprofit has designed Ulangizi to work on basic phones, ensuring that even those without access to advanced smartphones can benefit from the service. Opportunity International is also working to overcome these connectivity challenges by collaborating with local networks to improve access to affordable data.

Building Resilience

Malawi’s smallholder farmers are particularly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. In addition to cyclone damage, farmers often face erratic rainfall, droughts and soil degradation. Ulangizi helps farmers build resilience by providing knowledge on better agricultural practices, pest control and disease prevention.

With Ulangizi, farmers can make informed decisions about when to plant, what crops to grow and how to manage soil health. By increasing access to this knowledge, the app empowers farmers to improve yields, reduce losses and ultimately increase their income, making agriculture a more sustainable and reliable livelihood.

A Global Model for Smallholder Farmers

The success of Ulangizi in Malawi has caught the attention of other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, where smallholder farmers face similar challenges. Opportunity International plans to expand the app’s reach, building on the feedback collected during its pilot phase.

Globally, smallholder farmers produce a significant portion of the world’s food. Yet, they often yield far less than their potential due to limited access to resources, knowledge and technology. Ulangizi’s AI-powered approach could help bridge this gap, improving productivity and contributing to global food security.

– Georgia de Gidlow

Georgia is based in Watford, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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A Bright Future for Renewable Energy in South Sudan

Renewable Energy in South Sudan
South Sudan faces significant poverty-related challenges, with more than 82% of the population living in multidimensional poverty. This includes limited access to basic services, such as clean water, health care, education and adequate nutrition. It is also, however, the least electrified. This situation has been exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, economic instability and recurrent climate-related crises such as floods and droughts, which disrupt agriculture and worsen food security. Most of the country’s current energy production comes from generators that burn imported diesel, a costly method both economically and environmentally. According to the World Bank, only 8.4% of the population had reliable access to power and electricity in 2022, leaving the door wide open to produce much-needed renewable energy in South Sudan.

Renewable Energy in South Sudan

Currently, most of the country’s energy production takes place in the capital city of Juba, with very little power infrastructure outside of this hub. Because South Sudan is still in the beginning stages of their infrastructural development, there is a rare opportunity to move forward and address the issue of energy poverty by building sustainable models of electrification, like solar power, without having to dismantle an already existing energy foundation.

Renewable energy can also help build peace in the country. According to UC Berkeley’s Renewable & Appropriate Energy Laboratory, reducing dependency on fossil fuels by increasing access to renewables could lower costs, improve public health and foster socio-economic stability in this conflict-affected country.

Solar Energy and Refrigeration

Solar-powered refrigeration represents a significant advancement in maintaining a consistent and energy-efficient cold chain for vaccines in remote regions. By reducing the need for costly and unreliable fuel-based generators, these solar refrigerators ensure that essential vaccines are safely stored for extended periods. This technology supports better health care access, allowing clinics to keep vaccines on hand and readily available, thus reducing the need for patients to travel frequently and ensuring consistent immunization coverage across rural areas.

CDC Africa began working with South Sudan in Akobo in 2018, installing 90 solar-powered refrigeration units that allow vaccine storage for up to seven days longer than if they arrived straight off of shipment, ensuring vaccine access for thousands more individuals across the country, particularly in rural areas. These refrigerators hold vaccines at near-freezing temperatures throughout their travel. This reduces a significant obstacle to receiving care for preventable diseases in a country where, on average, one out of 17 children die before their first birthday.

Addressing Hunger With Renewable Energy

Almost half of South Sudan’s population is currently facing “crisis-level” hunger, about 6.3 million people. Many households rely on subsistence farming, lacking any means of food storage, leaving them vulnerable to natural disasters. These solar pumps harness the sun to power sensor-driven drip irrigation throughout villages in South Sudan, fostering a sustainable means of agricultural production while fighting increasingly common effects of climate change such as unpredictable floods and droughts, according to the Rainmaker Enterprise.

Solar-powered Water Pumps

Another way forward is the construction of solar-powered water pumps to disperse water to crops all over the country, increasing yields and providing food sources for populations already struggling with hunger and malnutrition.

Since 2020, Rainmaker Enterprise has made serious strides toward expanding locally-driven, solar-powered water security, increasing environmental resilience and decreasing reliance on expensive, polluting fuels. In 2020, Rainmaker finished installing their first solar-powered irrigation system in Thiet, South Sudan, serving more than 3,000 people. Their holistic approach broadened regenerative agriculture over a 12-acre plot, co-designing projects with communities, installing solar-powered drip irrigation pumps, training and employing farmers and supporting distribution.

Off-Grid Expansion and ApTech Africa

Off-grid expansion could be a major step towards increasing access to and awareness of renewable energy in South Sudan. Distributed renewable energy, or decentralized energy access, brings power directly to rural and underserved communities without relying on a centralized grid. This approach not only accelerates electrification but also empowers local communities by providing them with a sustainable and resilient energy source tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, off-grid systems—such as solar home kits and mini-grids—reduce dependency on costly and polluting fuels, creating a pathway for long-term economic growth and environmental benefits.

ApTech Africa, established in South Sudan in 2011, specializes in delivering off-grid solar solutions and home energy systems tailored to meet the needs of underserved communities. By installing reliable and sustainable solar-powered systems, ApTech Africa empowers households with clean energy, improving access to electricity, enhancing quality of life and supporting long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Furthermore, in 2016, ApTech Africa marked a significant milestone in increasing renewable energy in South Sudan by commissioning photovoltaic (PV) systems for teaching institutions, pioneering the use of lithium-ion battery technology in the region. These systems enabled schools to operate seamlessly without dependence on unreliable grid connections or expensive diesel generators. This project was among the first of its kind in South Sudan, showcasing an innovative approach to providing reliable, off-grid energy solutions. 

Looking Ahead

South Sudan is at a crossroads in terms of its ability to electrify the nation. Looking forward, the path toward clean, renewable energy is both cost-effective and environmentally conscious, resulting in increased energy security, sustainability and community resilience. As renewable projects like UNMISS’s solar farm in Juba illustrate, investing in solar and other renewable infrastructure can significantly improve access to electricity for both urban and rural populations, stimulating economic growth and enhancing quality of life across the nation.

– Katherine Ager

Katherine is based in Bulubandi, Iganga, Uganda and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Gates Foundation in India: Helping the Fight Against Poverty

The Gates Foundation in IndiaIn 2000, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was created with the belief that “all lives have equal value.” To fight global poverty and ensure that everyone leads a “healthy and productive” life, the Foundation supports various projects worldwide. Since 2003, the Gates Foundation has been working in India, first by creating an HIV prevention initiative that has prevented 600,000  new infections and now by working on alleviating poverty through improving sanitation and providing safe and hygienic facilities. The Foundation’s work also helps the agricultural sector and its marginalized farmers better their productivity and by partnering with local organizations, it offers inclusive financial systems to lactating mothers.

Transforming Sanitation in Wai

The unsafe disposal of human feces is a global issue harming public health, increasing psycho-social stress and hindering human and economic development, with more than 80% of untreated sewage still being discharged into the environment. In India, sanitation remains a vital public health challenge, with 11% of the population – around 155 million people – still practicing open defecation in 2022, according to the World Bank.

One notable example of progress is the city of Wai in Maharashtra, which has implemented an inclusive and equitable sanitation model. The initiative aims to reduce health risks by preventing the accumulation of harmful waste in areas lacking proper sanitation infrastructure. With help from the Gates Foundation and through collaboration with its citizens, Wai was the first municipality in India to introduce scheduled desludging of all septic tanks, providing safe waste treatment for its entire population – regardless of their financial status.

Helping Marginalized Farmers in Odisha

In 2023, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation announced that 65% of India’s population is part of the agricultural sector, providing livelihoods for millions. In Odisha, 70% of the population depends on agriculture for income. A partnership called ADAPT has been established between the Government of Odisha, the Gates Foundation and Samagra- a private consulting firm, to assist marginalized farmers and improve productivity. The goal is to help the state’s policymakers make data-informed decisions in the agricultural sector.

With the ADAPT Dashboard, a Decision Support System that combines agricultural data from various sources into an online platform accessible to government officials, the State of Odisha can then meet farmers’ needs efficiently – anticipating challenges and optimizing the raw material supply chain. ADAPT also shares information on seed treatment, soil health, irrigation and insurance with farmers to increase their productivity.

There has already been a 90% reduction in crop losses with the Customized Pest Advisory service, confirming that while this initiative is boosting agricultural productivity, it is also helping more farmers to thrive despite climate challenges and market fluctuations.

Building Inclusive Financial Systems

Financial inclusion is another pillar of the Gates Foundation’s work in India. One of its key initiatives in this area is supporting the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) scheme in partnership with the Center for Digital Financial Inclusion (CDFI). This program aims to empower women by providing financial assistance during maternity, reducing the financial burden on low-income families during pregnancy and enhancing maternal health.

Since 2017 and with the Gates Foundation’s involvement, the PMMVY scheme has offered $59.50 in direct cash transfers to lactating mothers, compensating for the wage losses they experience during pregnancy and postnatal care. With access to health care services frequently relying on the family’s financial situation, this digital inclusion initiative is crucial for marginalized women who may otherwise be excluded from the formal banking system or cannot rely on their family’s financial support. The program ensures transparency and accountability by delivering the payments digitally, illustrating India’s inclusive growth and economic development.

Conclusion

Through its focus on sanitation, agriculture and financial inclusion, the Gates Foundation is helping the fight against poverty in India. The success of Wai’s sanitation model, the ADAPT partnership in Odisha and the PMMVY scheme demonstrate how targeted interventions can improve health, economic stability and livelihoods. These initiatives show how combining innovative solutions with data-driven policies and equitable access to services can help India build a more inclusive future.

– Alissa Naydenova

Alissa is based in Colchester, Essex, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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A Look at Sustainable Agriculture in Bolivia

A Look at Sustainable Agriculture in BoliviaBolivia is nestled between Peru, Brazil and Chile in South America. The country derives 14% of its GDP from agriculture in 2020, while hydrocarbon production and mining contribute significantly more, being four and two times more lucrative, respectively. The country’s small-scale farmers often struggle with limited access to financing, training, technology and support for natural disasters. In response, a project has been implemented to help agriculture in Bolivia adopt more sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet.

Introduction of the Rural Alliances Project

The Rural Alliances Project (PAR), was launched in 2006 with backing from the World Bank Group. The project aims to foster sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and promote shared prosperity in developing countries. This project’s goal is to refine a model that enhances market access for impoverished rural producers in select pilot regions. The success of PAR hinges on four main pillars: fostering productive alliances across different economic sectors, strengthening rural producers through the development of self-managed grassroots organizations, enhancing access to productive assets and technology and supporting the creation of effective, responsive and accountable local service organizations.

Implementation and Impact of PAR in Bolivia

Participants in the project were selected based on their economic potential and the extent of poverty in their area. Initially, 54 municipalities were chosen, 77% of which had significant Indigenous populations. Later records revealed that 90% of the beneficiaries belonged to these Indigenous groups. The selection criteria included the ability of participants to contribute financially to the subprojects, which served as an indication of their “productive potential.” This approach also provided a means to test the project’s model for improving market access.

PAR Bolivia: Outcomes and Future Prospects

The project identified six key outcomes and learning components:

  1. Small farmers produced higher quality and quantity of crops.
  2. Producer groups managed finances directly with systematic record-keeping and public account presentation, which built trust with the bank.
  3. Stringent quality control during staff and participant selection enhanced project management.
  4. Technological support proved most effective when customized to specific project needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
  5. Government funds distributed via direct deposit fostered greater trust.
  6. Appointing a national coordinator improved the completion rate of project objectives.

These outcomes, validated by surveys of 86 randomly selected producer groups, demonstrate the project’s success. The project led to improvements in product quality and quantity, increased labor productivity, enhanced organizational tactics, higher net incomes and expanded market access. Notably, agricultural sales grew from 28% to 39% on average. Building on this success, the project has secured $300 million to launch another phase of the PAR. The next phase will support approximately 130,000 producers in rural Bolivia. This new phase will focus on food security, introducing innovative practices for resilient and sustainable agriculture and boosting the involvement of female producers.

Looking Ahead

The PAR has equipped rural farmers with new technology and structures, enabling them to adopt more sustainable practices that benefit both the planet and their quality of life. As the project expands, it can potentially empower more producers to succeed and strengthen the rural economy. This growth opens opportunities for other projects to take root, enhancing support for addressing climate challenges and expanding networks of small farmers.

– Isabella Chavez

Isabella is based in Swampscott, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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AuREUS Solar Panels: A Solution to Food Waste in Communities

AuREUS Solar Panels: A Solution to Food Waste in CommunitiesAuREUS Solar Panels, invented by Carvey Mehren Maigue, convert UV radiation into electricity using food waste. Maigue, during a Dyson interview, expressed his desire to make clean technology accessible in the Philippines. “I would like to help people access clean technology in the Philippines,” he said.

Agricultural Waste and Its Consequences for Farmers

According to a 2021 report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) United Kingdom (U.K.) and Tesco, global food waste totals 1.2 billion tonnes annually, representing 15.3% of produced food, equivalent to $370 million in value. Research by the No Hungry Children Organization suggests this could feed 37 million people for a month. On farms, between 22,000 and 37,000 tonnes of produce go to waste annually, enough to provide 150,000 to 250,000 people with five daily portions of fruits and vegetables for a year. Factors contributing to food waste include environmental challenges, changing food standards, product mishandling and shifts in retail demands, most of which are beyond farmers’ control.

AuREUS Solar Panel Function

The same technology derived from the phenomena that govern the beautiful Northern and Southern lights powers AuREUS, a system using luminescent particles similar to those found in fruits and vegetables. These particles, when struck by high-energy particles like gamma or UV rays, absorb and emit visible light. AuREUS features two products: the Borealis Solar Window and the Astralis Solar Wall. Both incorporate a layer of organic luminescent extracted from food waste suspended in a resin substrate.

Photovoltaic (PV) cells, crucial to solar panels, line the edges of these devices. When UV radiation hits, the luminescent particles emit light toward the PV cells, converting it into electricity. This electricity can then be redirected to storage, batteries or immediate use. Unlike traditional solar panels, AuREUS panels can be installed vertically and capture UV radiation even on cloudy days due to their ability to harness UV light without direct sunlight. In 2019, AuREUS was implemented in building settings and its innovative design earned Carvey Ehren Maigue the first-ever James Dyson Sustainability Award in 2020.

A Potential Solution

AuREUS technology, leveraging crops from agricultural communities, enables farmers to upcycle waste from farming and retailing processes. This innovation helps farmers mitigate significant losses and manage risks more effectively. Moreover, AuREUS solar panels harness UV radiation, a clean and unlimited energy source, which can reduce daily living costs for farmers. Additionally, these panels help decrease food waste, contributing to climate change mitigation.

Currently under research and testing for broader applications such as mass production and public transportation, AuREUS Solar Panels have shown promise in early studies. Out of 78 crops tested, nine exhibited high potential, with red, orange, yellow and green hues serving as potential dyes containing the necessary luminescent particles. Ongoing research aims to optimize material extraction from crops, aspiring to reach 100% efficiency compared to the current 80%, which could revolutionize crop utilization in agricultural communities.

Looking Ahead

The development of AuREUS Solar Panels represents a breakthrough in sustainable energy and waste reduction. By turning agricultural byproducts into functional technology, the panels offer a creative approach to addressing both energy needs and food waste. As research progresses, this innovation could open new possibilities for renewable power generation and resource use, enhancing both environmental sustainability and economic benefits for agricultural communities.

– Jimmy Nguyen

Jimmy is based in Savannah, GA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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TechnoServe and GENA: Improving Ethiopia’s Agricultural Exports

How GENA and TechnoServe Improves Ethiopia’s Agricultural Exports Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest-growing non-oil economies, provides significant opportunities for inclusive growth. Agriculture employs 85% of the workforce and contributes more than 45% to the country’s GDP, making it a critical sector. However, many smallholder farmers struggle to access markets due to limited infrastructure. In response, organizations such as TechnoServe and GENA are working to help Ethiopian smallholder farmers integrate into more formal and sustainable agricultural markets.

TechServe’s Role in Supporting Smallholder Farmers

For over a decade, TechnoServe has collaborated with farmers and the Ethiopian government to develop competitive agricultural market systems. This work focuses on enhancing farmers’ productivity by providing training in improved agricultural practices and creating sustainable sourcing opportunities with GENA, an Ethiopian investment group. Together, they aim to advance Ethiopia’s economy. 

The SERES Project

A significant example of this collaboration between TechnoServe and GENA is the Scaling Ethiopia’s Regenerative Export Sector (SERES) project, launched in 2021 by TechnoServe in partnership with the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). This project seeks to connect smallholder farmers with international markets and promote the production of sustainably grown crops such as fruits and herbs. SERES has enabled Ethiopian farmers to meet international quality standards. 

GENA’s Partnership

GENA is an Ethiopian agribusiness focused on exporting agricultural products. As part of the SERES project, the organization received funding to establish a rosemary collection center and drying facility in central Ethiopia. This facility provides a direct link between small-scale farmers and the organization. This ensures consistent supply chains meet international standards. Farmers who supply rosemary to GENA benefit from guaranteed prices and timely payments. 

Kadri Mohamed’s Story

A true success story to come out of this partnership is smallholder farmer Kadri Mohamed. TechnoServe reported that Kadri previously sold his rosemary crop to local traders. He faced long delays in receiving payments and would often receive prices lower than expected. Without guidance on sustainable farming, much of his crop would go to waste. The SERES project, in partnership with GENA, changed that. Kadri now sells his rosemary to GENA, receiving payments up to eight times higher than before and within just a few days. This allowed him to significantly increase his income from $190 to $350 annually, in turn improving his family’s life. With extra income, Kadri has been able to invest in his children’s education and secure his home with a lockable door, providing a safer environment for his family. 

The Broader Impact

The success of the SERES project illustrates the broader potential for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and across Africa by integrating smallholder farmers into formal market systems and providing them with the necessary training and infrastructure. Through partnerships with companies like GENA, smallholder farmers can potentially access stable and profitable markets while ensuring sustainable agricultural practices that benefit the environment.

– Ellisha Hicken

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

Photo: Flickr