Archive for category: Agriculture

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Indonesia’s Reliance on the Coffee Industry

Indonesia's Reliance on the Coffee Industry Coffee consumers are all around the world. Currently, the United Kingdom (U.K.) consumes about 95 million cups daily. Globally, the demand for coffee is increasing by 2.2% per year. Presently, the import of coffee is soaring. This is especially seen with the quantity of coffee beans.

A main coffee-producing country is Indonesia. Indonesia’s reliance on the coffee industry is crucial. It exported a total of $1.58 billion of coffee in 2024. Indonesia’s biggest buyer is the United States (U.S.). With a total of $302 million made, this shows the popularity of the coffee industry. This is seen significantly in North America.

Indonesia’s coffee trade originated in 1711. This started when the Dutch East India Company sent its first export from Java to Europe. From this, it made significant profits. Therefore, this influenced the rise of the coffee industry. Currently, Indonesia is ranked as the fifth-largest coffee provider globally.

Background on Poverty in Indonesia

The problem of inequality has put many in poverty. There is a large wealth gap between the rich and the general population of Indonesia. Increasing inequality hinders economic development. Wealthier individuals often have better access to basic services, while others do not.

Rural areas suffer more than urban areas. Alongside women who earn low wages, they also suffer from inadequate basic services. Rural areas have limited availability of electricity and insufficient roads. The education system faces challenges through barriers and restricted funds. Consequently, this increases challenges within the agricultural sector.

Positives and Negatives in the Production of Palm Oil

Palm oil is an important point in Indonesia’s agricultural production. Around 57% of its production comes from Indonesia. It is also found in vegetable oil, cosmetics, processed food and more. Economically, this has helped the wealth of Indonesia. However, this has had some negative impacts.

This has pressured some children in Indonesia into child labor. Besides this, they suffer from unequal conditions. The increase in child labor is due to them being paid less. Although Indonesia has child labor restrictions, it is estimated that 1.01 million children participated in labor.

Another factor that is impacting this is the rural setting and private farming. This restricts education and increases poverty. Agriculture is a hard career in which to control child labor. Although Indonesia was one of the first countries in Asia to have restrictions and create national legislation. The minimum age of employment is 15 years old.

Indonesia’s Importance in Agriculture

Indonesia relies heavily on agriculture. This is seen to be rising in popularity. Through reaching $29.6 billion in 2024, higher than in 2022, it presents its dependence on this trade. Many agricultural products are becoming more popular.

Indonesia’s variety of sources is vital worldwide. More than 60% of the sector is involved with the agricultural industry. This therefore shows the reliance of the agriculture sector on its income.

Agriculture is needed globally. This helps countries worldwide and the economic development of Indonesia. It provides food security and job opportunities. Agriculture provides many positive effects. This also provides growth in industrial development and builds closer communities. A main part of this trade is farming, which is the main source of agriculture.

A hidden step before the craft of coffee is the production of coffee beans. Although the people working are not always treated fairly. Indonesia’s reliance on the coffee industry is crucial, as it supports 1.8 million families. However, they do not even earn $0.50 per cup.

Mainly in the “bean belt,” coffee production occurs in more than 50 countries. Even with this major working industry, many people suffer. With 17 countries having recorded child labor, this highlights some negatives. Through the threat of poverty, people are pressured to work. Alongside this, the production of coffee and agriculture can be challenging. This also has implications for the environment.

Another downfall is the hardships farmers face. Factors such as irregular weather patterns, the threat of pests and the sensitive nature of coffee plants make the growth of coffee more challenging. Coffee production and agriculture depend on the quality of their environment. However, there are some ways to solve these difficulties.

Physical Solutions

Even with some hardships, there are some physical solutions. This helps with agriculture, especially regarding the production of coffee.

Improving soil quality is an important factor. This is done by cover cropping and applying compost. By protecting soil quality and growth, this allows a sustainable environment for crops.

Agroforestry integration is another solution. This is when trees play a role in farming. Trees would provide shade, control temperature and support biodiversity. Not only would this help crops, but it would also help surrounding species.

Increasing biodiversity is crucial. From maintaining plants to supporting living organisms, these act as natural pest control. This environmentally friendly method is beneficial because pests are a consistent challenge. Water control is fundamental. This helps to stabilize soil, increase infiltration and control surface runoff. The management of water will help crops grow healthier and stronger.

Practical Solutions to Help Coffee Farmers

Indonesia’s coffee consumption has grown significantly. Tripling since before the pandemic shows Indonesia’s important role in the industry. There are practical solutions that buyers can follow to support farmers more. Some simple steps, such as choosing, donating and educating are key ways to implement this.

Choosing fair trade coffee is a small change, but it helps ensure a fairer wage. This helps provide a more stable income for farmers. A fairer wage would increase the quality of life for many families. About 37,000 products are sold in more than 140 countries, showing its success.

Donating to organizations is another step that can support equality in communities and human rights. Funds donated can support training and bring more job opportunities. This is supported by fair trade programs, where approximately 2 million farmers are involved.

Education is also vital. Knowledge about the hardships farmers face can increase advocacy. This helps improve policies and influences fair trade. This can support a healthier future for farmers and the economy.

– Daisy Sheena

Daisy is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Smallholder Farmers in India: How Unilever Reduces Poverty

Smallholder Farmers in IndiaIn India, hunger and malnutrition are a cause for concern. With such a large population, it is a country with one of the highest levels of food production yet also one of the worst food crises. About 224.3 million people are experiencing food insecurity, inevitably leading to a higher risk of diseases such as malnutrition and anemia.

While India’s mortality rate from hunger and disease is statistically declining, the country still records the highest number of deaths from these causes.

The Influence of Smallholder Farmers 

Although smallholder farmers account for a large share of India’s food production, numerous challenges restrict their ability to maximize output. There is very little support for improving farming practices among smallholder farmers in India. They have very little access to the necessities for growing crops: quality seeds, fertilizers and irrigation. 

Many of India’s smallholder farmers are living in poverty, earning less than $2.15 a day. Regardless, they still face pressure to feed those in poverty while also navigating their own obstacles. In response, Unilever is creating partnerships, prioritizing investment in smallholder farmers and creating a lasting impact. 

Tea Farmers in India

Tea farmers face various obstacles across India. A decline in tea prices has led to financial instability for workers and their livelihoods. Small tea growers depend on Bought Leaf Factories (BLFs) to sell their leaves immediately after plucking. These BLFs, which account for 54% of total tea production, prioritize quantity over quality. 

Much of the tea is sold while still of low quality. As a result, the price at which tea is purchased also decreases. To address this, since 2013, Unilever has supported smallholder tea farmers in India in producing high-quality, climate-resilient crops. 

This is critical as stronger crop yields that withstand climate impacts lead to higher tea sales, increasing income and improving financial stability for smallholder farmers in India. The organization helps between 7,000 and 10,000 Indian tea farmers each year.

Coffee Farming in India

Coffee has been a major part of India’s agricultural industry since the 1600s. However, the coffee farming industry in India is facing diseases and pests that are affecting coffee yields. With additional days of heat harming crop development, yields have declined and bean quality has decreased.

As coffee production is important to India’s economic value and overall financial stability, Unilever is teaching smallholder farmers in India regenerative agriculture practices. These include using natural fertilizers, conserving water and intercropping. Unilever is also investing in changing social norms by improving women’s livelihoods, offering them field-facilitator positions and creating livelihood programs. By 2027, Unilever aspires to support 50,000 coffee farmers.

Final Remarks

As a sustainable company, Unilever plans to create stable, long-lasting farms in India, leading to long-term improvements in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and reducing overall poverty. Smallholder farmers will receive higher incomes, creating a more stable living environment. 

– Freya Bryers 

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

Photo: Flickr

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From Opium to Opportunity: Reducing Poverty in Northern Thailand

Poverty in Northern ThailandDuring the 20th century, the Golden Triangle, the region where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, became infamous for its opium production. Northern Thailand’s farmers relied heavily on the opium poppy as the foundation of their livelihoods. Unfortunately, this dependence on opium also entrenched poverty in these rural communities.

To address this, the Thai government has worked to reduce poverty in the region and promote alternative livelihoods through agriculture, coffee cultivation and tourism. The Royal Project Foundation, launched as the Royal Hill Tribe Assistance Project in 1969, has fundamentally transformed the way of life for the hill tribes and villages. Today, visitors can explore villages in provinces such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to see how indigenous communities and migrant ethnic groups have embraced the government’s initiative. 

Poverty in Northern Thailand 

In recent years, Thailand has made notable progress in reducing poverty. Measured against the $8.30-per-day upper middle-income poverty line, the country’s poverty rate was 9.9% in 2023. However, high income inequality and regional disparities remain persistent challenges.

Poverty disproportionately affects agricultural communities due to the country’s reliance on farming jobs. According to the World Bank’s “Rural Income Diagnostic,” 79% of Thailand’s impoverished population lives in rural areas. Northern Thailand, in particular, continues to face heightened poverty levels; in 2013, the rural poverty rate in the region was around 17.8%, compared to 6.7% in central Thailand. 

Within this context, the region’s hill tribes and villages continue to navigate economic challenges.

The King’s Vision: Peaches and Agriculture

In 1969, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej visited Doi Pui, a mountainous village in Chiang Mai and home to the Hmong tribe. Like many rural communities at the time, the Hmong were heavily involved in growing drug crops and participating in the opium trade, resulting in low incomes and poor living conditions. Recognizing these challenges, the King proposed a new agricultural model focused on fruit trees, specifically peaches. 

This shift aimed to address the legal issues surrounding opium production, reduce local poverty and curb deforestation. “One of the reasons underlying the creation of the project was humanitarianism,” stated the King. The visit to Doi-Pui gave the King a vision he could apply to northern Thailand as a whole. He promptly initiated the Royal Project to help alleviate poverty across the region.

Obstacles and the Royal Project Foundation Today

Nearly 60 years later, the Royal Project Foundation continues to operate across five northern provinces, benefiting as many as 37,561 farming families. Its progress was far from linear, as the project faced significant obstacles in its early years. The first attempts to grow fruit trees failed, requiring collaboration with experts from Taiwan and experiments to adapt to northern Thailand’s unique climate before successful cultivation could be achieved.

As the project has progressed, tourism has become an integral part of the initiative, with visitors coming to see the cultivation of tea, fruit and coffee, as well as reforestation projects. Today, the project has transformed the incomes of its people and has significantly reduced poverty in northern Thailand.

Conclusion

The King’s blueprint for a prosperous countryside in northern Thailand, one where the people could work in tandem with the earth to support themselves, is an exceptional example of vision yielding tangible change. The lives of those who once relied on opium production to survive have been fundamentally transformed by a targeted poverty reduction project centered on sustainable agriculture and economic opportunity. Northern Thailand stands as an exemplary global showcase of what effort and initiative can achieve. 

– Polly Laws

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

Photo: Flickr

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Digital Farming in Ukraine: A Lifeline for Global Food Security

digital farming ukraineThe United Nations’ SDG3 calls on nations to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” In Ukraine, where fields once symbolized stability and nourishment, this goal now depends on resilience, innovation and survival.

Long known as the “breadbasket of Europe,” Ukraine’s vast chernozem, or black soil, has produced crops that feed hundreds of millions. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine ranked among the world’s top exporters of wheat, corn, barley and sunflower oil—key exports supporting food security in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Yet the war turned fertile farmland into danger zones and disrupted one of the world’s most essential supply chains.

A War Against Food Security

Russia’s invasion devastated Ukraine’s agricultural economy and left Ukraine facing the world’s largest contamination problem since the Second World War. Ports and grain silos were bombed, transport lines cut, and tractors shelled in open fields. By the end of 2024, mines and unexploded ordnance contaminated nearly 139,000 square kilometres—an area larger than Greece—and drove an estimated $83.9 billion in agricultural losses

Farmers now face a deadly paradox: the world needs Ukraine’s grain, yet farming can cost them their lives. “In this village, we can only feel safe in our own yard,” said a smallholder farmer from Kamianka. “When you go outside, there is danger waiting for you.”

These disruptions ripple far beyond Ukraine’s borders. Many low-income countries rely on Ukrainian imports to prevent hunger and stabilize food prices. When exports slowed in 2022 and 2023, food prices across Africa and the Middle East surged. Each lost harvest season deepened global food insecurity, an often overlooked casualty of the war.

Digital Farming: Safety and Survival

In response, farmers and their partners have embraced digital farming in the grain sector as a vital lifeline. Digital farming in Ukraine uses data and technology like satellite imagery, drones and remote sensors to monitor soil and crops when entering the field is unsafe. These tools provide real-time information about weather, soil moisture and damage from explosives.

Farmers now rely on digital mapping to plan where planting is feasible and where fields remain too dangerous. Drones and sensors capture crop data from above, helping identify safe areas for cultivation. Precision agriculture also maximizes yields on secure land, conserving scarce inputs like fertilizer and fuel.

Organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank have supported these efforts. The FAO has enhanced the State Agrarian Registry and advanced digital mapping capabilities, while the World Bank’s Seeds of Hope project finances new technologies to restore production. Through these partnerships, Ukrainian farmers can continue working, feeding families and sustaining exports even in conflict conditions.

GRIT: Clearing the Way Forward

Digital farming in Ukraine extends beyond crop management. The new Geoinformation System for Demining (GRIT) platform is transforming how humanitarian teams clear land. GRIT integrates large data sets, maps and local reports to help identify, prioritize and monitor demining efforts.

By focusing first on high-impact agricultural zones, GRIT ensures land restoration aligns with food production needs. This evidence-based system accelerates clearance operations and coordinates national and international demining partners. As a result, fertile fields return to safe use faster, restoring livelihoods and preventing rural communities from collapsing under economic strain.

Demining also links directly to SDG 3. Clearing land reduces physical injury risks, supports income recovery, and strengthens food access, each a cornerstone of healthy living. Every hectare restored means safer work, lower food prices and renewed optimism.

Health and Well-Being Beyond Borders

Farming in conflict zones is not only an economic challenge; it’s a public-health crisis. Farmers risk severe injury from mines, exposure to toxic residues, and chronic stress. Whole families live with the psychological burden of displacement and uncertainty. Meanwhile, global nutrition suffers when Ukrainian exports falter, since wheat and corn from Ukraine form the base of diets in many developing countries.

Digital farming mitigates these threats. Satellite tools lower worker exposure, while precise land monitoring reduces contamination risks. Even a modest recovery in crop output helps stabilize local markets and global prices, keeping food affordable for households worldwide. Through this lens, technology becomes a critical health intervention.

Global Partnerships for Resilience

Ukraine’s struggle has also sparked a wave of international collaboration. Western governments, agricultural firms, and tech companies are sharing data infrastructure and tools. Private agritech firms contribute satellite services, while nonprofits distribute digital tablets and software to local cooperatives. The European Union has allocated €10 million to support access to digital solutions for rural farmers, ensuring that innovation reaches communities most affected by the conflict.

These partnerships demonstrate that resilience is not built alone. When the international community invests in digital recovery tools, it helps sustain agriculture as a global public good. Ukraine’s experience shows how supporting farmers in crisis zones protects both livelihoods and health outcomes worldwide.

Seeds of Recovery

Despite unimaginable hardship, Ukrainian farmers continue to plant, harvest and adapt. Grain exports, while reduced, have resumed through alternative routes via the Danube and land corridors to Europe. Digital farming in Ukraine allows them to make smart decisions, stretch limited resources and keep Ukraine on the global agricultural map.

As the world moves toward 2030, Ukraine stands as a testament that achieving good health and well-being requires more than clinics and vaccines. It requires protecting livelihoods that sustain life itself. Digital farming proves that in times of crisis, technology can be the bridge between survival and recovery, ensuring that the breadbasket of Europe continues to feed the world with resilience and courage.

– Lola Chambers

Lola is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Organizations Supporting Farmers in Pakistan

Farmers in PakistanMore than 54% of farmers in Pakistan live below the poverty line. According to the latest national census of agriculture in Pakistan, 97% of farmers own less than 12.5 acres and 26% own less than one acre. Meanwhile, the average farm size is now 5.1 acres. These figures suggest that farmers are not generating enough profit to save and are instead living from crop to crop.

Pakistan ranks among the world’s 10 most climate-vulnerable countries, with devastating monsoon rains, floods, droughts, landslides and earthquakes. These natural catastrophes destroy livelihoods, shove civilians into poverty and hit the agricultural industry the hardest. When the aftermath damages crop yields, farmers suffer.

There are more than 11 million farmers in Pakistan. When major climate shifts strike, the government cannot provide for such a large segment of the population. Thus, farmers have no economic security in the event of a natural disaster. On top of this, a recent sharp increase in the costs of fertilizers, diesel, pesticides, farming machinery and electricity in Pakistan makes it expensive for farmers to produce the few crops that survive amid unpredictable climate instability.

Crop costs have also fallen globally and this growing disparity leaves farmers at a loss. Fortunately, here are five organizations that uplift farmers and minimize poverty in Pakistan by providing rural farms with supportive resources.

Hidaya Trust

Hidaya Trust is a nongovernment organization that aims to help underprivileged persons in Pakistan “stand on their own feet”, including farmers. The organization runs various programs covering education, social welfare, health care, the environment and self-employment. Hidaya Trust supplies families in the farmer assistance program with fertilizers, seeds and equipment, as well as education on farming techniques.

For those in the animal farming program, the organization uses its donations to provide families with livestock to start a farm. For example, a $50 donation can buy five chickens and one rooster to start a poultry farm; it costs $70 for seven rabbits, $220 for a pair of goats and $500 for a cow.

Kissan Madadgar

Kissan Madadgar is a real-time farming advisory service that provides expert support and consultation through various channels to farmers at no cost. Farmers in Pakistan can access this service through its 24/7 helpline, mobile application or YouTube channel. Agricultural experts at Kissan Madadgar also visit farms in person to offer on-site support.

This involves teaching farmers more sustainable, productive and feasible solutions and techniques. The goal is to empower farmers, help them prosper and improve Pakistan’s agricultural ecosystem.

Chamber of Food and Agriculture

The Chamber of Food and Agriculture is an independent, nonprofit organization based in Pakistan, created by farmers, for farmers. Agricultural experts and rural development practitioners in Pakistan work with food producers and policymakers worldwide to empower farmers. Run by a people-first policy, the Chamber of Food and Agriculture directly provides training workshops and resources to rural farmers in Pakistan.

It also promotes climate-smart agriculture and technical agricultural innovation. Through this initiative, the organization aims to facilitate stable, accessible markets for farmers, support policy advocacy and increase women’s participation in the farming industry.

The World Bank Group

In 2022, the World Bank Group launched the Punjab Resilient and Inclusive Agriculture Transformation Project, with $200 million in funding. The ongoing project supplies small rural farms in Pakistan with climate-smart farming technology to increase agricultural productivity and farmers’ incomes. This includes training farmers in climate-smart techniques, facilitating efficient and equitable access to water and building resilience to extreme climate emergencies.

The World Bank Group’s project is expected to help 190,000 rural farmers and 1.4 million acres of land.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

In 2020, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) established a livestock farmer field school in the Umerkot district of Pakistan to expand farmers’ knowledge beyond local practices. The organization also distributed 315 kilograms of animal compound feed to each farmer among more than 1,400 of the most vulnerable households to support them throughout the agricultural crisis. Additionally, with support from the World Bank Group, FAO worked with local governments to construct water storage tanks with underwater solar-powered water pumps in 25 rural villages in the Tharparkar district of Pakistan.

FAO provided the villages with water troughs for livestock and drip irrigation systems for kitchen gardens. These resources supported farmers by reducing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their farms. The construction of the water systems also created temporary employment opportunities for those most affected in the region.

The Future for Farmers in Pakistan

In Pakistan, agriculture is the largest sector in the economy. Farming makes up 24% of the country’s total gross domestic product (GDP), employs half of the labor force and is the greatest source of international exports. Farmers also create food security in the country. However, the agricultural sector struggles with low productivity due to its vulnerability to climate change and volatile markets.

Farmers in Pakistan require support with modern technology that accounts for climate instability, as well as further education on proactive farming techniques to maximize crop yields and ultimately help farmers overcome poverty. Given their contribution to Pakistan’s economy, policymakers and government leaders must prioritize farms when allocating funding and resources.

– Umaymah Suhail

Umaymah is based in Karachi, Pakistan and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Seeds of Sustainability: Reducing Food Insecurity in Bolivia

Planting Seeds of Sustainability: Reducing Food Insecurity in Bolivia Landlocked in South America, Bolivia has a population of about 12.5 million. It is considered one of the most food-insecure countries in South America. According to the World Food Program (WFP) USA, 16% of Bolivian children under 5 years old are malnourished due to food insecurity.

One of the biggest factors affecting food insecurity in Bolivia is extreme weather conditions. The country faces recurring droughts and floods that heavily impact its agricultural sector. One organization, Fundación Patiño, demonstrates that reducing food insecurity across the country can be addressed through practical solutions.

Fundación Patiño

Fundación Patiño, established in 1931, aims to make a lasting impact by providing young Bolivians with the tools to build stronger and safer communities. In addition to providing direct care for more than 2,000 malnourished children each year, it also carries out projects and initiatives in education, agroecology, pediatric health and culture to address challenges that hinder progress.

Agroecology is a discipline that combines science and society to implement farming techniques that are sustainable and resilient. Fundación Patiño has undertaken multiple projects to promote and apply these techniques, including the Cochuna Project, its haciendas and the agroecology farm and seed center in Pairumani.

Education and the Cochuna Project

In the mountains of the Yungas region, a remote location, Fundación Patiño built and maintains a boarding school. Now accessible to small, isolated communities, teenagers in the region can continue their general education while deepening their farming and agricultural knowledge to develop sustainable practices for the future. The school currently hosts and educates 120 teenagers.

The Haciendas

The two haciendas located in Pairumani and Santa Cruz consist of large agricultural estates that serve as open-air laboratories combining science, society and pedagogy. Their focus is to promote economic independence by training farmers and researchers in sustainable techniques through hands-on practice and experimentation.

Each year, they organize “Field Days,” where community members are invited to learn about agricultural developments taking place. The foundation estimates that seeds improved through experimentation at the haciendas have benefited more than 10,000 farmers.

Food Sovereignty and the Seed Center

Fundación Patiño also runs an initiative that preserves and nurtures local seed varieties in its seed center located in Pairumani. This directly addresses food insecurity in Bolivia, as these local seeds are suited to Andean ecosystems. As a result, they are more resilient to weather conditions such as droughts and floods that affect Bolivia’s agricultural sector.

By prioritizing local and indigenous seed varieties over imported or hybrid ones, the seed center supports food sovereignty in Bolivia. Communities rely less on expensive imported foods when they can grow, sustain and sell their own produce.

In addition to strengthening food autonomy, training farmers to grow crops using techniques that reduce vulnerability to climate shocks supports local economic activity. Surplus food can be sold in markets and potentially exported.

Fundación Patiño’s model is designed to be replicable. Its initiatives have benefited more than 50,000 individuals, contributing to efforts to reduce food insecurity in Bolivia by promoting food sovereignty through education and community engagement.

– Brittany Buscio

Brittany is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Cowpeas and Food Insecurity in West Africa

Food Insecurity in West AfricaAfrican farmers and consumers alike rely on a food you might never have heard of: cowpea. You may know it by one of its many other names, such as the Black-Eyed Pea, the Field Pea, the Southern Pea, the Catjang or the Yardlong Bean. Regardless of what it’s called, it’s a truly remarkable food that is helping to reduce food insecurity in West Africa

Its significance is vital when examining poverty and food insecurity in Nigeria. This country is crucial to understanding cowpea’s importance, as Nigeria alone produces 45-58% of all cowpeas worldwide. That’s about 3.6 million tons every year.

Cowpea

Cowpea is a grain legume, similar to pinto beans, chickpeas and regular green peas. It’s often dried and is a staple food in many rural recipes across sub-Saharan Africa. It is incredibly rich in protein (25%) and carbohydrates (53%) and very low in fats (2%).

It has many vitamins and minerals. Even the stalks and flowers are edible and the plant can be used in fields for grazing animals to forage and can be turned into hay for long-term feeding. It has an extensive root system that helps prevent erosion and it also grows well as ground cover under trees.

It’s also very important for the health of the soil for planting other crops, as its roots harbor nodules that soil bacteria use to fix nitrogen for the plant and, subsequently, for the soil. Most importantly, the crop helps prevent millions of people from going hungry each year. It grows easily in the tall grasses of northern Nigeria’s savannas, making it cheaper and more accessible for nearby communities.

Because it matures quickly, reaching full maturity in about 55-70 days, it provides a fast and reliable source of much-needed protein. Studies also show that cowpeas grown in West Africa have played a major role in reducing food insecurity and chronic malnutrition among women and children in countries such as Burkina Faso.

Challenges

The main drawback of cowpea is its short shelf life. Many farmers lack adequate storage facilities, which reduces the market value and nutritional quality of both seeds and leaves. Another challenge is limited access to the best farming practices.

Some farmers do not know the most effective ways to plant and harvest cowpeas, which lowers yields without them knowing it.

FarmSahel works with rural women farmers in Burkina Faso by providing equipment and training to help increase crop yields. The organization supplies pesticides and sprayers, as well as tools for drying and long-term storage of cowpeas. The most valuable support was the one ton of dried cowpeas.

These were ready for planting and were also used to demonstrate proper packaging techniques to keep crops fresh. The women also received training on harvesting cowpeas more effectively to improve yields.

– Eddie Hofmann

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How AI Crop Monitoring in India Is Improving Food Security

AI Crop Monitoring in IndiaFor generations, farming in India has relied on experience, careful timing and more than a bit of luck. Farmers read the sky for signs of rain, test the soil with their hands and wait, hoping the monsoon comes when it should. Today, that way of farming is becoming harder to depend on.

Climate instability is making weather more unpredictable, water shortages are becoming more common and pests are spreading into new regions. In a country where about 54.6% of the workforce depends on agriculture and related industries, these changes affect far more than just farmers. They shape the nation’s food supply and economic stability.

Agriculture in India

For millions of families, farming is their main source of income. Around 42% of India’s population relies on agriculture for employment. Most farmers work on very small plots of land, with 85% owning less than two hectares.

When crops fail, the consequences are immediate and profound. One failed harvest can trap families in debt, pull kids out of school to help at home and leave entire communities struggling to find enough food. This is where AI crop monitoring in India is beginning to make a real difference.

By using satellite images, local weather data and simple smartphone tools, AI helps farmers see problems coming before it is too late. Instead of reacting after crops are already damaged, farmers can take action early and protect their livelihoods.

How AI Crop Monitoring Helps Farmers Stay One Step Ahead

In the past, farmers judged crop health by walking through their fields and looking for visible signs of diseases. By the time leaves turned yellow or pests became noticeable, much of the damage had already been done. AI tools now analyze satellite images, soil conditions and weather patterns to catch early warning signs that people might miss.

The World Bank explains that digital agriculture enables farmers to adopt a precision-based approach, using water, fertilizer and pesticides only where and when needed. This saves money and reduces environmental harm. Instead of spraying chemicals across entire fields, farmers can treat only the areas that actually need attention.

This matters in India because agriculture accounts for nearly 80% of the country’s freshwater use. As droughts become more frequent, wasting water can mean the difference between a stable harvest and total crop failure. AI crop monitoring helps farmers use limited water more wisely, which makes their farms more resilient in tough seasons.

Real Farmers, Real Results

The impact of AI crop monitoring in India is already showing up in real communities. In Telangana, the state government worked with Microsoft and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics to create an AI-based sowing advisory system. More than 3,000 farmers across several districts received text messages with the best times to plant, based on weather forecasts and soil conditions.

This led to yield increases of 10-30% without farmers needing to buy new equipment. Private agri-tech companies are also helping farmers. An Indian startup called Cropin uses satellite imagery and predictive analytics to provide farmers with real-time updates on crop health and early warnings of droughts and disease outbreaks.

This gives farmers time to prepare instead of feeling helpless when something goes wrong.

Why AI Crop Monitoring Matters for Food Security

AI crop monitoring in India is spreading because farmers can easily use it in their daily routines. Many tools are available through simple smartphone apps in local languages such as Hindi, Telugu and Kannada, so farmers do not need specialized training to benefit from them. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) explains that AI helps close the information gap for small farmers by giving them access to tools that were once available only to large commercial farms.

When more farmers can protect their crops, the benefits reach far beyond individual families. More stable harvests help keep food supplies steady nationwide and reduce sudden price spikes in foods like rice, wheat and onions. These spikes hit low-income families the hardest.

AI crop monitoring in India is not just changing how farms operate; it is helping build a more stable food system for everyone. Technology alone will not solve every problem in agriculture. However, AI crop monitoring in India gives farmers something they have rarely had before: clear, real-time information they can actually use.

By helping farmers make smarter decisions, protect their land and increase their yields, AI is becoming an important tool for strengthening food security and protecting livelihoods across the country.

– Dylan Chandran

Dylan is based in Danville, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Foreign Aid Drives SDG 15 in Papua New Guinea

SDG 15 in Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea is a large island nation located north of Australia and east of Indonesia and is one of the world’s 18 megadiverse countries. It is home to the world’s third-largest intact tropical rainforest, which covers approximately three-quarters of the country’s land area and supports a wide range of endemic plant and animal species. These ecosystems play a central role in the national economy, as approximately 85% of the population depends on semi-subsistence agriculture, hunting and gathering for their livelihoods. The country’s biodiversity also sustains freshwater resources used for irrigation and household consumption. With around 87% of the population living in rural areas, environmental degradation poses a direct threat to food security and income generation.

Environmental vulnerability in Papua New Guinea intersects closely with widespread poverty and food insecurity. Around 40% of the population lives below the national poverty line, while hunger levels remain classified as serious. An estimated 28.7% of the population is undernourished, and chronic malnutrition affects nearly half of all children under five, with 47.6% experiencing stunted growth. Child mortality remains high at approximately 4%. These indicators highlight the extent to which livelihoods and human development depend on healthy land-based and freshwater ecosystems.

Sustainable Development Goal 15 focuses on the protection of terrestrial ecosystems, the prevention of land degradation, the sustainable management of forests and the conservation of biodiversity. In Papua New Guinea, progress on SDG 15 extends beyond environmental outcomes and directly shapes agricultural productivity, water availability and long-term development prospects. As pressures on forests and biodiversity intensify, foreign aid has emerged as a critical mechanism for supporting conservation efforts while addressing poverty and food insecurity, especially among rural and Indigenous communities. Here is more information about the progress of SDG 15 in Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea’s Current SDG 15 Status

Papua New Guinea currently holds an official orange rating for SDG 15, indicating that significant challenges remain despite some measurable progress. The country is currently meeting its targets on imported deforestation and remains close to achieving its long-term goals for permanent forest loss reduction. However, progress across SDG 15 indicators remains uneven. Data shows stagnation in the mean area protected in terrestrial sites critical to biodiversity, suggesting that conservation gains have not expanded sufficiently to match ecological pressures.

Foreign Aid Finances Forest Conservation and Community Action

Foreign aid has played a central role in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 15 in Papua New Guinea through conservation-driven financing mechanisms. Under the REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) and Benefit Sharing Guidelines finalized in 2025, 60% of forest conservation finance goes directly to customary landowners and local communities. This framework aims to ensure that forest protection delivers tangible economic benefits for rural populations, reducing reliance on activities that contribute to deforestation.

In a major milestone, Papua New Guinea received approval from the Green Climate Fund for $63.4 million USD in results-based payments linked to verified reductions in deforestation and forest degradation. These payments correspond to emissions reductions of approximately 17 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent achieved through the country’s national REDD+ programme. The six-year initiative supports sustainable forest management and community-led climate action across six high-risk provinces, including East Sepik, West Sepik, Western, Hela, Chimbu and West New Britain. Around 60% of the total funding is directed toward community development activities, with a focus on customary landowners, women’s land rights and inclusive decision-making.

Foreign Aid Supports Community Livelihoods

Foreign aid has also supported biodiversity conservation through direct grant mechanisms designed to strengthen rural livelihoods. The Papua New Guinea Biodiversity and Climate Fund has set a target to distribute at least $1 million annually in grants to local communities Funded by the Global Environment Facility(GEF), livelihood projects are supported that offer alternatives to income previously derived from industrial logging and other environmentally damaging activities.

Grant-supported initiatives promote deforestation-free farming of high-value crops such as vanilla, cocoa and coffee. These commodities provide stable, long-term income opportunities while reducing pressure on forest ecosystems. By aligning biodiversity protection with household income generation, these programs seek to make conservation economically viable for rural and Indigenous communities.

Foreign Aid Improves Food Security and Agricultural Sustainability

Foreign aid initiatives linked to SDG 15 in Papua New Guinea have also contributed to food security by restoring degraded land and improving agricultural productivity. Agroforestry programs promote soil fertility, water retention and stable local water cycles, which are critical for subsistence gardens that supply a significant share of household food consumption in rural areas.

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research has supported these efforts by strengthening the Papua New Guinea Resource Information System. Improved access to soil and land-use data enables farmers and policymakers to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices. As part of the 2025–26 forest conservation drive, technical assistance has also targeted smallholder farmers, helping them increase yields without expanding cultivation into primary forests.

Efforts to protect inland wetlands further reinforce food security by safeguarding freshwater ecosystems. These initiatives help preserve freshwater fish stocks, which serve as a primary source of protein for many riverine communities and remain closely linked to healthy land and forest systems.

Looking Ahead

Papua New Guinea is likely to continue facing significant challenges in meeting its Sustainable Development Goal 15 targets in 2026. However, recent developments indicate that sustained progress on biodiversity protection remains achievable. Foreign aid in the form of financial and technical assistance has contributed to improved conservation outcomes while supporting rural livelihoods and food security.

Papua New Guinea’s experience working toward SDG 15 also highlights the role of international cooperation in accelerating  progress. Support from external partners and neighboring developed countries has enabled the expansion of conservation financing, technical capacity and community-based initiatives that may not have been feasible through domestic resources alone.

If sustained, these partnerships offer a pathway to protect Papua New Guinea’s land-based ecosystems while addressing poverty and food insecurity among Indigenous and rural communities. The country’s progress illustrates how targeted foreign aid can strengthen environmental protection efforts while eradicating poverty and advancing inclusive development outcomes.

– Pranav A Menon

Pranav is based in Kochi, India  and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Collaborative Strategies for Eradicating Poverty in Niger

Poverty in Niger In the arid landscapes of Niger, where droughts and desertification threaten livelihoods, a quiet revolution is taking place. Families once trapped in cycles of hunger and hardship are finding new paths to stability through targeted interventions. At the heart of this transformation is the Livestock and Agricultural Modernization Project (LAMP), a World Bank initiative funded with up to $1 billion over 12 years. By modernizing agriculture and livestock – the sectors employing more than 80% of the population – LAMP is demonstrating how innovative programs are eradicating poverty in Niger, fostering resilience against climate shocks and paving the way for sustainable growth.

Battling the Elements

Niger’s economy hinges on agriculture and livestock; however, erratic rainfall, frequent droughts and advancing desertification have deepened poverty for millions. These challenges exacerbate food insecurity, leaving households vulnerable to crises such as floods and pandemics, according to the World Bank. Enter LAMP, which directly tackles these issues by promoting climate-smart practices, improved irrigation, and livestock upgrades in the project area. This program illustrates how innovative programs are eradicating poverty in Niger by enhancing productivity and market access for rural communities.

Funded by the World Bank’s International Development Association, LAMP invests in tools and techniques that help farmers adapt to unpredictable weather conditions. For instance, it introduced drought-resistant crops, efficient water management systems, and irrigation development covering 18,000 hectares in the first phase alone, thereby reducing the impact of environmental shocks. By the end of the program, 5 million people could have strengthened food and nutrition security, with enhanced resilience of 3 million against climate risks.

Stories from villages highlight families who have increased yields and stabilized incomes through LAMP’s support. When combined with governance reforms, these efforts project a significant drop in extreme poverty to approximately 22.6% by 2043 under current trends, with further reductions possible through integrated scenarios

Empowering Farmers

What sets LAMP apart is its comprehensive approach to modernization, which has turned subsistence farming into a viable enterprise. By upgrading livestock breeds, improving seeds and integrating sustainable farming methods, the project boosts output in a sector that is critical to Niger’s survival. This strategy shows how innovative programs are eradicating poverty in Niger, as improved market linkages allow farmers to sell their produce at better prices, breaking the grip of economic isolation.

The LAMP’s 12-year timeline, structured in overlapping phases (Phase 1 through 2029), ensures sustained impact, with investments flowing into infrastructure such as irrigation networks that combat desertification. It targets 1.5 million people for enhanced climate resilience, including 500,000 youth and nearly 700,000 women and girls, in particular, according to the World Bank.

Beneficiaries report enhanced food security, as the program addresses interconnected issues such as gender inequality and barriers that often perpetuate poverty. Through skills training in climate-resilient techniques, LAMP builds human capital and enables households to invest in their futures. This not only smooths consumption during shocks but also fosters entrepreneurial growth, creating a ripple effect across the communities.

Synergizing Support

While LAMP drives agricultural innovation, its true power emerges when paired with social safety nets, such as the Wadata Talaka program, part of the Sahel Adaptive Social Protection Program. Cash transfers from Wadata Talaka enable farmers to adopt LAMP technologies, such as advanced irrigation or livestock improvements, amplifying productivity. This merger exemplifies how innovative programs are eradicating poverty in Niger by creating cycles of income generation and building resilience.

In practice, Wadata Talaka’s livelihood training incorporates agricultural methods, equipping vulnerable populations – particularly women – with the skills to navigate droughts and other crises. It provides monthly cash transfers to extremely poor households, economic inclusion support, including microentrepreneurship coaching, and early child development measures.

During crises such as COVID-19, it expanded to hundreds of thousands of households using satellite data for proactive drought responses. In many cases, women’s incomes have increased by 60-100% in many cases through non-farm businesses, alongside gains in food security and well-being. Together, these initiatives address food insecurity and promote gender empowerment, tackling obstacles such as property rights that hinder women’s participation in farming. By focusing on at-risk households, this integrated model reinforces the goals of the LAMP project, projecting broader poverty reductions and sustainable development in Niger’s villages.

A Vision for Tomorrow

Looking ahead, LAMP’s emphasis on climate resilience and human capital development positions it as a model for holistic change. Intersecting with efforts from organizations such as the World Food Program (WFP) and UNICEF, it breaks the generational poverty cycles through education and inclusive policies. This comprehensive framework reveals how innovative programs are eradicating poverty in Niger, with data on beneficiary numbers and timelines painting a picture of progress in the face of adversity.

As Niger confronts ongoing challenges, LAMP offers hope by transforming vulnerabilities into opportunities. By 2043, with continued support and complementary reforms in agriculture and governance, extreme poverty could decline further owing to these collaborative strategies. In the end, it is the stories of resilient households – farmers thriving despite the odds – that best capture the promise of a poverty-free future.

– Christopher Michael Pellant

Christopher is based in Evansville, IN, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr