Archive for category: Agriculture

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Digital Grain Storage and Reducing Poverty in India

Reducing Poverty in IndiaDevelopments in the agri-tech sphere have been fundamental to the improved economic welfare of farmers in India. Founded in 2012 and working primarily in Bihar, Ergos has transformed the lives of 150,000 farmers by reducing their dependence on seasonal income. By freeing farmers from the demands of the physical market, its digital grain bank model has significant potential for reducing poverty in India.

Rural Poverty in India

As of 2022, India’s poverty rate, measured at $3 a day, stood at 5.25%. The country has experienced steadily improved poverty conditions in recent years, particularly in rural areas, which saw a decline in poverty from 32.59% to 19.28% in 2021. NDTV reports suggest that these figures have now declined to just 4.86%. Bihar is one of the regions that has witnessed the most progress in closing the gap between poverty rates in urban and rural areas.

However, despite this progress, the day-to-day experiences of those living in the remote countryside reflect ongoing hardship. For families who rely on agriculture, the goal is simply to earn enough to survive. The unpredictable nature of monsoons and seasonal changes contributes to economic instability. It is within this context that Ergos has helped reduce poverty in India by providing an innovative solution to seasonal dependence.

Ergos the GrainBank Model

Founded by Kishor Jha and Praveen Kumar, Ergos’ grain bank model allows farmers to store harvested crops at local warehouses in order to sell their product later at a more favorable cost. According to Ergos, almost 86% of farmers in India are smallholders without the ability to store their produce. As a result, around 80% to 90% of farmers try to sell the entirety of their grain in under 40 days. This is compounded by widespread debt among workers in the agricultural sector, where high interest rates affect farmers who had initially relied on moneylenders to fund their business, creating a cycle that limits the ability of rural households to raise their incomes.

By providing storage for grain, Ergos enables farmers to access immediate liquidity through a credit system and regain control over commodity prices. Technological innovation underpins the model’s effectiveness, with Ergos collecting and sharing agricultural data to support farmers’ decision-making. This approach benefits both farmers and buyers, returning financial control to rural producers who would otherwise remain vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations.

Looking Ahead

Given that an estimated 60% of rural households rely on agriculture, based on a 2021-22 national survey, innovations in agri-tech have a role to play in reducing poverty in India. Ergos’ digital grain bank model demonstrates how modern technology applied to an age-old livelihood can reduce seasonal income dependence and support rural communities.

– Polly Laws

Polly is based in Cardiff, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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AI Cashew Mapping: Shaping the Future of Poverty in Benin

Poverty in BeninIn the rolling hills of Benin, the small African nation known as the birthplace of Voodoo, a single crop taken for granted has changed the dynamic in the country’s burgeoning middle class: the cashew. Supporting more than 200,000 smallholder families, cashew nuts are more than a snack. They are the nation’s second-largest agricultural export, generating an estimated $437 million in annual revenue.

Yet for decades, hundreds of thousands of farmers remained trapped in a cycle of subsistence living. They were invisible to the global financial systems that could help them scale their operations. The CajùLab initiative, a groundbreaking collaboration between TechnoServe and Alteia, is altering the narrative by using artificial intelligence (AI) to put these farmers on the map. 

The Cost of Being Unbanked

For many, poverty in Benin is a structural issue of being “unbanked.” Without formal land titles or recognized maps of their property, small-hold farmers lack the collateral necessary to secure loans from their government. To a local bank, a farmer without formal land documents is treated like a borrower with no assets.

A lack of data creates a credit desert. Families cannot afford the fertilizers, irrigation or high-quality saplings required to increase their yields. Consider the story of Bibs Saka Kota, a cashew farmer in Benin:

Before engaging with the modern tools provided by the BeninCajù program, Biba struggled with low productivity. Years before, her two hectares of land yielded only five bags of nuts. After adopting the smart climate model, her harvest has tripled to 15 bags. “Cashew allows me to live,” she explained.

Cashew Mapping in Benin

CajùLab works to bridge this gap through machine learning and satellite technology. Using high-quality satellite imagery from partners like Planet Labs, researchers at the University of Minnesota, in collaboration with TechnoServe, developed algorithms to identify cashew plantations across Benin. These models analyze temporal satellite data to detect vegetation patterns and map where cashew trees are grown, even on small, irregular farms. 

The system can distinguish cashew orchards from other land types, such as forests or bare land, with more than 85% accuracy. This is a feat previously thought impossible due to the irregular, intercropped nature of African smallholder farms.

The Impact of the CajùLab Initiative

This breakthrough leaves a technological footprint of a farmer’s tangible assets. When a farmer approaches a financial institution equipped with a verified geospatial map of their land, they present objective proof of their productive capacity. These images demonstrate to local banks that these families are low-risk, high-reward investments. 

This transparency unlocks the microcapital needed to break the cycle of poverty in Benin and reliance on subsistence farming. It allows parents to invest in the future of their land rather than survive the current harvest. The impact of CajùLab extends from the soil to the atmosphere. 

A tree’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide has financial value. The initiative enables farmers to map the precise amount of carbon their cashew trees absorb. Through AI, the project facilitates the integration of smallholders into the fight against climate instability. 

For a rural family, these carbon credits represent direct cash payments. They can use these payments to support their children and future generations.

– Haydn Goodboy

Haydn is based in Massachusetts, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The Impact of Heifer International in Ethiopia

Heifer International in EthiopiaIn April 2026, Heifer International reported breakthroughs in youth-led soil health in Ethiopia. This is part of its 2026 initiative to integrate climate-smart technology with smallholder financing. Heifer International has transitioned from simply providing farms with more cows and livestock to high-tech, market-based systems in Ethiopia. 

This shift aims to address global poverty by targeting sustainable living incomes for impoverished people in rural areas. By 2030, its goal is to lift one million smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, 70% of whom are young people, into financial stability.

About Heifer International

In 1944, founder Dan West looked toward a new way to solve the global poverty crisis. After volunteering to feed those in need during the Spanish Civil War, West saw that this method of hunger prevention was not the only way. Given the short shelf life of food, it was clearly not a sustainable solution.

This is where the groundwork for Heifer International began. West identified a better way to address global poverty: providing rural residents with livestock to stabilize their access to food. This idea has shaped the organization’s current projects.

To this day, the organization works with local farms in the countries it serves to further develop their livestock and crops. This helps grow their economies through food. Supporting farming industries in rural communities provides a reliable food source.

It also connects these communities to the broader market. As these farms grow, so do the people working on them, setting the stage for a world of success for future generations. The impact of Heifer International is vast, spanning 19 countries throughout four different continents. 

It’s Work in Ethiopia

The organization is working directly with communities in Ethiopia to develop and strengthen a soil health program. This program, pioneered by Samson Alemu, works directly with young adults to provide them with a stable future. Its main objectives are to improve soil health and productivity, reduce acidity and increase nutrient absorption.

Alemu, a 26-year-old biotechnologist, is the co-founder and CEO of an Ethiopian start-up that developed eco-friendly biofertilizer and other solutions using microscopic bacteria to meet these goals. However, Alemu and his team did not yet have the resources to scale these solutions. This limited their impact on the country. 

To address this, in 2023, Alemu entered the Agriculture, Youth and Technology Africa Challenge Ethiopia (AYuTe). AYuTe is a competition hosted by Heifer International to support young inventors in the agricultural industry. After many rounds, Alemu won the $10,000 funding prize for his project.

By promoting regenerative practices such as composting and reduced tillage, the program boosts crop yields, strengthens food security and enhances livelihoods for smallholder farmers. The impact of Heifer International and its competition lies in the numbers. Because of the organization’s funding, Alemu and his team have been able to work with more than 56,000 smallholder farmers and partner with 96 local retailers. 

These retailers sell the biofertilizer directly to farmers. On top of this, their annual sales have increased from just three tons in 2022 to 94.5 tons in 2025.

Future Outlook

By 2026, Heifer International aims to strengthen rural resilience and alleviate poverty by helping farming households achieve a sustainable living income. In Ethiopia, this involves fostering Heifer Ethiopia’s agriculture-led development. This specifically includes improving the value chains for dairy, poultry and honey.

The impact of Heifer International on social development, specifically gender equity, is significant. It has announced that during 2026, it will elevate the voices of female producers and promote gender-equitable agricultural practices. As an organization, it hopes to continue growing and supporting its current projects. It also aims to expand beyond them.

Final Remarks

Heifer International’s work overall and specifically in Ethiopia, represents a sustainable path out of poverty. It does this by equipping farmers with modern tools, providing training and offering opportunities to pass on the gift. By fostering local leadership, like that of Alemu and creating sustainable food systems, Heifer is enabling Ethiopian communities to achieve self-reliance and secure livelihoods.

– Megan McGrath

Megan is based in Verona, NJ, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Amaranth and Food Insecurity in Nigeria

Food Insecurity in NigeriaNigeria is a country in West Africa currently experiencing a hunger crisis. An estimated 35 million people are living with acute food insecurity, and 4.8 million require immediate nutritional assistance. Ensuring people in Nigeria are fed is one of the most important ways to address poverty in rural communities.

One of the crops used to combat food insecurity is frequently grown in Nigeria but rarely planted. Amaranth is common throughout the hot and humid regions of Nigeria and is often maintained rather than sown. It grows naturally throughout the countryside, and deliberately planted varieties are often found in gathering spaces where many people in the community can benefit from them.

The Benefits of Amaranth

When the rainy season begins, amaranth flourishes and grows quickly. After about three to five weeks, the leaves can be harvested and eaten or sold. It is a stable yield crop, meaning that while yields may not be large, it will almost always provide some yield, regardless of drought or pests.

According to Laurajean Lewis, the global director of genetic resources at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico, amaranth is one of the few plants that grows almost everywhere in the world. Lewis explained that because farmers harvest the leaves rather than the seeds, the plant reseeds itself, and seeds can also be collected and replanted in new areas.

Amaranth is a resilient plant and is important for nutrition in Nigeria. In some places, it accounts for up to 25% of Nigerians’ daily protein intake. Sometimes referred to as a nutritional powerhouse by scientists, it also contains high levels of folic acid and calcium, which are important for pregnant or lactating women.

Barriers to Cultivation

The general outlook on amaranth is negative. It is seen as a poverty staple, and in some places it is considered acceptable only for feeding livestock. One variety is called pigweed because of the belief that it is only suitable for pigs. Despite this perception, it is widely eaten and sometimes intercropped with high-yielding crops such as corn. Its leaves are often boiled and eaten like spinach, with a mild flavor said to resemble artichoke. It also produces edible seeds, making the plant dual-purpose for many. The seeds can be ground into a flour that is well-suited for baby food and is important for childhood development.

Improving Food Insecurity in Nigeria

Amaranth is seen as a poverty food in West Africa, and especially in Nigeria, but it plays an important role in supporting rural communities and providing essential vitamins and minerals to many. It also offers nutritional support for vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women and older adults. As food insecurity continues to affect millions of Nigerians, amaranth remains a practical and culturally significant tool in the fight against hunger and rural poverty.

– Eddie Hofmann

Eddie is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Harvesting the Sun: Sustainable Farming in Somalia

Sustainable Farming in SomaliaIn 1994, almost 50% of the working population in Somalia was employed by the agricultural industry. By 2025, this figure stood at 30%. This drop has been heavily influenced by the droughts and flooding that have affected Somalia since 2020 and resulted in famine and the loss of an estimated 43,000 lives. About 21% of the population is suffering from food shortages due to these extreme weather events that were ignited by the Deyr rainy season, which has had particularly damaging effects on farmers, with more than 1.5 million hectares of farmland lost to floods. This climate crisis has evolved from a humanitarian issue to an economic one, with one of the biggest industries in Somalia being heavily impacted.

The Hunger and Climate Crisis in Somalia

Floods are reported to have damaged or destroyed sanitation, health and education infrastructure in the nation, leaving 2.9 million people displaced in 2023 alone, with an overall 75% of the population having fled their homes in search of food, work or medical assistance. In 2025, it was estimated that 1.5 million children would be malnourished.

According to the World Food Program (WFP), one in 10 people needs help urgently, with new findings showing the number of people in crisis-level hunger has nearly doubled in a year, to 6.5 million. Many families reached by charitable aid have shared their stories. One such testimony is from a mother and farmer named Maxamed. She tells of her once prosperous farm that allowed her to be independent as a woman and mother.

However, as her animals and crops began to die following two years of no rain and weather hazards, she was “forced to pull her children out of class.” She shared that “there is no normal day anymore” and that in a typical week, her family is able to eat on only four nights. Maxamed stated that she is close to leaving home and taking her family to a displacement camp, where she would join four million others displaced by drought over the course of three months this year.

There are charities and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as CARE and Action Against Hunger working to address the hunger crisis in Somalia. The latter reached 3,201,516 people in the last year. One family Action Against Hunger has aided is Hassan and Jelow Lamow, two parents in Somalia’s Bay region, and their son Adan. Two-year-old Adan’s malnourishment reached a crisis point, and he developed Kwashiorkor disease, leaving his legs and abdomen swollen from fluid. His parents had lost their crops and animals, with 1.5 million livestock having died in their home region, and so they traveled 15 miles to a hospital in Baidoa set up by Action Against Hunger. According to the charity and medical staff, Adan is recovering, but greater action is needed to prevent the nationwide hunger crisis from escalating. Sustainable farming in Somalia offers one path forward.

The Effects of Sustainable Farming in Somalia

Despite efforts being made to combat the consequences of Somalia’s climate issues, sustainable farming initiatives offer one of the best chances at restoring stability to the country. Access to basic needs such as food and clean water has become more available due to the growth of organizations offering training, funding and tools to support sustainable farming in Somalia.

One such project is the Kobciye initiative, set up by World Vision and the WFP in 2023. Meaning “uplift” in Somali, the Kobciye project has provided 3,000 farmers across three states in Somalia with new equipment, including tractors, solar-powered water pumps and fencing, to help them work against the climate issues they are experiencing. The concept of harvesting the sun’s energy is not new, but to underdeveloped or underfunded communities such as disaster-affected regions in Somalia, it has been significant in improving efficiency and production for farmers who have previously lost everything. The project has many aims, including promoting crop growth, improving prosperity and shifting general attitudes toward farming.

New Techniques

Mohammed Sheikh Yusuf, a senior advisor at Somalia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, said that when people know they can produce their own food, generate their own income and work productive land, they readily switch from a nomadic lifestyle to a more sedentary farming or agropastoralist one, transforming their lives and livelihoods.

The rising commitment to the agricultural industry has brought about new techniques to further promote sustainable farming in Somalia, drawing in a new demographic as the focus turns to empowering women and youths to become independent, financially and socially. One sustainable change has been farmers using discarded materials as compost instead of creating waste. The Kobciye project gives communities access to water, not just for farming but for sanitation too. Local government official Ibrahim Abdulkadir said this is the first time farmers in the area have had access to fresh water in 100 years.

Looking Ahead

By focusing efforts on both sustainable farming in Somalia and addressing humanitarian issues, climate challenges such as flooding and drought may become problems to manage rather than crises to fear. Building Resilient Communities in Somalia (BRiCS) is a consortium that has combined efforts on humanitarian and farming needs into a plan for sustainable farming in Somalia. BRiCS focuses on agricultural strategies and issues such as food security, water and sanitation, and disaster risk reduction. By using renewable solar energy, it has reduced the costs of fuel and electricity for farms across the nation, saving money for farmers and reducing environmental impact.

Mumino is another mother and farmer who has shared her experience carrying on the business she inherited from her family. As a woman with little formal training, she struggled to raise her family and preserve her crops, especially when facing the lack of financial and practical resources during climate hazards. Now, thanks to BRiCS and other partners in the consortium, she has access to better water systems, solar energy and training to support herself. There are 300 other families like hers who have also benefited from BRiCS training and local authorities’ intervention.

Mumino said that her animals can now feed on vegetable off-cuts, so she no longer has to buy food for them, saving her $0.50 every day. This represents both an economic advantage and a social shift, as she is able to invest more into her family’s future without having to rely on community loans. Sustainable farming in Somalia is growing through initiatives like the Kobciye project and BRiCS, supporting a more resilient and productive agricultural industry.

– Jaya Noonan

Jaya is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Don’t Just Eat Chocolate; Grow the Ghana Cocoa Industry

Ghana Cocoa IndustryChocolate is one of the most beloved sweets that people all around the world consume. Switzerland continues to rank as one of the top countries where people consume chocolate (8.8kg per capita/per person) followed closely by Austria, Germany and Ireland. However, cocoa in these sweet treats is not produced in any of the countries named. The top two countries that produce cocoa are Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Ghana.

Despite the cocoa industry bringing in a high export of $1.46 billion, in 2024, many farmers are below the poverty line. They are facing delayed payments from local regulators on top of a very low minimum wage, some earning only $3 per day

Global Poverty of the Chocolate Industry

Only a small share of chocolate’s final value reaches producers. As Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems reports, “only 7% of the price that consumers pay for chocolate makes its way back to the producers.” Cocoa farmers are on the very end of the value chain because Ghana ships more than 80% of its cocoa abroad in raw form, which means that the most profit is made from the final product.

Though smallholder farmers dominate Ghana’s cocoa industry, they often work on small plots with limited resources. As emphasized in the Cocoa Barometer, poverty is not just one issue among many; it is a central factor underlying many challenges in the cocoa sector.

The Cocoa Barometer highlights how this system reflects deeper historical inequalities tied to colonial trade structures. The result is a persistent “extraction” model, where value leaves producing countries instead of being reinvested locally.

The cocoa industry and cocoa farming have been in the traditions of many farmers in Ghana. There are approximately 800,000 smallholder farm families across regions including Ashanti, Western, North, Eastern and Central Ghana. For this livelihood of many to disappear, farmers would face severe poverty and trigger an economic downturn.

Cocoa Industry in Ghana

Recently, John Mahama, the president of Ghana, has made major efforts to prioritize local processing of raw bean exports, aiming to cease raw cocoa sales by 2030.

In a recent visit to Temple University, in Philadelphia, PA., President Mahama brought light to this situation and his reasoning behind the push.

“It is because for almost 70 years after we gained independence, we’re still exporting raw beans to the world,” Mahama said. “I believe that what has happened in the international market should be a wake up call for us.

President Mahama has put a strict deadline on when he believes the goal of this program should be where they should be; with at least 50% of the country’s cocoa beans in local production, while halting raw mineral ore exports by 2030. “By 2030, there won’t be any raw mineral ores leaving Ghana. You must process all that locally,” said President Mahama.

The Future

The hopes in these major switches have short-term and long-term goals including:

  • Farmer payment timeliness: reducing the payment delays compared to traditional financing
  • Foreign exchange retention rates: domestic revenue capture versus the traditional model
  • Semi-processed product export growth: volume and value expansion in cocoa butter, powder

President John Mahama, is pushing this advocacy of consuming local chocolate, with a short yet powerful statement of, “Eat Chocolate, Grow Ghana.”

– Elizabeth Fryer

Elizabeth is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Comoros’ Ylang-Ylang Industry: Why Greener Growth Matters

Comoros’ ylang-ylang industryComoros ranks among the world’s leading perfume producers, alongside Madagascar and Mayotte. In the country, the ylang-ylang flower does more than produce luxury fragrances. It supports thousands of rural households and provides a steady, environmentally conscious source of income and economic growth.

This industry also strengthens the national economy. Agriculture accounts for about one-third of Comoros’ GDP and export crops such as ylang-ylang, vanilla and cloves drive much of that growth.

Greener Practices, Stronger Incomes

Ylang-ylang creates direct economic opportunities for many families in Comoros. Around 10,000 producers cultivate the crop, particularly on the island of Anjouan. Farmers and workers earn a steady income from harvesting and selling the flowers. Women play a central role, spending long hours collecting blossoms to sell by the kilogram.

Because producers can harvest ylang-ylang flowers multiple times each month, the crop provides income year-round. This cycle of greener growth helps households manage expenses and reduces income instability. The industry also supports broader economic activity.

Small distilleries purchase flowers from independent farmers, allowing even small-scale producers to participate in export markets. These businesses create jobs and strengthen local skills in processing and production. Licensed exporters help maintain quality standards and connect Comoros to global markets.

As a result, even remote communities benefit from international trade. In 2022, ylang-ylang exports generated about $5.56 million, making the crop one of Comoros’ most valuable export products. Major markets include France, Switzerland, the U.S. and the U.K. This global demand brings valuable foreign income into the country.

Comoros’ Ylang-Ylang Industry

Recent developments are improving both sustainability and economic resilience in Comoros’ ylang-ylang industry. Producers are upgrading distillation equipment to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Improved ovens and stainless-steel alembics use less wood, lowering production expenses and making operations more sustainable.

Farmers are also planting trees such as mango and breadfruit to secure fuel sources while protecting natural forests. These efforts support long-term productivity and help preserve the resources on which livelihoods depend.

A Future Rooted in Prosperity

New environmental programs are also creating additional income streams for rural communities. NGOs now pay farmers, known as “water guardians,” to restore forests and protect water systems. These initiatives provide financial incentives while strengthening local ecosystems.

By linking conservation with income generation, these programs help reduce poverty and build economic security. Ylang-ylang already generates export revenue, employment and steady income for rural communities. Now, greener production methods are improving efficiency, protecting natural resources and creating new opportunities.

With these changes, the “flower of flowers” can continue to drive economic growth while helping communities move out of poverty. Looking ahead, greater investment in ylang-ylang production could further accelerate poverty reduction in Comoros. Training farmers in improved harvesting techniques could increase yields and raise incomes without requiring more farmland.

Expanding local distillation capacity would also allow communities to capture more value before export, creating additional jobs. Improved infrastructure, including transport and storage, could reduce waste and increase profitability. As international demand for sustainable fragrances grows, Comoros is well-positioned to establish itself as a premium, ethical supplier.

This shift could strengthen export earnings while supporting rural livelihoods. By combining sustainability with productivity, ylang-ylang production offers a practical path toward inclusive economic growth and long-term poverty reduction.

– Demetra Mykoniatis

Demetra is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Dairy Farming Innovation in Africa

Dairy Farming Innovation in Africa In much of Sub-Saharan Africa, poverty remains deeply rooted in rural life. According to recent estimates, the region accounts for a disproportionate share of the world’s poorest populations, with 553 million people living in multidimensional poverty and limited access to basic services.

In an unexpected corner of agricultural science, a new approach is taking shape, one that begins not with infrastructure or aid packages but with cows. Increasingly, dairy farming innovation in Africa is helping reshape what opportunity looks like for rural families.

A Cross-Continental Scientific Partnership

At the heart of this transformation is a collaboration between British scientists and African researchers, working through institutions like Scotland’s Rural College and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). Together, they are rethinking how dairy farming can empower smallholder farmers by breeding cows that are not only more productive but better suited to local environments.

The science began in the U.K. Researchers Raphael Mrode and Mike Coffey focused on a simple question: what if cows could produce more milk while requiring fewer resources? According to a Gates Foundation report, the team studied ways to breed smaller cows that would require less feed and less land to graze on while producing more milk than larger cows. They identified the genetic traits that led to healthier cows with higher milk production.

Even in Scotland, the gains were measurable. Farmer Rory Christie noted that since the project began, his herd has produced about 1,000 liters per cow per year extra. This breakthrough laid the groundwork for dairy farming innovation in Africa, showing how science could directly improve productivity.

From Research to Real-World Impact

Recognizing this potential, the research expanded beyond Europe. Scientists Okeyo Mwai and Julie Ojango in Nairobi joined forces with Mrode, forming a partnership that would eventually become the African Dairy Genetic Gains (ADGG) program. The goal of ADGG is to provide small-scale dairy producers in Sub-Saharan Africa access to feed-efficient and well-adapted cows to increase their income.

The challenge in countries like Kenya was not a lack of cows but a lack of clarity. Local herds had become what Julie Ojango described as a “fruit salad” of mixed breeds. Years of unstructured crossbreeding and imported genetics meant that farmers often had no reliable way to know which animals would be most productive. Despite continued investment in imported semen, results were inconsistent.

ADGG set out to change that by bringing data into the equation. The program began systematically collecting information on thousands of animals, tracking performance and applying genomic tools to identify the most promising traits. The initiative aimed at developing and testing a genetic gains platform that uses on-farm performance information and basic genomic data to identify and prove superior crossbred bulls for the benefit of smallholder farmers in Africa.

The Power of Hybrid Cows

Researchers discovered that certain hybrid cows outperformed both traditional local breeds and exotic imports. These hybrids were not only more productive but also better adapted to African climates and farming conditions.

Currently, these improved cows are being distributed through community networks and artificial insemination programs. The impact is measurable across Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia, where thousands of farmers are seeing higher milk yields, more stable incomes and new opportunities.

Okeyo Mwai, principal scientist at ILRI, said that milk is one of the most nutritious animal-sourced foods, and increasing milk yield expands opportunities for food and national security for both farmers and their neighbors.

From Subsistence to Opportunity

For many families, milk is reshaping futures. One Kenyan farmer, Josephine Kimonyi, said the milk from a single improved cow helped her household pay school fees for her children and brought stability to the family.

Across the region, increased milk production is enabling farmers to move beyond subsistence. With surplus milk to sell, families are becoming small-scale entrepreneurs, investing in education, health care and better living conditions. These accounts highlight how dairy farming innovation in Africa is changing livelihoods at the household level.

Looking Ahead

Governments, scientists, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and farmers are collaborating in this effort. ADGG data shows that more than 56,000 farmers and more than 94,000 animals have been registered across Africa, and the program continues to grow. By combining science with local knowledge and focusing on tools farmers can use, this initiative is turning an everyday resource into a pathway out of poverty.

– Lucy Kerr

Lucy is based in Coventry, UK and focuses on Good News, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Haiti’s Irrigation Canal Fights Food Security Crisis

Haiti's Irrigation CanalHaiti is the most impoverished country in the Western Hemisphere and continues to face challenges that lead to severe instability. As of early 2026, armed gangs control an estimated 80-90% of the capital and are expanding into surrounding areas. This instability has significantly reduced international aid, disrupted supply chains due to frequent looting of imports and caused the cost of essential goods such as food and oil to skyrocket. Port-au-Prince receives a majority of the country’s imports; therefore, the capital’s issues affect all other cities. 

Building From the Ground Up

With insecurity persisting and food shortages worsening, local agricultural production has become increasingly critical to economic stability. The Kanal la Pap Kanpe (KPK) initiative sits at the center of Haiti’s irrigation canal movement, a grassroots effort to bring water to one of the country’s most fertile and underserved farming regions. By expanding access to water, the project could strengthen food security and support the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.

A Shared Island, a Contested River

The island of Hispaniola is split into two countries, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, which inevitably share common natural resources. However, issues persist between the two countries. A clear example is the Massacre River in the north of the island. 

The river not only carries significant historical importance, but is also essential to the livelihoods of the surrounding communities. In 1929, officials from the two countries signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Arbitration. Article 10 of the treaty stipulates that both countries may use the water “justly and equitably,” provided its use does not interfere with the river’s natural flow.

In August 2018, Haiti’s irrigation canal project took shape with the start of construction on the Pittobert canal. The project is designed to irrigate more than 7,000 acres of fertile land on the Maribaroux Plain at a total operating flow of about 1.5 cubic meters per second. In a 2021 report, the Dominican National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INDRHI) counted 10 irrigation canals on the Dominican side. 

Together, they had a total operating flow of 3.22 cubic meters per second, while the Pittobert canal would be the first on the Haitian side. Progress on the canal halted in 2021 with the assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moïse. However, grassroots efforts led local farmers to resume it in August 2023. 

Dominicans strongly opposed this move, framing it as a unilateral act that threatened shared resources and border agreements and claimed that the canal would divert water. This disagreement created a transnational dispute with significant consequences for both sides. On September 11, 2023, President Luis Abinader unilaterally announced the complete closure and militarization of the border, prohibiting the migration of people and goods. In response, the Haitian government announced that the construction of this canal would not halt.

According to the popular Haitian media outlet AyiboPost, this canal has sparked one of the biggest grassroots movements uniting Haitians in decades. Both local Haitians and the diaspora mobilized resources and forces to aid in the construction of the canal and in “the recovery of national dignity,” as stated by Gaston Étienne, the treasurer of the project.

From Irrigation to Export: KPK Rice Making Its US Debut

Although completion of the canal has not yet been confirmed, it has already begun benefiting surrounding communities. In November 2024, a new rice brand named after the movement, KPK, was launched. It uses water from the newly built Haitian irrigation canal to irrigate its rice fields and exports to the U.S. have already begun.

Additionally, construction of a second canal in the Fort-Liberté area, the Malfety canal, is well underway, with support from local and diaspora communities. It is estimated that this canal will irrigate approximately 17,000 acres upon completion. Although imports still account for more than 70% of total cereal consumption in Haiti, mainly wheat and rice, the KPK movement also has implications for other countries.

Why the World Should Pay Attention

First, initiatives like KPK have economic lessons that go beyond Haiti’s borders. As local agricultural production increases, new trade and investment opportunities emerge both domestically and internationally. In Haiti, increased domestic production can reduce its heavy reliance on imports and create new export opportunities. Internationally, this can create more opportunities for actors to partner with local farmers to improve and increase production. 

Second, for aid and development organizations and policymakers, projects like KPK highlight the importance of supporting locally driven solutions to economic challenges rather than relying solely on foreign aid. These initiatives demonstrate how targeted infrastructure investments can unlock productivity, strengthen rural economies and improve food security, especially in poverty-stricken areas. Supporting these efforts through technical assistance, financing and market access could further amplify their impact and contribute to long-term stability for these communities.

Final Thoughts

Global attention is increasingly turning toward sustainable development and economic resilience, even as international aid declines and economic challenges persist. In this regard, Haiti’s experience offers valuable lessons. While Haiti navigates ongoing instability, projects like KPK demonstrate how Haiti’s irrigation canal movement and grassroots movements more broadly, can contribute to long-term economic resilience and poverty reduction.

By investing in local production and empowering communities, these initiatives show how countries can build more self-sufficient economies while creating new opportunities for global partnerships. KPK rice reaching U.S. shelves is only the beginning. It is proof that communities do not need to wait for stability to start creating it and that supporting grassroots movements may be one of the most effective investments the international community can make.

– Chloe Bonnefil

Chloe is based in Miami, FL, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikipedia

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PERi-Farms: Nando’s Supporting Smallholder Farmers

PERi-FarmsCountries in Southern Africa, including Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar, continue to face extreme poverty, with limited progress in recent years. About 71% of the population in Zambia, 81% in Mozambique and 69% in Madagascar live on less than $3.00 a day, while 70% of the population in Malawi lives on less than $2.15 a day. In addition, a significant share of the population across the region experiences severe malnutrition and insufficient caloric intake.

In Southern Africa, agriculture remains central to both livelihoods and economic growth, with 60% of the population depending on the sector for income and survival. Yet the region continues to face severe malnutrition, exposing a deep contradiction between reliance on agriculture and persistent food insecurity. Farmers across the region face major barriers, including limited access to technology, climate shocks and chronic food insecurity. 

These challenges make it difficult for farming households to move beyond the poverty line or earn enough to sustain themselves and their families, reinforcing a cycle of intergenerational poverty.

Nando’s PERi-Farms

In response to the challenges Southern African farmers face in earning a sustainable living, Nando’s launched a scheme to promote sustainable farming. Recognizing the region’s heavy dependence on agriculture, the company identified an opportunity to help improve the quality of life for smallholder farmers by addressing the setback created by limited resources and low incomes.

In 2012, Nandos committed to supporting smallholder farms in Southern Africa by buying chilies from farmers in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa for use in its well-known PERi-PERi sauces. What began with just six farmers, who supplied 1.6% of Nando’s chili requirements at the time, has since grown to more than 1,400 farmers across 18 growing regions in those four countries.

Through this model, Nando’s provides smallholder farmers with a more stable income throughout the season. This stability helps protect farmers from price fluctuations driven by crop quality, climate-related disruptions and early-season pricing pressures. Regional farming organizations run the project on Nando’s behalf. 

They teach smallholder farmers in Southern Africa more sustainable farming practices and provide them with finance, materials and seedlings that they may have found hard to obtain. As a result, findings from the Impact Amplifier show that, compared with national averages in their respective countries, farmers in Nando’s supply chain are 95% more food secure, 75% more energy secure and achieve 80% higher completion rates across primary, secondary and tertiary education.

How This Makes a Difference

The Impact Amplifier has strengthened Nando’s capacity in areas such as professional development, food security, health care and education. This has enabled the company to better support independent smallholder farmers in Southern Africa. It does so by improving access to finance and agricultural inputs, providing training in efficient farming practices and offering more stable pricing throughout the growing season.

This means that smallholder farmers in Southern Africa can afford to educate their children, expand their homes, access solar power and grow their livestock herds. In turn, this helps families build more secure futures and gradually break the cycle of poverty.

Future Initiatives 

With the success of the PERi-Farms program, Nando’s has expanded its support beyond the well-known African Bird’s Eye chilies to other crop-growing areas. The scheme now also includes crops such as paprika and cayenne pepper, both key ingredients in Nando’s famous PERi-PERi sauce. This expansion is expected to increase income opportunities and extend support to more smallholder farmers.

Nando’s support for smallholder farmers also promotes gender inclusion, creating opportunities for women through female-focused farming initiatives. Ciara Carpenter, a former intern at Nando’s Malaysia, explained in an interview with The Borgen Project: “They allow women to work on the farms and they provide some form of education and teaching to enable them to progress and grow so they can get other jobs.”

Through this approach, Nando’s enables women to build independence, expand their economic opportunities and better support their families, contributing to more resilient livelihoods.

Final Remarks

“It is nice to understand how some companies are incorporating CSR and sustainability practices into their operations. The Nando’s chili farm not only farms chili but also supports education and helps women get jobs. The farms teach their farmers so that they can then progress onto new things,” Carpenter said as a closing remark in an interview with The Borgen Project.

Through its efforts to help address global poverty, Nando’s has improved the quality of life for smallholder farmers in Southern Africa. The company’s scheme has helped farming families gain access to more stable incomes, better education, improved housing conditions and greater knowledge of sustainable, long-term agricultural practices. In an interview with The Borgen Project, Ciara Carpenter also highlighted the equal opportunities Nando’s creates for women. She explained how Nando’s Malaysia contributes to the company’s wider commitment to sustainable sourcing.

– Freya Bryers

Freya is based in Surrey, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr