Archive for category: Agriculture

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Poverty Reduction in Vietnam

Poverty Reduction in VietnamSince the Vietnam War, the country faced severe poverty, with major upheavals leaving many people struggling until around 1990. Since then, however, it has taken significant steps to transform itself into a dynamic and developing nation rather than one defined by poverty. Three key approaches to reducing poverty from the late ’90s to the present are economic growth, agricultural development and poverty reduction programs.

Economic Growth

Economically, Vietnam has reduced poverty over the past decades through several key strategies, including the introduction of the Đổi Mới reforms and increased participation in international trade. Initiated to shift the country from a centrally planned system to a more market-oriented economy, these reforms allowed individuals to start businesses, supported agricultural workers and attracted foreign investment.

International trade expanded significantly not only because of the Đổi Mới reforms but also because Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007. This move introduced new trading partners, including the U.S. and the European Union. It opened the door to new economic opportunities, advanced technology and business growth.

By transforming its economy in these ways, Vietnam created more financial opportunities and improved living conditions for its people. These changes helped many communities rise out of poverty and move toward a more stable and prosperous future.

Advancing Agriculture

Another way Vietnam has reduced poverty is by developing its agricultural sector. The government promoted household farming, which significantly increased productivity, created jobs and improved food distribution. These changes began with the Đổi Mới reforms and continued to expand in the years that followed. 

Vietnam transformed from an impoverished nation into one of the world’s leading rice exporters. As global demand for rice grew, incomes for agricultural workers increased. Access to personal land also made it easier for people to find work and earn a stable income, reducing barriers related to location and job availability.

Overall, the growth of agriculture played a major role in reducing poverty, with poverty declining by about 1–2% per year.

Poverty Reduction Programs in Vietnam

Vietnam has alleviated poverty by implementing various poverty reduction programs in recent years to prevent its recurrence. These include the National Target Program on Sustainable Poverty Reduction (2021–2025) and the National Targeted Program on New Rural Development (NTP-NRD).

Vietnam’s National Target Program on Sustainable Poverty Reduction focuses on reducing poverty among the poorest regions and ethnic minorities. The program aimed to halve the number of poor and near-poor households by 2025. It supports projects like infrastructure, livelihood programs, vocational training, housing and access to social services to improve living standards and reduce inequality.

The NTP-NRD is a program designed to modernize rural areas in Vietnam by improving education, healthcare, income and livelihoods, while also reducing poverty. It focuses on supporting communities that have not experienced significant economic progress over the past decade, particularly those in areas with limited access to resources and services. The program extends to more than 9,000 communes across all 63 provinces in the country.

Final Remarks

Over the past decade, Vietnam has made significant strides in improving living conditions, transforming from widespread poverty to a country admired for its progress. The nation has advanced across diverse sectors, including economic and agricultural development and the implementation of various social programs.

– Danielle Johnson

Danielle is based in Knoxville, TN, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Update on SDG 1 in Myanmar: Progress in Ending Poverty

SDG 1 in MyanmarMyanmar has faced decades of economic challenges, conflict and instability. Despite these barriers, the country made measurable progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1), which aims to end poverty in all its forms. However, recent political and economic disruptions have reversed some gains and pushed more people into poverty. This update on SDG 1 in Myanmar highlights both the current challenges and the solutions that continue to improve livelihoods.

Current Situation of Poverty in Myanmar

Myanmar, a Southeast Asian country with more than 54 million people, continues to face economic challenges. According to the World Bank, the country shows only moderate economic recovery while ongoing conflict and recent shocks continue to affect livelihoods. These disruptions have limited income opportunities, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas. Reduced access to jobs and essential services such as health care and education, continues to place pressure on vulnerable populations and increase poverty risks.

Social Protection and Policy Solutions

Innovative social protection policies have played an important role in reducing poverty in Myanmar. According to UNICEF, programs that provide cash transfers and targeted support to vulnerable households have helped families maintain access to essential services such as food, health care and education. These policies focus on protecting low-income populations from economic shocks while improving long-term resilience.

Evidence shows that well-designed social protection programs can reduce poverty levels and support household stability, particularly during crises such as COVID-19. By strengthening national systems and expanding access to financial assistance, these initiatives contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goal 1. This update on SDG 1 in Myanmar highlights that policy-driven approaches remain a key solution in addressing poverty and improving living conditions.

NGO-Led Livelihood and Agriculture Solutions

International organizations continue to play a key role in addressing poverty in Myanmar. Save the Children implements programs that support children and families through education, protection and livelihood assistance in vulnerable communities. These efforts aim to improve household income and increase access to essential services.

Oxfam also supports communities in Myanmar by strengthening food security and helping farmers adapt to climate-related challenges. Its programs focus on improving agricultural practices and building resilience among vulnerable populations. These initiatives help communities maintain stable incomes and reduce long-term poverty risks.

Challenges To Achieving SDG 1

Despite these efforts, Myanmar continues to face major obstacles in achieving SDG 1. Political instability, ongoing conflict and economic decline limit access to essential services and slow development progress. Rural communities and displaced populations remain the most affected.

Limited infrastructure and restricted access to education and employment opportunities also create barriers to poverty reduction. Without sustained investment and stability, these challenges may continue to hinder progress.

Future Outlook for Poverty Reduction

Achieving SDG 1 in Myanmar requires strong collaboration between international organizations, NGOs and local stakeholders. Evidence shows that combining financial assistance with livelihood support creates more sustainable outcomes. Programs that improve income opportunities while expanding access to education and services can help reduce poverty over time.

This update on SDG 1 in Myanmar highlights that while challenges remain, ongoing efforts continue to support vulnerable communities. With sustained investment and coordinated action, Myanmar can move closer to reducing poverty and improving living conditions for millions.

– Murshid Alam

Murshid is based in Chattogram, Bangladesh and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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The Incorporation of the InnovAgro Program in Agriculture in Algeria

InnovAgroAgriculture is a significant art and science that deals with crop production. Additionally, in Algeria, it is a major part of the country. A big section of the country’s economy depends on it, and many people rely on it either for food or employment. Recently, a relevant technological program has emerged to improve the situation and create opportunities for innovators called “InnovAgro.”

What is the InnovAgro program?

The Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups, and Micro Enterprises founded InnovAgro, a porgram mixing agriculture in Algeria with modernity. By targeting entrepreneurs whose creative ideas carry a lot of potential to be successful, the mission of this program is to offer such entrepreneurs the necessary support to bring their innovations to life.

However, support is not the only thing that the program provides. It additionally offers impactful guidance to effectively conduct their operations. The aim is to turn clever proposals into useful solutions for farming. This program is part of the “Development of Digital and Green Entrepreneurship” project. Additionally, the program also receives funds from the European and German unions, with the German Agency handling its sophisticated implementation.

Selecting Entrepreneurs

Many people have intelligent ideas regarding technological innovations that could help make farming life simpler. However, the question lies in choosing which ideas to invest in. In the competitive event “Agripreneurs Challenge,” participants create potential solutions that involve the incorporation of AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and drone technology. The selection process recognizes which proposals are most likely to improve agriculture. The purpose of this competition is to guarantee that the program’s funding goes towards the projects with the most promising future.

Future plans

The principal goal of the InnovAgro project is to address significant issues in farming, such as water scarcity and land management, as well as to monitor the crops in real time with the use of technology. As the program is still fresh, these goals can be demonstrated through previous studies.

Water scarcity has been a crucial issue in agriculture, especially in countries like Algeria. This is due to its dry climate, unreliable rainfall, and the increase in evaporation rates.

This is where technology enters the equation to improve the result. In a 2024 study, researchers highlight how, with the integration of IoT in farming, sensors can record real data. This data involves the soil’s moisture and luminance, as well as the temperature. Integrating this technology gives way to managing agricultural resources with precision. Moreover, studies have shown that the use of IoT in agriculture diminishes the rate of waste and thus assists in lowering costs. In addition, it helps increase productivity in resources like water, energy, and land.

A more recent study in 2025 applauds the significant optimization in resources because of technology. It is reported that water consumption was reduced by 43% while simultaneously showing a development in crop yields.

Land management

Drone technology can help detect signs of stress, pest infestation or diseases on the land, helping farmers make the necessary decisions to improve their crop production. A 2024 research paper on Tanzania reports the fundamental skill of drones in capturing “high-resolution, localized imagery of crops”.  The data extracted from the visual images allows the prevention of blanket treatments and chemical use. This is because the information that the drones provide permits the workers to recognize exactly when to intervene and when not to. Additionally, this way there are fewer input costs and environmental consequences.

Moving forward

The InnovAgro program aims to bring technology and agriculture together with technological projects that focus on IoT, drone technology, and so on. The purpose is to help reduce waste and improve crop production. By reporting some examples like the above, the entrepreneurs who are crafting their ideas might gain some inspiration. They could use these similar perspectives to upgrade their own projects before entering the “Agripeneurs Challenge.” This program wants to motivate this “new generation of innovators,” targeting growth, strengthening national food security, and making a positive impact in managing resources.

– Lara Ibrahim

Lara is based in Créteil, France and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Eliminating Food Scarcity in Nigeria With Mechanized Agriculture

Food Scarcity in NigeriaAgriculture is the lifeblood of Nigeria. The country has vast fertile land, perfect for raising livestock and cultivating crops such as yams, maize and cocoa. Agriculture makes up more than 20% of the country’s GDP and farming is the number one source of employment. Nigeria’s agricultural output potential is massive, but it is rarely realized due to high poverty rates.

However, this is changing. Through recent programs, mechanized agriculture is reaching Nigeria’s hardworking farmers, enabling them to vastly increase their yields. With the continued success of these programs, food scarcity in Nigeria is set to decrease exponentially.

The Unique State of Nigeria’s Agriculture

Out of Nigeria’s population of 232 million, more than 60% are multidimensionally poor. This means that farmers are forced to operate on a community scale rather than expanding their work to a commercial level. About 80% of Nigeria’s farmers operate on this smaller scale and still, they account for more than 90% of agricultural output.

Usually, farmers in Nigeria can barely provide for themselves and their communities. Their work is essential, but never enough. The domestic demand for farm products in Nigeria is so large that, despite being Africa’s top rice producer, the country still imported 2.9 million tons of rice in 2014. As a result of poverty, Nigerian farmers rarely have access to basic modern farming inputs, such as fertilizer, pesticides or mechanization, including tractors.

How Mechanized Agriculture Is Making a Difference

In 2018, a deal was made between John Deere, the American tractor company, its distributor, the Tata Group and Alluvial, a Nigerian agricultural company that works with smallholder farmers. Together, the two companies formulated an agreement that has been revolutionary for Nigeria’s small farmers.

At Alluvial’s request, John Deere has agreed to begin leasing 300 tractors to smallholder farmers of Nigeria within the Niger Delta region, an area of significant food scarcity that is home to more than 100,00 farmers. These 300 tractors are now available to lease at only $100 per acre of land for use in their everyday farming duties.

With this project, Alluvial’s goal is to unite Nigeria’s smallholder farmers into a commercial workforce. Furthermore, the aim is to supply them with the materials needed to expand their agricultural operations. Alluvial’s owner, Dimieari Von Kemedi, hopes to raise these farmers to a level where their crops can be sold across Nigeria and, eventually, beyond Africa.

What Is Next?

The Nigerian government has begun investing more in its farmers. In May of 2018, the government bought 10,000 more tractors to lease to farmers. Alluvial’s initiative has already inspired more change than was ever anticipated. 

And even now, the initiative continues. Nigeria’s federal government has been continuously purchasing more tractors and other farming equipment to sustain agricultural growth. In September of 2025, the government distributed 2,000 more tractors and 9,000 other pieces of machinery.

Many people in Nigeria are still going hungry and farmers are still struggling to keep up with demand. But this initiative, which began in 2018, has introduced a potential solution that is still being implemented today. As long as projects like this continue, positive change is inevitable.

– Lucas Cain

Lucas is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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How IoT Sensors Are Helping Moroccan Farmers Fight Drought

IoT SensorsMorocco’s agricultural sector is at a turning point as the country faces increased water scarcity, climate instability and pressure on food security. As drought conditions intensify, many Moroccan farmers are turning to Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and smart irrigation technology to protect their crops and livelihoods. 

Agriculture remains a significant part of Morocco’s economy. Around 40% of Morocco’s workforce is employed in agriculture, meaning millions of livelihoods depend on stable harvests. At the same time, the sector contributes between 13% and 20% of the country’s GDP, making water shortages not only an environmental issue but also a major economic challenge. 

Water management is also crucial, as only 15% of Morocco’s cultivated land is irrigated. Yet, this land produces about 75% of the country’s agricultural exports. With so much production reliant on limited irrigation systems, improving smart irrigation technology has become essential to maintaining crop yields during droughts. 

IoT Sensors in Morocco

To address these challenges, IoT sensors are helping Moroccan farmers monitor soil health and manage water more efficiently. These smart sensors collect real-time data on soil moisture, nutrient levels and pH, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation and fertilization. Farmers can then use this data to apply the precise amount of water their crops need rather than relying on traditional estimates. 

According to industry reports, adopting smart agricultural technologies and IoT sensors in Morocco has already led to a 20% increase in water-use efficiency. A key technology that supports this transformation is the Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN). It enables low-cost sensors to transmit data across large rural areas. 

Agricultural organizations and technology developers are deploying these sensors directly in farmers’ fields, making digital solutions more accessible to small-scale farmers. These technologies are also improving crop stability. Even with less water overall, delivering irrigation at the precise moment plants need it can improve crop quality and maintain yields. 

For many smallholder Moroccan farmers, this reliability can mean the difference between a successful harvest and a failed season. 

Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Morocco

Despite its promise, IoT technology alone cannot solve Morocco’s agricultural challenges. Several barriers still limit the widespread adoption of smart agriculture tools. First, the upfront costs of IoT sensors and digital irrigation systems can still pose a risk for farmers operating on narrow profit margins. 

While the technology is relatively affordable compared to traditional equipment, many small-scale farmers need financial support to adopt it. Second, digital literacy remains a challenge. Farmers must learn to interpret soil data and integrate it into daily farming decisions. 

Finally, there remain infrastructure gaps in rural regions. LoRaWAN networks rely on communication gateways that transmit sensor data over long distances, making the expansion of connectivity in remote agricultural areas essential.

Looking Ahead

Morocco is investing heavily in long-term solutions to its growing water crisis. The government’s “Generation Green 2020-2030” strategy aims to expand water-saving irrigation systems to “one million hectares” of farmland by 2030. At the same time, digital agriculture is becoming a national priority, with many programs supporting smart irrigation tools, satellite monitoring and connected soil sensors. 

If these initiatives continue to expand, especially for smallholder farmers, technologies like IoT sensors could become a key part of Morocco’s strategy to protect harvests and conserve water. They could also help build a more climate-resilient agricultural sector.

– Ines Wargui

Ines is based in Oxfordshire, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Helping Coffee Farmers Out of Poverty in Peru

Poverty in peruAs of 2024, Peru’s national poverty rate stood at 26.6%. However, in rural communities where many coffee farmers live, the poverty rate rises to 46%. People in these communities often lack access to safe housing, stable income and education.

Poverty in Peru increased after the COVID-19 pandemic, following several years of decline. Providing farmers in rural communities with fair wages and proper tools helps them escape poverty. Here are three companies helping Peruvian coffee farmers break the cycle of poverty:

Café Femenino

Café Femenino is a coffee brand founded in 2004 by Isabel Uriarte and her husband, Victor Rojas. It began with more than 450 female farmers in northern Peru who sought to gain the same benefits men received from the coffee industry. Uriarte launched the initiative by traveling to impoverished villages to speak with women about their rights.

Uriarte hosted workshops and attendance steadily grew as more women joined. Some meetings also included men to help break down barriers surrounding traditional gender roles in these communities. Following these early workshops and conversations with impoverished women, Uriarte formally established Café Femenino.

Café Femenino requires participating farms to grant women farmers legal rights to farmland, leadership positions, financial and business decision-making power and direct payment for their coffee. Through these efforts, more coffee farms have been transferred to women, helping lift them out of poverty and strengthening their communities.

As a result, roads have been built, women have created more sanitary homes and families have gained better access to food. The company is helping reduce poverty in Peru, particularly in rural communities, by providing greater job security. Café Femenino now operates in several countries, including Colombia, Bolivia and Rwanda, fostering economic empowerment for women farmers.

Cedros Café

Cedros Café is a coffee cooperative founded in 2013 that supports small-scale farmers in the Cajamarca region of Peru. Poverty rates in this region remain high because many farmers do not receive adequate payment for their crops. Cedros Café pays its farmers about 30% more than the average market price for coffee.

The cooperative also provides farmers with training in business management, financial literacy and other professional skills. Because many of its farmers are women, Cedros Café equips them with additional skills to diversify their income. The cooperative also helps farmers obtain Fair Trade certification, which recognizes producers who follow sustainable practices and ensure fair treatment of workers. Today, Cedros Café works with 328 small farmers, helping reduce poverty in Peru.

Café Compadre

Café Compadre began when two of its founders created a solar-powered coffee roaster to help remote farmers roast their own beans, which sell for higher prices in the market. The founders soon realized that the roaster alone would not be enough to stabilize coffee farmers’ livelihoods. Because many of these farmers were located in remote areas of Peru, they lacked access to Lima’s coffee consumers.

In response, the founders established the Café Compadre coffee brand in 2014. The company now works with small, local coffee farmers to ensure they receive fair compensation for their work. Café Compadre pays farmers more than 30% above the market price for coffee. 

The company focuses on sustainable farming practices that also protect the environment. Purchasing coffee from Café Compadre supports farmers, promotes environmental sustainability and provides the high-quality coffee consumers seek. These principles form the company’s three core pillars.

Conclusion

These three coffee companies are working to support impoverished coffee farmers in rural communities across Peru. By providing innovative tools, training and prices up to 30% higher than the market average, they are helping farmers build more stable livelihoods.

– Kaitlyn Crane

Kaitlyn is based in Rohnert Park, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything You Need To Know About Poverty in Burundi

Poverty in BurundiLandlocked in Central Africa with a population of around 14 million, Burundi has ranked among the poorest countries in the world for decades. Nearly 80% of the population lives in multidimensional poverty, while another 15% remains vulnerable to falling into poverty. Poverty in Burundi stems from several interconnected factors. This article explains everything you need to know about poverty in Burundi, including its causes and the efforts underway to address it.

Agricultural Dependency

Agriculture dominates Burundi’s economy, most of the country relies largely on subsistence agriculture, but Burundi has limited land that can support this sector. Almost 90% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood, which puts enormous pressure on the limited land and natural resources. As a result, food insecurity in Burundi stands at roughly double the average for Sub-Saharan Africa.

The overall agricultural production in Burundi is lower than the country’s population growth. This imbalance limits food supply and income opportunities for rural families. Consequently, poverty in Burundi affects a large share of the youth population, especially in rural communities.

Farmers often struggle to produce enough crops to feed their families or generate a stable income. When agricultural output fails to meet the demand, food shortages follow. These conditions in Burundi contribute to one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world, particularly among children under the age of 5.

Understanding this heavy reliance on agriculture forms a key part of everything you need to know about poverty in Burundi because the country’s economic stability depends heavily on the success of its agricultural sector.

Changing Weather Patterns

Environmental challenges also play a major role in deepening poverty in Burundi. Changing weather patterns have intensified natural disasters and disrupted farming conditions across Burundi. Frequent flooding, unpredictable rainfall and land degradation reduce crop yields and damage farmland. These environmental shocks weaken food production and limit economic progress. Because so many Burundians rely on agriculture for survival, climate related disruptions quickly translate into rising poverty levels.

Burundi also lacks sufficient financial resources, infrastructure and technology to adapt to environmental pressures effectively. Limited irrigation systems, poor storage facilities and weak transportation networks make it difficult for farmers to respond to changing climate conditions. As a result, changing weather continues to intensify poverty in Burundi and slow economic development.

Political Instability and Conflict

Political instability has also shaped Burundi’s economic challenges. After gaining independence in 1962, the country has experienced long periods of political instability, conflict and a civil war that lasted more than a decade.

These conflicts damaged infrastructure, disrupted economic activity and forced millions of people to leave their homes. Businesses closed, agricultural production declined and national development dramatically slowed, contributing to the effects of poverty in Burundi. 

Today, the economy still struggles to recover fully from these disruptions. Many families live in extreme poverty as a result and humanitarian aid remains essential for meeting basic needs. Political insecurity has therefore increased the country’s reliance on international aid and development support.

Examining these historical and political factors provides further insight into everything you need to know about poverty in Burundi. Long term instability continues to shape the country’s development. 

Potential for Change

Despite these challenges, Burundi has taken steps to improve its economy and reduce poverty. The government has prioritized job creation for the rapidly growing youth population and invested in infrastructure that supports agriculture and rural development.

International organizations also support these efforts. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has worked in Burundi for decades to strengthen rural livelihoods and boost agricultural productivity. They have implemented a number of social development strategies that have the potential to alleviate the effects of poverty in Burundi. For example, the IFAD has funded irrigation projects that help farmers manage unpredictable rainfall and increase crop yields. The organization has also supported farmer training programs that teach improved farming techniques, soil management and crop diversification.

Global development programs have also focused on improving storage facilities, building rural roads and expanding access to financial services. These projects make it easier for farmers to transport crops, reduce food waste and invest in their businesses.

According to the Global Hunger Index, Burundi still faces serious hunger challenges, but the country also holds significant agricultural potential. Continued investment in farming technology, infrastructure and rural communities could help Burundi unlock that potential and reduce poverty.

Looking Ahead

To understand poverty in Burundi, it is important to recognize that progress remains possible. With stronger agricultural systems, improved infrastructure and sustained international support, Burundi can reduce poverty and create better opportunities for its people in the years ahead. 

– Leah Denning

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

Photo: Pixabay

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Food Systems in Russia: A Taste of Success

Food Systems in RussiaRussia has 11 time zones, 140.13 million people and 17.1 million km2 of territory, which is an incredible logistical challenge but one that the Russian people have faced with optimism and endeavor. Ensuring that people’s food needs are met is one of the core commitments of the state and Russia has enshrined this in a dedicated Food Security Doctrine (as of 2010). In a world of struggle and setbacks, take a look at these feats regarding food systems in Russia for inspiration and resolve.

Key Statistics Regarding Food Systems in Russia

  • Russia covers 95% of its grain demand from homegrown produce.
  • The state provides significant monetary and institutional support for agriculture; this has grown to R300 billion a year (2018 figures)!
  • The ruble value of domestic food production has gone up in leaps and bounds since 2000, with roughly a 600% increase by 2018; output has matched economics, with domestic production showing significant success (e.g. meat has doubled).
  • The focus is on sustainable development with a ban on all GMO products and seeds, except for research in the laboratory.

What’s the History?

Following the breakdown of the Soviet Union, Russia experienced a period of collapse internally. Mass poverty and malnutrition struck the population. When it came to food production, output declined in the organized farms sector and shifted to home production and imports: by the mid-1990s, Russia’s cities depended on foreign imports for more than 80% of all meat stocks, for instance.

People also became vulnerable to price increases in the international trading system. What happened is that as imports became progressively more expensive, so domestic producers became progressively more competitive. This was the germination of domestic advantage and recovery, but state aid hugely bolstered it following the falling out from 2014 events in Crimea. For the first time in post-Soviet history, Russia had the impetus and will to bring about change from within – on a massive scale. Investment had already started in 2000, with a strategy for agricultural development, but now it was a critical need.

The Russian Federation itself “[r]ecognizes that hunger and malnutrition are the perverse manifestations of persistent, structural poverty and inequality, and recognizes the need to end poverty and hunger in all their forms and dimensions.”

The Food Security Doctrine

Interwoven in all this is the Food Security Doctrine, which at its heart commits to self-sufficiency; quality of life through reliable provision of food; sustainable development and modernization of the agriculture and fisheries sectors, including infrastructure; good management of the environment; food safety, including adequate regulation, as well as sanitary, epidemiological, veterinary and phytosanitary surveillance; specialist skills and sector training. It presents extraordinary ambition and the results have followed: currently self-sufficiency measures show that Russia produces 165.6% of its necessary grains (making it an exporter); 100.1% of meat and meat products; 84% of milk and dairy products; and 97.4% on eggs.

The Food Bank Rus Charity

Where poverty does exist, NGOs are working to fill the gap. The Food Bank Rus charity is an organization that collects food and products and distributes them to people in need: people who have had to leave their homes, living in isolation, or simply going without. That includes families in difficult situations or pensioners. It also helps people in emergency situations such as those suffering natural disasters or accidents. About 673,000 kg of food and essential goods were donated to refugees from Donetsk and Lugansk in just a few months in 2022.

Looking Ahead

Food systems in Russia are protected through a highly organized institutional set-up, with action on assessment of food needs, the needs of farmers (especially large farms), and distribution networks to get food out there to people who need it. It is especially laudable in a country with challenging climatic conditions and a world where people profit from food. The key goals of “safe, quality and affordable” products are good news for the nation. So, whether it’s blini, pelmeni or beef Stroganoff, you know that food miles are minimal, food safety is paramount and the government is making sure you have food for the future.

– Gergana Manassieva

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Green Nitrogen Fixation Can Help Alleviate Global Poverty

Green Nitrogen FixationToday’s standard fertilizer production process contributes to a sizable 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions and requires high-priced materials and complex engineering. Additionally, farming communities in impoverished nations often have limited access to and cannot afford the rising costs of industrial fertilizers. Green nitrogen fixation is a sustainable process that can be achieved on-site, ending small-scale farmers’ dependence on imported fertilizers. 

With numerous environmental and economic benefits, green nitrogen fixation can help alleviate global poverty and promote food security in developing nations. 

Industrial Fertilizer Production

Industrial fertilizer is composed of compounds that provide plants with essential nutrients, which include the crucial life-sustaining element nitrogen and minerals such as phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen for fertilizer production is commonly obtained from atmospheric air, which reacts with hydrogen in natural gas to create ammonia. The ammonia can be converted to ammonium nitrate or other nitrogen compounds and mixed with minerals to produce fertilizer.

Inert atmospheric nitrogen must be “fixed” (converted to reactive nitrogen compounds) to be absorbed by crops. The Haber-Bosch process is the most common technique for nitrogen fixation since the early 1900s. It catalyzes the reaction between hydrogen and nitrogen at extreme temperatures and pressures, requiring significant energy and producing substantial carbon dioxide. 

Not only is the Haber-Bosch process energy-intensive, consuming nearly 2% of global energy demand, but the materials needed for the method can be costly and, at times, inaccessible.

Fertilizer Supply Chain

Given that phosphorus, potassium and natural gas resources are limited and available only in certain parts of the world, fertilizer availability can fluctuate. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has significantly reduced fertilizer reserves. Many of Ukraine’s fuel processing facilities have been damaged in battle, reducing its ability to produce natural gas and driving up fuel prices. 

Additionally, Russia and Belarus produce a substantial amount of fertilizer that they are presently unable to export due to shipping disruptions and sanctions resulting from the conflict. Rising costs and fertilizer scarcity have had a significant impact on farmers and consumers worldwide. Unlike those in developed nations who may be able to afford higher-priced fertilizers, food growers in developing regions do not have the financial resources to afford them.

Alternative solutions are needed to enable impoverished farmers to sustain food security for themselves and their communities. A promising alternative to industrial fertilizer, green nitrogen fixation can help alleviate global poverty by protecting the food supply of developing countries while delivering additional environmental and economic benefits.

On-Site Green Nitrogen Fixation Methods

Providing the capability of on-site, small-scale production, green nitrogen fixation methods are economical and fairly easy for remote farmers to implement. The methodologies include the following:

  • Plasma-Based Nitrogen Fixation: Plasma nitrogen fixation uses ionized gas (plasma) to cause a reaction between atmospheric nitrogen and hydrogen from water to produce ammonia. Plasma is created by electrifying air using small-scale reactors powered by solar or wind energy. The process creates liquid nitrates that can be sprayed onto crops. Though plasma nitrogen fixation uses renewable energy and has small-scale production capabilities, it requires high energy consumption. 
  • Biological Nitrogen Fixation: Biological nitrogen fixation uses bacteria such as Azotobacter to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia via the enzyme nitrogenase. The bacteria are added to the soil, enabling crops to take up nitrogen directly. Biological nitrogen fixation eliminates the need for a fuel source. It provides a no-processing, direct on-site application. However, it can emit nitrous oxide (a greenhouse gas) when excess nitrogen is added to the soil.
  • Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation: This method utilizes solar energy to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, using water as a hydrogen source. A photocatalyst is exposed to solar energy to generate the reaction between hydrogen and nitrogen to form ammonia. While the method uses renewable energy and has on-site production capability, current catalysts are inefficient and the reaction loses much of its energy as heat.

Scientists are working to further improve these techniques to enhance their effectiveness. With so many potential benefits for remote farmers, there is promise that green nitrogen fixation can help alleviate global poverty by enabling sustainable small-scale farming and helping end food insecurity worldwide. 

The Agrogeological Approach

In addition to nitrogen, plants also need key minerals for optimal growth. To bypass reliance on imports, these minerals can be obtained locally. Although the fertilizer industry mainly targets the macro- (main) plant nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, the “agrogeological” approach also employs micro- (secondary) nutrients to sustain soil fertility. Generally available worldwide, sources of phosphorus and potassium include animal manure, fallen leaves and sewage sludge. 

Secondary plant growth nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper, can be obtained from wood ash, marl (a sedimentary clay rock) and phosphate rock. Often requiring minimal processing, these resources can be found in industrial waste or in nature and, along with nitrogen from green nitrogen fixation, can sustainably provide crops with the nutrients needed to thrive.

Outlook for Green Nitrogen Fixation

The world population could reach 10 billion by 2050, further increasing the already scarce supply of fertilizer and adding to food production demands on impoverished nations. Green nitrogen fixation is a promising soil fertility solution, particularly when coupled with agrogeological techniques. It can help alleviate global poverty by strengthening the resilience and independence of local farmers while contributing to environmental protection.

– Debbie Barto

Debbie is based in Monroe, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty Reduction in Namibia: Progress and Practical Solutions

poverty namibiaNamibia has made steady progress in reducing poverty since gaining independence in 1990, but many communities still face economic hardship. High unemployment, regional inequality and limited access to services continue to shape daily life for millions. Strengthening social protection, expanding education access and investing in rural development remain central to long-term poverty reduction in Namibia.

Poverty Trends and Current Challenges

Namibia reduced its national poverty rate from 37.7% in 2003 to 17.4% in 2021, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency. Yet broader indicators show that many households still experience deprivation. OPHI reports that 43% of Namibians live in multidimensional poverty, which includes limited access to health care, education and basic services.

Rural communities face the highest risks. UNICEF report notes that poverty is the highest in northern regions, where access to water, sanitation and employment remains limited.

Women and children experience the greatest vulnerability, according to Namibia’s 2024 Voluntary National Review, which highlights persistent gaps in nutrition, education and income stability.

Unemployment also remains a major barrier. Reuters reports Namibia’s broad unemployment rate as more than 36%, one of the highest in southern Africa.

Supporting Families and Skills Development

Namibia operates one of the most extensive social protection systems in the region. The Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare provides old-age pensions, child grants, disability support and food assistance. In 2023, more than 600,000 Namibians relied on social grants, according to The Namibian.

UNICEF’s Social Protection Budget Brief shows that grants significantly reduce poverty and narrow inequality gaps, especially for children and elderly residents.

Namibia has also tested innovative approaches. The Basic Income Grant pilot in Otjivero-Omitara showed improvements in nutrition, school attendance and local economic activity.

Education has been a national priority since independence. Namibia now maintains primary school enrollment above 95%, according to UNICEF. In 2025, the government announced plans to introduce free higher education and vocational training beginning in 2026. This expansion aims to help young people enter careers in agriculture, construction, information technology and renewable energy.

Agricultural Investment and Economic Diversification

Agriculture remains a major source of income for rural households. The Namibia Agricultural Mechanization and Seed Improvement Project (NAMSIP) provides farmers with equipment, improved seeds and training to strengthen food security. 

The Green Scheme irrigation program expands crop production and market access for small-scale farmers. Recent reporting from New Era shows that Green Scheme projects are increasing productivity and helping communities adapt to climate challenges. 

Land access remains central to Namibia’s poverty reduction strategy. The Legal Assistance Centre documents ongoing efforts to redistribute commercial farmland and provide training to resettled families. Beneficiaries who receive continued technical support report higher food security and more stable incomes. Rural development projects (including road upgrades, water infrastructure and electrification) could also help communities access markets, schools and health services. These improvements strengthen local economies and reduce regional inequality.

Namibia is internationally recognized for its Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) program. Through conservancies, communities manage wildlife and benefit directly from tourism and conservation income.

Maliasili’s analysis highlights that conservancies generate millions of dollars in community revenue each year and support women’s cooperatives, youth enterprises and local governance. 

Look Forward To What’s Ahead

Namibia’s progress shows that consistent investment and inclusive policy can reduce poverty. Strengthening social protection, expanding education, supporting farmers and improving land access remain essential pillars of poverty reduction in Namibia. Continued collaboration between government agencies, community organizations and international partners will be vital to ensuring long-term stability and shared economic growth.

– Angela ‘Phoenix’ Garrett

Angela is based in Chicago, IL, USA, and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr