Archive for category: Agriculture

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Hazelnut Farms and Child Labor in Turkey

Child Labor in TurkeyTurkey is an upper-middle-income country located in Western Asia, specifically in Anatolia. It borders both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of  over 87 million as of 2023, according to the World Health Organization, child labor rates remain evident across the country, particularly on hazelnut farms. Many young children are forced to work long, strenuous and dangerous hours to earn a living. However, solutions such as funded programs, addressing child rights through well-being summer schools and strict government laws aim to limit the scale of child labor. 

Hazelnut Production – The Black Sea Region

Turkey produces the majority of the world’s hazelnuts, which are exported globally. The country supplies approximately 75% of the global market, according to the International Society for Horticultural Science. The Black Sea region of Turkey has cultivated hazelnuts since around 1500 B.C. The region’s damp, temperate climate enables hazelnut production to flourish and contributes significantly to Turkey’s export revenue. Its mountain slopes and steep land are well-suited for growing hazelnuts.

Giresun is a city located in the Black Sea region of Turkey and is widely known as the hazelnut capital of the world. Ongoing demand has led producers to rely on young children to work in the agricultural sector. This has contributed to the continued use of child labor on hazelnut farms in Turkey.

Child Labor in the Agriculture Sector in Turkey

Across the Black Sea region, most production is carried out through manual labor. Internal migrants who settle in small communities often rely on their children to work in agricultural industries, including hazelnut farming. As a result, children are forced to work long, strenuous hours in challenging climate conditions.

According to the Rainforest Alliance, agricultural work is classified under Turkish law as hazardous for anyone younger than 18. However, some children working on hazelnut farms are between the ages of 15 and 18.

Manual Labor and Dangers Across Hazelnut Farms

Children in Turkey experience some of the most severe forms of child labor, particularly in agriculture. Farm work remains common due to high demand for hazelnuts. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 57.1% of working children in Turkey are employed in the agriculture sector.

Common dangers and conditions include:

  • Lack of protective gear while working in fields
  • Long and physically demanding work hours
  • Exposure to harsh climate conditions, including high temperatures
  • Contact with chemicals and pesticides due to limited protective equipment
  • Lifting heavy loads after harvesting
  • Internal migration during school holidays, which exposes children to labor instead of education programs or school

Solutions and Laws

  • Summer Schools for Children. Children across Turkey who are out of school during holidays often work on agricultural farms. According to the Rainforest Alliance, two of its company partners have established summer school programs for these children. Teaching modules include math, science, photography, music and drama. These subjects are organized by the Turkish Ministry of National Education.
  • Funded Programs. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, from 2012 to 2020, an eight-year program was implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Turkey’s Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MOLSS). The program was funded by the Association of Chocolate, Biscuit and Confectionery Industries of Europe (CAOBISCO). The initiative aimed to reduce child labor by expanding access to education and improving living conditions for families involved in hazelnut farming. As a result, 1,022 children were prevented from working on farms, and $879,000 was allocated during the final two years.
  • Government Laws. Turkish law prohibits employing anyone younger than 18 in hazardous work. However, children as young as 14 who have completed compulsory education may perform light work that does not harm their physical or mental well-being, according to Arnold Stanley.

Looking Ahead

Child labor in Turkey continues to place children in dangerous working conditions on hazelnut farms. However, progress through government laws, summer school initiatives and funded programs has contributed to a reduction in child labor in the agricultural sector. On March 30, 2012, the Turkish government increased the compulsory education age from eight to 12 years, helping ensure children can remain in school rather than enter the workforce at an early age.

– Zara Ashraf

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

Photo: Flickr

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Women’s Cooperative Farming Combating Poverty in The Gambia

Poverty in The GambiaWomen play a key role in agriculture in The Gambia, especially in rural communities where poverty remains a day-to-day issue. More than 60% of Gambians depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Women make up more than half of the agricultural labor force and produce around 40% of total output.

Agriculture contributes about 20% of the country’s GDP. Approximately 74% of rural residents live below the poverty line, which increases vulnerability for farming households. Many women rely on small-scale farming for food and income; however, limited access to land, resources and markets often restricts their economic opportunities.

Barriers Faced by Women Farmers

There are unspoken barriers that Gambian women face, limiting their ability to increase income and reduce poverty. They have limited opportunities for education, land ownership or access to productive inputs, reducing both productivity and household income. Limited access to seeds, tools, fertilizers and financial services further slows agricultural productivity for women farmers.

These obstacles contribute to persistent poverty and food insecurity among women and their households.

Women’s Cooperative Farming Projects as a Solution

Women’s cooperative farming has become an effective solution to the economic challenges faced by women farmers in The Gambia. Cooperatives are the means by which women have accessed resources, such as seeds, tools and fertilizers. These collective structures allow them to sell their produce in local and regional markets and negotiate fairer prices.

For example, a program aims to reach about 40,000 households (more than 10% of the population). Women account for about 80% of participants, boosting productivity, food availability, market access and income stability. Women’s cooperatives have become a key asset in improving household livelihoods and reducing poverty in rural Gambian communities.

FAO Climate-Smart Agriculture Programs

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) strengthens the resilience of women farmers through sustainable, climate-smart agriculture. Through these initiatives, training is provided in sustainable farming techniques and soil management. This helps women gain the knowledge and support to increase productivity while adapting to climate challenges.

Hands-on workshops are key to improving practical skills and food security. Women who participate in these programs receive education and guidance on generating a stable income and reducing poverty.

IFAD-Supported Women’s Cooperatives

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) supports women’s cooperative farming in The Gambia by helping create community gardens, develop value chains and provide inclusive access to microloans. IFAD programs help women secure better prices for their products in the market. Through these initiatives, participating communities experience increased household income and a sustainable reduction of poverty.

To help protect rural households, IFAD has been funding the National Agricultural Land and Water Management Development (NEMA) project through its Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Program (ASAP). It aims to increase the climate resilience of smallholder farmers and improve local climate emergency management.

NEMA has increased agricultural productivity and household income by improving access to irrigation, land and markets. Also, FAO-supported horticulture projects provide training, tools and seeds, strengthening food security and income generation for rural communities.

ActionAid SAPOF Project

ActionAid International The Gambia, has a project named Strengthening Civil Society Organizations Support and Advocacy for Sustainable Production (SAPOF), funded by the European Union. SAPOF has established women’s vegetable gardens in several communities. It has trained more than 100 women, youth and persons with disabilities in organic/compost fertilizer production and sustainable farming practices.

Thanks to these gardens, many women farmers benefit from agricultural production and training in climate-resilient practices. Participants from across the nation have reported that gardens have improved their quality of life and household nutrition and have helped reduce economic dependency and food insecurity.

Impact on Women, Households and Communities

These farming initiatives have a huge impact on poverty reduction in The Gambia by increasing women’s economic participation in the household income. Women involved in such initiatives report improved nutrition, stable income and even greater decision-making power within their communities. This is a way of strengthening women’s role in farming projects, which also contributes to the local food supply chain and benefits households where poverty and food insecurity remain highest.

Why Women’s Cooperative Farming Matters

Women’s cooperative farming projects in The Gambia play a key role in addressing poverty and food insecurity. Supporting women farmers is essential to improve households’ well-being, nutrition and sustainable development and to reduce poverty across rural regions of The Gambia. All of this is possible with access to resources, markets and land.

– Numahaiseta Sillah

Numahaiseta is based in Duisburg, Germany and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Soil Digital Intelligence Is Changing Farming in the Sahel

Farming in the SahelThe Sahel stretches 6,000 kilometers across Africa. The United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) estimates that 400 million people are residing in these 10 countries in the Sahel: Senegal Gambia, Mauritania, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria.

According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the population of the Sahel will reach 500 million by 2050. The region also has one of the youngest populations with 65 % of the population being younger than 25 years old. Despite this rapid growth, climate and political instability continue to threaten food systems, emphasizing the importance of why soil digital intelligence is changing farming in the Sahel.

Effects of Climate and Political Instability

Natural disasters continues to shrink arable land and reduce habitability for plants, animals and humans. Political turmoil also disrupts the livelihoods of many farmers through social unrest and violence, severely affecting smallholder farmers in the region, according to IFAD.

These challenges have lowered agricultural yields, causing nutritional deficiencies and a worsening pastoralist economy. A main contributor to these declining yields is the lack of data on fertilizer conditions, which forces recommendations by governmental and research organizations to remain broad. Limited data also prevents national agencies from allocating resources and funding to support local farming communities.

The Introduction Of Digital Soil Intelligence

To address declining food production in the Sahel, leaders at the U.N. Climate Summit in Belém (COP30) prioritized climate finance and adaptation. It focused on digital soil intelligence platforms, which combine satellite imagery and climate data to provide real-time land health information. Soil digital intelligence is changing farming in the Sahel. One example of this technology is the Soil Values Geoportal.

Countries using the Soil Values Geoportal can now factor the following data into their restoration plans:

  • Organic carbon levels
  • Moisture deficits
  • Erosion risk
  • Biomass productivity
  • Weather indicators

Access to detailed information on soil health enables policymakers to formulate more efficient guidelines and funding efforts. The integration of these tools plays a critical role in rural communities, where gaps in connectivity and coverage restrict access to basic soil guidance.

Platforms, such as the Soil Values Geoportal, function in low-bandwidth environments and provide relief in the form of mapping of livestock grazing conditions and seasonal water points.

The digitalization of land mapping also proves useful for environmental management. Farmers can determine the precise amount of nutrients necessary for fertilizer use and prevent acidification or contamination. These practices promote long-term sustainability and improve food security throughout the Sahel.

The Future of Digital Soil Intelligence

As extreme weather becomes a more pressing problem, soil digital intelligence is changing farming in the Sahel. Equipping farmers with real-time information on fertilizer health and rainfall patterns will begin to bring nutritional and social stability. Tools, such as the Soil Values Geoportal, are key to creating sustainable farmland and resilience to environmental stress. Further investment in these technologies is crucial for the people of the Sahel as the economy continues to grow.

– Sachin Kapoor

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

Photo: Flickr

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Agricultural Initiatives Bringing Poverty Reduction in Peru

Poverty Reduction in PeruSince the early 21st century, Peru has led Latin America in expanding their economy and improving quality of living. The poverty rate fell from 60% to 24%, while non-traditional agricultural exports rose by 15 times in value. Many of these achievements trace back to the divisive presidency of Alberto Fujimori from 1990 to 2000. Although he ruled with an authoritarian hand, Fujimori enacted drastic market reforms and created programs aimed at building schools and roads in poorer regions.

From 2013 onward, though, Peru’s rapidly expanding economy, including its agriculture industry, slowed. And recently, after COVID-19 hit Peru especially hard, recent events such as the war in Ukraine have skyrocketed inflation, worsening the food crisis. About half of the population is moderately food insecure as staple foods like potatoes suddenly have become unaffordable. Recently, though, effective initiatives expanding the agricultural industry have offered hope of a major turnaround toward economic growth and poverty reduction in Peru.

Why Agricultural Growth Aids Poverty Reduction in Peru

There is ample evidence suggesting an increase in agricultural growth can help lower rates of poverty. Investment in agriculture is two and a half to three times more successful at raising the income of the poor than non-agricultural investment, and in the 1990s and 2000s, countries experiencing exceptionally high agricultural growth rates, such as Malawi, Mozambique and Brazil also saw large reductions in poverty. In fact, higher agricultural growth marked early development in several places, such as Western Europe and Japan. Therefore, in order to decrease rates of poverty in Peru, targeting the productivity and development of the agricultural sector is essential.

World Bank Group Projects

Over the years, the World Bank Group has spearheaded numerous efforts to reduce poverty in Peru through improvements in agriculture. About 189 member countries operate the organization, who act as shareholders and have an impressive history in combating poverty: they built an international system of agriculture research centers in 1971, aided in the reconstruction of Yugoslavia in 1995, and financed $5 billion for education projects in 2010.

Since the early 2000s, the World Bank has been successful in improving Peru’s irrigation sector, especially in coastal areas. In 2010, the World Bank approved an ambitious project directed at improving irrigation for farmers in Peru’s Sierra, or mountainous regions of the Andes. At the time, the Sierra held a third of all irrigated land in the country, and agriculture represented the largest share of household income. Through the implementation of pipes, filters, small reservoirs and promoting the creation of farmers’ groups, crop yields increased, impacting nearly 18,758 farmers.

In 2025, the World Bank approved a 10-year, $200 million program to expand access to clean water in the cities of Lima and Puno. As a result, the hindrance farmers encounter from untreated wastewater and droughts will fall significantly, thereby boosting the agricultural industry. This will build onto the irrigation improvements realized earlier in a country where agriculture employs a quarter of the workforce. As a result, rural areas of Peru with higher poverty rates will experience increased development and economic growth.

The Hand-in-Hand Initiative

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) created the Hand-in-Hand Initiative in 2019, developing into one of its primary programs. The organization has pushed for agricultural development in 83 countries, including Peru.

In the Sierra, the project is connecting smallholder farmers to larger markets and fair contracts with private companies. As a result, farmers such as Irineo Núnez Vargas have brought their crops to global markets through contracting with companies like Tiyapuy thanks to these initiatives.

The Inter-American Development Bank

After World War II, leaders formed the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to lead economic development in Latin America. Though the United States is the largest shareholder, nearly every nation in the Western Hemisphere is a member. The IDB achieves its goals through grants, loans and economic research.

In 2024, the IDB approved an $85 million loan with the purpose of increasing productivity in Peru’s agricultural sector. It is set to benefit about 92,000 farmers, especially focusing on women and ethnic groups. Unlike the other initiatives, the IDB plans to enhance agriculture technology and agriculture research throughout the country, not only limited to a single ecosystem.

Takeaways

History shows that if farmers struggle, an entire nation usually struggles too. While focusing on agricultural improvements in Peru might appear slow and indirect at confronting poverty, it is actually one of the best methods at doing so. As a result, these many initiatives are essentially laying the groundwork for economic growth and poverty reduction in Peru for decades to come.

– Ben Anderson

Ben is based in Madrid, Spain and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Aquaculture Mapping: Fighting Hunger and Poverty in Côte d’Ivoire

How Côte d’Ivoire is Using Aquaculture Mapping to Fight Hunger and Poverty The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, or Ivory Coast, sits on the coast of West Africa and uses aquaculture mapping to fight hunger and poverty as part of its development strategy. From 1842 to 1960, France ruled Côte d’Ivoire. After gaining independence from France, Côte d’Ivoire established itself as a model of stability and economic prosperity in Africa. In 1999, Côte d’Ivoire experienced its first military coup, which caused the economy to collapse and triggered a civil war that split the country in two.

Persistent Food Insecurity

Côte d’Ivoire has made strides toward economic improvement and poverty reduction since this period of political destabilization. Yet progress remains limited and is especially apparent in the nutritional deficiencies that keep many citizens food insecure.

According to the World Bank, 44.2% of citizens experience moderate and severe food insecurity and about 7.7% of the total population is malnourished. Children face the most severe impacts, with 8% suffering from acute malnutrition and 20.2% experiencing impaired growth.

Stable production of basic staple crops has eased some of these issues, but it does not provide the necessary nutritional value for a healthy life. To improve outcomes for its people, the government created the Strategic Program for the Transformation of Aquaculture in Côte d’Ivoire (PSTACI), focusing on broader efforts in aquaculture mapping to fight hunger and poverty.

PSTACI

The Strategic Program for the Transformation of Aquaculture in Côte d’Ivoire (PSTACI) aims to combat poverty and food insecurity by strengthening the aquaculture sector. Its goals include:

  • Increasing employment for youth and women
  • Creating a self-sufficient fisheries sector in the economy
  • Eliminating Côte d’Ivoire’s deficit in aquaculture production

To accomplish these goals, the government partnered with PROBLUE, an Aquainvest platform created by the World Bank to support sustainable aquaculture development. PROBLUE’s aquaculture mapping methodology uses a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) to identify the most productive locations in Côte d’Ivoire for aquaculture sites.

Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE)

The MCE evaluates site suitability using three categories:

  • Infrastructure. Evaluations consider distance from water sources, roads, urban areas, hatcheries, airports and communications installations.
  • Natural conditions. Evaluations consider soil type and land topography.
  • Land constraints. Evaluations consider whether a site lies in a protected area, military zone or urban area.

After applying these criteria to Côte d’Ivoire, World Bank analysts concluded that 99% of the country’s topography offers suitable land for aquaculture. They found that the soil types most suitable for aquaculture contain 18% to 35% clay.

When analysts accounted for land constraints, they found that 76% of the country lies outside protected areas, military zones and urban pockets. Based on infrastructure criteria, PROBLUE identified at least 70% of existing infrastructure as potentially suitable for aquaculture.

The Future of Aquaculture in Côte d’Ivoire

PSTACI plans to develop Sustainable Aquaculture Economic Zones at 30 sites that meet the necessary criteria. This plan offers an opportunity to rebuild the country’s food systems and reduce poverty and malnutrition. By attracting investors and entrepreneurs to these areas, Côte d’Ivoire can build a more stable economy. Additionally, this could lead to expanded opportunities for young people and the continued use of aquaculture mapping to fight hunger and poverty.

– Sachin Kapoor

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

Photo: Flickr

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Improved Food Security in the Sahel

Food Security in the SahelThe Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa are grappling with severe challenges, including poverty, food insecurity and the impacts of the changing climate. More than 300 million individuals endure chronic hunger, as agricultural systems struggle under soil degradation, unpredictable rainfall patterns and excessive dependence on basic staple crops. Launched in 2023 by the U.S. Department of State alongside the African Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) serves as a framework to bolster food systems through an emphasis on crops resilient to climate change and eco-friendly soil practices.

VACS addresses the demand for varied, nutrient-packed farming that can endure ecological disruptions while enhancing livelihoods in rural areas. The program highlights “opportunity crops” — resilient yet underused varieties such as millets, sorghum and cowpeas — alongside efforts to rehabilitate depleted soils. This evidence-based approach seeks to interrupt ongoing patterns of poverty and malnutrition across the region. By combining climate adaptation strategies, nutritional safeguards and farmer empowerment, VACS delivers a roadmap for enduring agricultural progress in at-risk populations, ultimately contributing to improved food security in the Sahel.

Exploring the VACS Initiative

VACS functions as a multilateral trust fund integrated within the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s (IFAD) Rural Resilience Program (2RP). It consolidates climate financing, adaptation resources and development funds into a comprehensive strategy designed specifically for small-scale farmers. Four primary strategies guide VACS:

First, the promotion of crop diversity to enhance climate resilience addresses Africa’s dependence on a limited range of staple crops such as maize, rice and wheat, which are susceptible to environmental stress. VACS advocates for cultivating underutilized indigenous crops such as fonio and teff, which thrive in arid conditions and offer strong nutritional benefits. Although research and policy have historically neglected these crops, they hold significant potential for improving food security in the Sahel.

Second, restoring soils and adopting sustainable land management practices address Africa’s widespread soil erosion challenges. More than 65% of the continent’s soils are degraded, leading to productivity declines of up to 30%.

VACS supports restorative practices such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry and the use of natural soil amendments to enhance water retention, nutrient content and long-term sustainability.

Third, empowering farmers and establishing knowledge networks ensures that smallholders have access to essential resources and education for climate-smart agriculture. VACS strengthens community-based seed systems, provides training on climate-adaptive farming techniques and improves financial access, facilitating transitions to more resilient agricultural practices.

Finally, developing markets for opportunity crops ensures economic incentives for farmers to cultivate adapted varieties. By connecting smallholders with buyers such as school meal programs and expanding access to local and international markets, VACS enhances income stability and promotes economic growth in rural areas.

VACS’s Impact on Breaking Cycles of Poverty and Hunger

In the Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa, food systems remain trapped in a damaging cycle: environmental disruptions reduce harvests, triggering shortages, undernutrition and financial instability. VACS intervenes by targeting the underlying sources of fragility. Nearly 40% of Sahelian children experience micronutrient deficiencies stemming from diets high in calories but low in nutrients.

VACS emphasizes nutrient-rich crops such as amaranth and pigeon peas, which provide iron, zinc and protein. Through diet diversification, the program addresses stunting, anemia and malnutrition, particularly among women and youth, contributing to improved food security in the Sahel.

Projections indicate that without intervention, climate change could reduce crop outputs by 20% by 2050.

VACS’s resilient crops, including drought-resistant sorghum and heat-tolerant millets, help shield smallholders from irregular weather. In Niger, where drought-prone rain-dependent farming prevails, those using mixed cropping have maintained consistent yields amid worsening climate conditions.

VACS also strengthens economic resilience by creating equitable supply chains for opportunity crops. The fonio supply network in West Africa, supported by entities such as Yolélé Foods, has generated employment, increased farmer earnings by as much as 30% and opened new export opportunities.

Soil health remains central to VACS’s strategy. Degraded soils reduce yields while worsening water scarcity and emissions. Through comprehensive soil nutrient strategies, including organic composting and eco-farming methods, VACS has demonstrated yield increases of up to 28% in pilot areas such as Ethiopia, further supporting food security in the Sahel.

Tools for digital soil analysis further support targeted farming by aligning actions with specific locations for optimal results.

Advancing VACS: Key Policies and Future Directions

Realizing VACS’s full potential requires coordinated action among governments, aid organizations and commercial entities. Increasing investment in climate-resilient agriculture remains essential. Currently, just 1.7% of global climate funding benefits smallholder farmers, limiting access to critical resources needed for sustainable practices.

Governments and international contributors should prioritize VACS-compatible initiatives in agricultural budgets and climate adaptation funds. Strengthening seed systems and advisory services will also accelerate adoption. Many opportunity crops lack improved seed varieties due to prolonged underfunding in crop research. Expanding research and development, alongside digital-based farmer education and collaborative learning, will help address this gap.

Emphasizing fair land tenure and gender equity remains vital. Women manage approximately 60% of African farms but often lack secure land rights, which restricts investment in long-term soil care. Legal reforms supporting equitable land ownership and targeted initiatives for women farmers are key to VACS’s success.

Private-sector involvement is also a key to success. Incentives such as tax reductions, subsidies and public-private partnerships can spur investment in processing and marketing opportunity crops. Examples such as Kenya’s “Super Porridge” program, which incorporates nutrient-rich crops into school meals, demonstrate how consumer demand can drive broader adoption.</span>

Embedding VACS within broader regional climate strategies will further amplify its impact. Alignment with initiatives such as the Great Green Wall and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 can strengthen collaboration on ecosystem restoration, nutrition security and poverty reduction, advancing food security in the Sahel.

Looking Ahead

VACS extends beyond technical fixes and represents a shift in agricultural development for climate-vulnerable regions. By integrating scientific research, policy coordination and community-driven action, the initiative outlines a pathway to disrupt cycles of poverty and hunger. With sustained commitment from governments, farmers and partners, VACS has the potential to strengthen resilience, improve nutrition and support long-term livelihoods across the Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa.

– Christopher Pellant

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

Photo: Flickr

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Emata’s AI-Driven Digital Loans in Uganda

Digital Loans in UgandaEmata is a fintech founded in 2020 that provides AI-driven digital loans in Uganda for smallholder farmers. This innovative, quick and reliable approach is meant to empower the smaller farmers in the East African region.

Uganda: A Rich Land

The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on financial stability worldwide. Its impact on low-income countries was devastating for vulnerable communities. According to the Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS), the level of poverty in Uganda had decreased in 2016 and 2017. In 2020, it increased again to 21.9%.

The land, however, is far from poor. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports that as much as 80% of Uganda’s 241,038 square kilometers of territory is fertile land that could be used for agriculture. Nonetheless, only 35% of its land is being cultivated. Dairy, maize and beef, among others, are of crucial value for food security and export revenue.

Filling in the Gaps

According to the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), only 10% of smallholder farmers own an account with a bank or financial institution. Because they are seen as risky investments, financial help remains out of reach for most small farmers. AgEcon Search research reports that in the region, 80% of the rural population depends on agriculture; however, the lack of access to credit limits the farmers’ ability to grow.

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Emata founders Bram van den Bosch and Dario Raffaele explain how they have found a way to contribute to smallholder farmers through AI-driven digital loans in Uganda: “They’re hardworking but trapped: they know which inputs would increase yields, but can’t afford them upfront. That’s the gap we fix—and we fix it for the good farmers, the ones already showing the discipline, consistency and grit needed to professionalize.”

Emata’s mission is to fill these gaps through a thoroughly different approach from local financial institutions:

  • Using data instead of land titles
  • Automation reduces operating costs
  • Speed over painstaking banking processes
  • Lower interest rates
  • Digitizing the value chain to promote traceability

Loans normally range from $25 to $1,200. Beneficiaries can be smallholders, middle farmers or professionals. In addition, Emata can help borrowers meet other unmet or unexpected financial needs, such as school fees, health emergencies, small business support and cash flow between seasons.

The Farmer’s Journey

In practice, a farmer begins by delivering their product to their local agri cooperative. The company registers the transaction in Emata’s system. From their data, Emata uses AI to calculate their risk and capabilities, assigning them an alternative credit score.

This score determines credit limits for the borrower. The agent then assists the farmers in sending a mobile request to Emata, which approves the loan instantly. The money is then sent via mobile or as input-on-credit.

Repayment is made when the borrower sells their harvest to Emata’s local partner. The founders told The Borgen Project about the farmers who come to them: “The vast majority earn low, volatile farm-based income and would be invisible to traditional banks. Emata is often the first formal lender they have ever worked with. Our data shows that 90% earn under $5/day and 60% earn under $2/day. With Emata, farmers on average grow their income by 30%.”

Women’s Representation

Emata’s most common borrowers are smallholders who did not qualify for credit from financial institutions. According to its metrics, 26% are women. “One of the toughest barriers isn’t financial or technological—it’s cultural,” Emata says, “…women are still underrepresented in many value chains simply because they are not recognized as the ‘primary farmer’ in their household or cooperative.”

A study published by FAO confirms that Uganda’s women who are heads of households and live in rural areas are among the most impoverished. While women are involved in up to 68% of the agricultural process, only 7% officially own the land and less than 1% have access to credit.

To Emata, it is important to make a positive change: “These gaps reflect decades of gendered agricultural norms. And this is exactly where we are slowly making a difference: digitizing records, formalizing farmer identity and embedding lending inside organized value chains is already pulling more women into financial visibility and giving them a documented track record for the first time.”

The Right Tool for the Job

AI-driven digital loans in Uganda that are approved and granted instantly have proven to be an efficient method to reach the most vulnerable but determined farmers. The founders admit that without AI, “we wouldn’t be able to build a profitable and sustainable portfolio and we wouldn’t be able to serve tens of thousands of farmers in minutes.”

Notably, LLMs have been accused of showing racial bias due to training data that reflects society’s prejudices. Emata addresses these concerns by excluding demographic data from its scoring process. Its model takes only harvest records into account to determine credit allowances.

At the same time, Emata uses explainable models rather than generative AI. Explainable models allow humans to understand how the system came to a specific conclusion. This makes it possible to track every step of its decision-making process. Human oversight ensures fairness and inclusion.

A Final Look Into the Future

As the need for more efficient and sustainable lending methods continues to affect East Africa, Emata’s plan is to expand to Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia within the next two years, thanks to its cooperation with multinational agri companies. Through these AI-driven digital loans in Uganda, Emata works to advance financial inclusion and progress for low-income farmers, especially women, who were left behind by formal institutions and their unreachable lending requirements.

– Johanna Lorena Arredondo Gonzalez

Johanna is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Interviewee

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Green Skills in Sub-Saharan Africa: Powering Youth Employment

Green Skills in Sub-Saharan Africa: Powering Youth Employment Across Sub-Saharan Africa, rising youth unemployment and growing climate threats are intersecting challenges. However, green skills in Sub-Saharan Africa are emerging as a powerful solution. Many governments and training centers are helping young people gain practical abilities in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly construction, skills that create jobs while strengthening climate resilience.

Solar Training Creates New Pathways to Work

In Kenya, demand for clean energy is growing as solar capacity expands. The Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC) in Nairobi offers accredited training programs in solar photovoltaics, system maintenance and hands-on installation, contributing to the development of green skills in Sub-Saharan Africa. SERC reports that many of its trainees go on to work for solar firms or start small installation businesses, generating new employment opportunities. By giving youth tangible technical skills, this training supports Kenya’s clean-energy transition while reducing youth joblessness.

Climate-Smart Agriculture Boosts Farmer Incomes

Agriculture still underpins livelihoods across rural Sub-Saharan Africa, so green skills must address farming in a changing climate. In Rwanda, the Ministry of Agriculture supports climate-smart techniques such as drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation and improved soil management. Young farmers trained in these methods have reported higher yields and lower losses during extreme weather events. These green agricultural skills not only raise incomes but help build food-system resilience in regions vulnerable to climate shocks.

Youth Recycling Cooperatives and Eco-Construction

Waste management and recycling form another growth area for green jobs, helping expand green skills in Sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa, youth-led recycling programs are engaging young people in waste collection, sorting and recycling for income. A recent project by WasteAid in rural South Africa supported training for young people in the informal waste sector, boosting livelihoods and promoting circular-economy jobs. Research shows that waste and recycling value chains can provide meaningful employment pathways for youth, especially when paired with skills training. These initiatives illustrate how recycling can simultaneously tackle youth unemployment and environmental degradation.

Urban growth and climate imperatives are generating demand for building professionals trained in sustainable methods. Many African cities now require construction technicians versed in low-carbon materials, energy-efficient design and waste-minimizing practices. Training programs in sustainable construction equip young people to step into this gap, improving employment prospects while shaping cleaner infrastructure. These skills support broader green-economy transitions and help reduce emissions in construction.

Green Skills Deliver Early Success Stories

Across Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa, early outcomes show the promise of green upskilling. Solar technicians trained in Nairobi are servicing off-grid installations and rural clinics. In Rwanda, youth applying climate-smart farming methods have enhanced productivity and weather resilience. And in South Africa, youth recycling initiatives are converting waste into income and fostering circular-economic models.

These stories show how expanding green-skills development can cut poverty, boost local economic growth and empower young people as climate-solution leaders in their communities. By investing in green skills in Sub-Saharan Africa, policymakers, educators and development partners have an opportunity to deliver jobs, climate resilience and sustainable growth through a single, aligned strategy.

– Lucy Williams

Lucy is based in Wrexham, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Raising Wages for Cocoa Farmers in Latin America

Cocoa Farmers in Latin AmericaInvestors, entrepreneurs and government organizations in Latin America are investing in cocoa farmers, which is helping to reduce the number of farmers living in poverty. National Public Radio (NPR) found that around 60% of the people living in Chocó, Colombia, live below the poverty line. The Colombian government launched a program connected to the 2016 peace treaty ending the war. This government program pays farmers to stop coca production. More than 83,000 families have benefited from these payments.

At a press conference, post-conflict adviser Emilio Archila addressed funding challenges that may disrupt the program. Rural farmers often rely on the growth of illicit plants to make a living. As a result, Afro-Colombians and displaced people in the region face disparities in access to vital resources. Eliminating the cultivation of illicit coca plants would decrease rates of violence while providing a sustainable and safer way to earn a living.

Living Standards

Individuals like Joel Palacios, former Minister of the Interior, are dedicated to improving the living standards of underdeveloped areas where Afro-Colombians reside. The goal is to do this through a process of eliminating illicit farm products and replacing coca plants with cocoa trees. Adding nurseries throughout the country will decrease the number of farmers living in poverty. Currently, farmers in Chocó grow cacao that Palacios turns into chocolate bars. He sells the bars in the country’s capital, Bogotá.

With the aid of the National Cacao Producers Federation, Palacios aimed to gain knowledge of cocoa pod harvesting skills in western Colombia. His education provided farmers with training in modern agricultural methods. Later, Palacios founded a school and artisanal chocolate company in Bogotá, selling nearly 1,000 pounds of cacao each month and adding jobs and opportunities to succeed in cocoa farming with help from the Quibdó Municipal Association of Cacao Producers.

Reducing Poverty Through Fair Trade

Focusing on Fairtrade will impact poverty reduction among cocoa farmers by increasing wages, while families move above the poverty line. Their clients help farmers with supply chain needs through Fairtrade producer organizations. Fairtrade clients work with farmers, workers and consumers in other countries, paying premiums to obtain better working conditions and wage increases for laborers. Higher standards and premiums work toward protecting farmers’ human rights while providing a working environment without discriminatory practices. This business model is a more sustainable and ethical method for cocoa farming in Latin America.

Investing in Cocoa Farms in Brazil

Much of Brazil’s cocoa production comes from small farms that are unable to invest in agricultural development or use modern equipment. It is common for farmers to live in poverty due to low income. As a result, cocoa farmers lack the resources to grow their farms and escape poverty. Reuters reported that 80% of Brazil’s cocoa production comes from small-scale farmers with low income and efficiency.

With the creation of the Kawa fund, implemented by several Brazilian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), small cocoa farmers will be able to grow their farms with assistance from loans. Founders of the fund aim to raise $176 million by 2030. The Kawa fund’s initiatives provide farmers with access to fertilizer and farming equipment to scale their operations. Now that the Ivory Coast and Ghana are facing significant challenges with their cocoa supply, Latin America has gained business from clients searching for new cocoa suppliers. Reuters expands on the timing of the fund getting set in motion:

“The fund’s launch comes at a critical time for the industry, as top producers Ivory Coast and Ghana have suffered crop losses due to adverse weather, bean disease, smuggling and reduced plantations in favor of illegal gold mining, sending cocoa prices upward.”

The Future of Cocoa Farmers

Despite challenges in the industry, recent innovations in cocoa farming are promoting poverty reduction efforts in developing countries in Latin America. Indeed, Colombia has a major role in the successful operation of supply chains and is currently one of the top producers of cocoa globally. Furthermore,  significant progress for farmers has been achieved with the implementation of sustainable farming methods and financial investments, resulting in increased wages for cocoa farmers in Latin America. 

– Lala McCullough

Lala is based in Brentwood, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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AI in Latin America’s Agriculture

AI in Agriculture in Latin AmericaLatin America’s farmers are grappling with climate extremes that threaten crop yields and food security. In this region, 74% of countries are highly exposed to droughts, floods and other weather disasters that reduce agricultural productivity and disrupt food supplies. Nearly 28% of the population faces food insecurity, underscoring an urgent need to boost farm resilience.

To tackle these challenges, farmers and innovators across Latin America are turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI). New tools, ranging from predictive analytics and precision irrigation to image recognition and decision-support apps, are helping producers forecast their harvests, optimize resource use and increase yields. By leveraging data on climate, soil and crops, AI in Latin America’s agriculture offers a promising path to grow more food with fewer resources in the face of the changing climate.

Data-Driven Farming in Brazil Improves Yields

In Brazil, agri-tech startup Agrosmart is pioneering the use of AI to make farming more predictable and climate-smart. Launched in 2014, Agrosmart now supports more than 100,000 farmers across Latin America with real-time data on weather and soil conditions. The platform integrates on-farm sensors, satellite imagery and machine learning to guide decisions at every step of cultivation, from optimal seed planting dates to targeted irrigation and fertilizer use.

According to Agrosmart’s founders, this data-driven approach can reduce water usage by up to 60% and energy costs by 20%, while helping farmers maintain healthy yields. By adopting such AI analytics, growers are better able to anticipate weather patterns and crop needs, rather than relying on traditional almanacs or guesswork.

Agrosmart’s success reflects a wider digital revolution on Latin America’s farms. AI-powered decision tools are increasingly common, from drones that monitor crop health to smart cameras that identify weeds for precision herbicide spraying. These technologies boost productivity by detecting issues early and optimizing field management.

For example, Puerto Rico-based startup TerraFirma uses AI analysis of satellite images to forecast environmental risks like upcoming storms, crop diseases or soil erosion. By predicting such threats in advance, farmers can take preventive steps to protect their harvests. Overall, AI analytics are enabling Latin American producers to boost yields and reduce losses through more informed, proactive farm management.

“With the world’s population expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, technologies like AI are humanity’s best hope for sustainable food production,” notes Agrosmart CEO Mariana Vasconcelos.

Precision Irrigation From Argentina to Chile

Water is another critical focus for AI in agriculture. Farms consume about 70% of global freshwater and up to 90% in developing countries. In drought-prone parts of Latin America, conserving water while keeping crops productive is a top priority.

Argentine startup Kilimo has risen to this challenge with an AI-powered irrigation management platform. Kilimo’s system analyzes data from satellites, weather forecasts and soil sensors to tell farmers when and how much to irrigate for optimal crop growth. By using machine learning to predict each crop’s water needs, the platform acts like a “smart irrigation advisor,” sending recommendations via an app or SMS even to remote fields.

This allows farmers to give crops enough water for top yields without waste. In practice, farmers using Kilimo have reduced their water consumption by up to 20% while maintaining (or even boosting) their yields. Over the past two years, Kilimo’s tool has helped save an estimated 72 billion liters of water (about 19 billion gallons) across several countries. The company now operates in seven Latin American nations, including Argentina, Mexico and Chile, reaching more than 2,000 farmers with its water-saving AI recommendations.

The impact of precision irrigation is best demonstrated in central Chile. In the Biobío region, an area facing seasonal water stress, farmers adopted smart irrigation systems equipped with IoT soil-moisture sensors. According to Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture, these data-driven systems precisely determine when and how much to water each crop, avoiding over-irrigation.

The results have been striking: farms using smart irrigation in Biobío cut water usage by up to 30%, yet saw crop yields increase by as much as 20% thanks to more efficient water delivery. This finding, echoed by the Inter-American Development Bank, shows that better water management directly translates into higher productivity. In addition, pumping less water saves energy and costs, a win-win for farmers’ finances and the environment.

Precision irrigation guided by AI is thus helping Latin American growers produce more food with less water. This innovation bolsters food security in increasingly dry growing conditions.

AI in Latin America’s Agriculture

Beyond climate and water management, AI-driven tools are improving many aspects of crop monitoring and harvest planning. In Chile, researchers at the University of Bío-Bío have developed an AI system using drones and image recognition to assist blueberry farmers. Drones periodically fly over the blueberry fields, capturing multispectral images of the plants at each growth stage.

An AI model analyzes these images and delivers real-time data via a mobile app, showing farmers the ripeness of their fruit across the field. This allows growers to pinpoint the optimal harvest time, ensuring berries are picked at peak maturity for quality and yield. The same system can automatically detect early signs of problems, alerting farmers to pest infestations or frost damage on the crop before those threats spread.

By acting as a constant set of “eyes” on the field, such AI vision technology helps farmers make faster, better-informed decisions that protect yields and reduce post-harvest losses. Similarly, other Latin American producers are using smartphone apps and sensors as digital field assistants. These range from apps that identify crop diseases from a photo to automated warning systems that activate when weather conditions favor a potential pest outbreak.

The Broader Impact

Each of these tools adds a layer of resilience for small farmers, who can respond to challenges in real time rather than suffer surprise crop failures. Crucially, these innovations contribute to a more secure food supply. Higher yields and efficient practices mean more stable production of staples like grains, fruits and vegetables.

Smart farming also promotes sustainability by minimizing inputs like water, fertilizers and chemicals, which helps preserve the natural resources that agriculture depends on. Development experts point out that embracing technology and climate-smart innovation is key to safeguarding Latin America’s agricultural future. A 2025 Inter-American Development Bank report highlighted digital agriculture as a tool to “improve yields and efficiency, protect natural capital and unlock the potential for a competitive, resilient development” in the region.

Governments and NGOs are increasingly partnering with tech firms to expand these solutions. These efforts range from national AI agriculture strategies to pilot programs that bring low-cost farm sensors to rural communities. With supportive policies and training, even more farmers can adopt AI-based services to enhance their productivity.

Final Remarks

The rise of AI in Latin America’s agriculture offers hopeful evidence that the region can meet its food security challenges through innovation. From Brazil’s big data platforms to Argentina’s water-saving apps and Chile’s smart irrigation networks, each success story represents a step toward a more predictable and plentiful harvest. Of course, scaling up these technologies to benefit smallholder farmers across diverse geographies remains a task ahead.

Nonetheless, as Latin America stands on the brink of this agricultural tech revolution, experts are optimistic. By carefully and inclusively implementing AI solutions, the region can cultivate a more sustainable and food-secure future. In the face of climate uncertainty, AI in Latin America’s agriculture is empowering farmers to not only predict their harvests but also to improve them, season after season.

– Elena Cárdenas

Elena is based in Monterrey, Mexico and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr