Archive for category: Agriculture

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Solar Water Pumps in Nepal: A Lifeline for Farmers

Solar-Powered Water Pumps in Nepal: A Lifeline for Farmers Solar-powered water pumps in Nepal are transforming rural farming communities by providing reliable irrigation and clean water access, boosting incomes and resilience against climate challenges. In a country where the population relies on agriculture, these innovative systems help smallholder farmers overcome water scarcity, increase crop yields and escape poverty traps.

Empowering Farmers with Sustainable Irrigation

Amongst remote Himalayan foothills and arid plains, solar-powered water pumps in Nepal are enabling farmers to irrigate fields efficiently without relying on costly diesel or unreliable electricity. For instance, in Shikharpur village, a solar pump installed by Renewable World delivers 40,000 liters of water daily to about 120 households and a school. This has allowed farmers like Daley Sarki to grow vegetables year-round, doubling her income through market sales and additional off-season crops like tomatoes and cauliflowers.

These pumps also promote efficient water use through training on techniques like growing produce under plastic sheets, fostering long-term sustainability. By reducing the time spent fetching water — previously up to three hours daily — women farmers can take on secondary jobs, enhancing household economic stability.

Boosting Incomes and Community Resilience

Solar-powered water pumps in Nepal are not only cutting costs but also creating new revenue streams for farmers. In Madhesh Province, Renu Devi Sah replaced her diesel pump with a 1.425-kilowatt solar system, slashing daily irrigation expenses from NPR 3,875 to just NPR 265. She now supplies water to eight neighboring farms at affordable rates, while expanding her own cultivation to include high-value vegetables like cauliflower and onions. Similarly, Jitendra Das in Janakpurdham uses his solar pump for a fish hatchery, saving 60% on water costs over five years and planning to supply fingerlings to local farmers.

These initiatives, supported by organizations like the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) and funded through the Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund (SECF), emphasize commercial viability and social impact. By integrating microfinance loans with technical assistance, they empower marginalized groups, particularly women, to achieve financial independence.

Addressing Climate Challenges with Eco-Friendly Solutions

Amid erratic rainfall and droughts exacerbated by climate change, solar-powered water pumps in Nepal are proving vital in regions like Bajhang and Bajura. Practical Action’s installations lift water from rivers to reservoirs, supplying multi-use systems for irrigation, drinking and livestock. Farmer Tek Bahadur Thapa reports sufficient water for year-round crops, enabling him to expand apple orchards and improve family nutrition.

These systems reduce drudgery, especially for women who once trekked hours for water and promote environmental sustainability by avoiding diesel emissions. Community-managed “Pay for Water” schemes ensure maintenance, while avoiding overextraction through efficient designs. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) highlights Nepal’s high solar potential — up to 2,100 MW for grid and off-grid use — making these pumps a scalable solution for poverty reduction.

Global Lessons and Expanding Impact

Drawing from successful models in countries like Yemen and Australia, solar-powered water pumps in Nepal demonstrate how renewable technology can replace burdensome diesel systems. In Yemen, farmers like Mufrih Saleh have adopted solar pumps to irrigate 405,000 acres, cutting fuel dependency amid shortages. Nepal’s efforts, backed by the World Bank, focus on groundwater governance to prevent overuse while promoting adoption in the Eastern Gangetic Plains.

The World Bank’s initiatives emphasize subsidies for small farmers and awareness of efficient water management, ensuring equitable access. With partnerships involving AEPC, Practical Action and international funders like the British government, these pumps are building drought resilience and fostering inclusive growth.

Looking Ahead

As solar-powered water pumps in Nepal continue to expand, they offer a beacon of hope for millions, turning climate vulnerabilities into opportunities for prosperity. By harnessing the sun’s energy, farmers are not only securing their livelihoods but also paving the way for a more resilient, poverty-free future.

– Robert Darke

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

Photo: Pexels

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Climate-Resilient Farming in Vietnam

Climate-Resilient Farming in VietnamIn Vietnam’s low-lying Mekong Delta, saltwater intrusion, soil erosion and desertification threaten rice yields, the main income source for millions of smallholder farmers. This reality affects more than 15 million smallholder farmers, 59% living on less than $3.10 per day.

This situation underscores the urgent need for this simple, native and accessible innovation: natural cultivation of coastal mangroves acting as natural barriers against storms and saltwater, protecting valuable clay-rich soils.

Battling Climate Threats in the Mekong Delta

In the low-lying Mekong Delta of Vietnam, climate-resilient farming initiatives use nature-based solutions (NbS) to stabilize and enrich farmland. These include restoring coastal mangroves and planting legume-rich forest strips. Coastal mangroves form a natural barrier against storms and saltwater, preventing the loss of the clay-rich soils that rice plants require.

Inland, reforestation with legumes replenishes nitrogen in the soil and slows desertification, ensuring farmland stays fertile over time. Together, these measures create a more stable agricultural environment without reliance on expensive chemical inputs.

Harnessing the Power of Mangroves and Agroforestry

Climate-resilient farming in Vietnam tackles two linked problems. On farmland, agroforestry and legume plantings improve soil structure and nitrogen availability, helping rehabilitate degraded plots and reverse early stages of desertification. These practices keep soils fertile without relying solely on expensive chemical fertilizers.

A meta-analysis found that flower strips increase natural pest control services by about 16% on average in adjacent cropped fields. Compared with other integrated measures, broader agroecological approaches reduce disease and pest incidence. These effects are typically more substantial where habitat patches are larger and better connected.

Rodents cause significant pre-harvest losses in Southeast Asian rice; conservative estimates put regional losses at around 5% or roughly 16 million tonnes. Studies show that complex landscapes with more non-crop habitats like hedgerows, wetlands and forests support natural predators, boosting pest control in rice fields.

Coastal mangroves and wetlands create habitats that support native predators, like waterbirds, snakes and carnivores, which help control rodent populations. Studies show that preserving or restoring these habitats reduces rodent outbreaks compared to simplified landscapes. In addition, the high-energy biomass of the mangrove forests is often seen as native animal feed. This is a perfect symbiosis, since more than 50% of the farmers, in addition to rice cultivation, also conduct livestock farming.

Real-Life Success Stories From Coastal Communities

In southern Vietnam, mangrove restoration has been used to alleviate poverty and diversify income sources. Approximately 8,000 households received land leases and improved access to infrastructure such as schools, roads and health care services. The restoration led to a 209–789% increase in yields of mussels and oysters per hectare. The direct economic benefit for selected communities ranged between approximately $344,000 and $6.7 million.

Furthermore, mangrove restoration reduced dike damage from similar typhoons by approximately $80,000 to $295,000, demonstrating mangroves’ important role in protecting rural areas. While exact studies on poverty reduction are still lacking, the proven effectiveness of this technology is clear. Mangrove restoration offers accessible, practical benefits that directly support vulnerable communities facing extreme poverty and climate risks. This freely available solution holds great promise to improve lives where needed most.

Scaling Up NbS for a Resilient Future

Between 1999 and 2013, nearly 9,000 hectares of mangroves were planted and protected across almost 100 Vietnam coastal communities. This effort directly benefited 350,000 people, with indirect benefits reaching another 2 million along Vietnam’s coast.

From 1978 to 1998, Vietnam restored about 1,500 km² (150,000 ha) of mangrove forests in the Mekong Delta. Also, between 2015 and 2020, approximately 27,322 hectares (around 34.1%) of mangroves were successfully restored through state- and NGO-funded projects. This restoration increased the total mangrove area from 79,593 hectares to 90,777 hectares.

Despite challenges like funding and climate pressures, mangrove restoration offers tremendous opportunities for ecological and community benefits. With growing awareness and collaborative efforts, more sustainable and resilient projects are emerging. These initiatives showcase the powerful potential of NbS to protect both people and the environment for the long term. This project is now serving as a model for similar programs across Southeast Asia.

– Alexander Broermann

Alexander is based in Frankfurt, Germany and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Cocoa Blockchain in Ghana: Technology Tracks Supply Chains

Cocoa Blockchain in GhanaEvery cocoa bean leaving a farm in Ghana can now be tracked through a digital ledger that all authorized supply chain participants can view. This cocoa blockchain in Ghana allows farmers, cooperatives, exporters and retailers to verify cocoa products’ origin, ethical sourcing and fair compensation. This creates a level of transparency and trust that has never existed before.

Cocoa Blockchain in Ghana

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), through the Global Quality and Standards Project (GQSP), is leading a project for cocoa blockchain in Ghana. They aim to explore how blockchain technology can improve transparency, traceability and sustainability in the cocoa supply chain.

Through funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implementation with Supply Chain Information Management B.V. (SIM), the project assesses the readiness of Ghana’s cocoa value chain to adopt blockchain. It maps key transactions and identifies potential challenges and benefits.

By securely recording and sharing data across the network, blockchain enables real-time monitoring of provenance, quality, environmental compliance and social standards from Ghanaian farmers to European chocolate producers.

In the long run, this digital infrastructure has the potential to attract investment, expand access to global markets and equip Ghana’s cocoa sector to compete more effectively in an increasingly sustainability-driven economy.

Ghana Coca Sector

Ghana’s cocoa and agriculture sectors are a big deal, employing some 800,000 farm families in Ghana and generating some $2 billion in foreign exchange annually. The sector makes up much of Ghana’s gross domestic product (GDP). Issues like fraud, unethical sourcing and a lack of supply chain transparency still plague this thriving industry, jeopardizing fair farmer compensation and hurting Ghana’s reputation abroad.

By establishing an unchangeable, transparent ledger that records every step of production, guarantees that farmers receive payments, confirms moral labor practices and lowers fraud through real-time traceability, blockchain technology solves these problems.

Blockchain for Fair Cocoa Trade

European retailers and chocolate manufacturers are investing in blockchain to verify sustainable sourcing. This ensures that premiums for certified, high-quality cocoa reach the right farmers. Indeed, the goal is to improve incomes and support living wages.

The pilot represents a first milestone in applying blockchain to Ghana’s cocoa sector. It builds on more than a decade of UNIDO-supported quality infrastructure and trade capacity projects. Additionally, it is laying the foundation for scaling digital traceability, empowering smallholder farmers and promoting ethical sourcing.

Conclusion

As a cocoa blockchain in Ghana becomes embraced, the benefits extend far beyond technology. Smallholder farmers can receive fairer compensation and increased sales by creating stronger transparency and reliability of ethically sourced cocoa from Ghana. Chocolate companies (especially European ones with stronger ties to Ghana’s cocoa products) can buy more reliably from Ghanaian farmers. Furthermore, consumers will be happy to have that stronger trust and transparency in sourcing the chocolate they enjoy.

– Isaac Nelson

Isaac is based in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Recycling Human Waste In Biochar to Diminish Fertilizer Shortage

BiocharWith farmers across the globe facing growing prices and increasing inaccessibility to fertilizer, labor representatives like the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) have warned their public officials of said resource and distribution complications. Many farmers’ economic climate uncertainty is mainly rooted in geopolitical tensions. The availability of components such as phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen has reduced, increasing the price of the internationally manufactured fertilizers that farmers rely on.

Many farmers in developed nations such as China and the United States have been disproportionately affected by the current global trade crisis. In June 2024, China implemented new restrictions on fertilizer exports, including a significant reduction in urea exports by 83% compared to the previous year, solidifying the existing imbalance in the world’s trade economy. Many farmers in developing nations without access to Urea-Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) or other nitrogen-based fertilizers grapple with tighter supplies. They are forced to reevaluate spending as uncertainty rises.

Human Waste and Biochar: How it’s Manufactured

Morocco, Russia, China, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia are the five countries that dominate the phosphate market, in turn, steadily taking control of fertilizer accessibility to global trade partners. Although this economic system has been reliable in the past, depletion of attainable resources and market tensions have made agricultural production less feasible. However, new studies on agricultural advancements have emerged, bringing attention to an innovative solution to reducing fertilizer shortages.

While not the most flattering topic, human waste may be an international golden ticket to making fertilizer more accessible for farmers. Studies have shown that human excrements can be applied annually to 15% of phosphorus, 25% of potassium and 17% of nitrogen in biochar fertilizer. If acted on, biochar could begin mitigating agricultural failures in developing nations by introducing a more accessible way to obtain fertilizer.

Biochar fertilizer is a soil amendment made from heating organic solids (or even fluids) at very high temperatures with negligible oxygen, creating a fertilizer that improves soil structure. Although the biochar process converts only solids, nutrients taken from urine could be added. Compared to treated sewage, researchers can separate waste at the source from harmful microplastics, heavy metals, PFAS, pathogens and pharmaceuticals in biochar fertilizer. On top of the many beneficiaries, biochar can have its nutritional proportions altered depending on the needs of the individual crop, increasing its versatility across all types of farmland.

What it Could Lead to

Among the leading benefits for farmers and product growth in farmland, biochar is one of the most innovative solutions against climate instability caused by agriculture. As agriculture and related land use account for 25% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, biochar is starting to be considered a promising alternative to reducing this percentage.

Studies estimate that the process of manufacturing biochar removes up to 90% of human waste, improving the efficiency of transportation. In addition, the production acts as a carbon sink, removing its man-made excess from the atmosphere. As humanity faces an uncertain future in its relationship with ecological sustainability, taking the first steps toward a green transition, such as the global adoption of biochar fertilizer from human waste within a circular economy, can benefit countless communities.

– Sam Barbagallo

Sam is based in Tewksbury, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Camel Milk in Somalia is Boosting the Economy

Camel milk in somaliaSomalia continues to experience civil unrest. Its economy is primarily linked to livestock in agriculture. Livestock contributes about 40% to GDP and more than 50% of export earnings. Somalia has what’s referred to as a “low-income African Horn economy.” The more than 30 years of war and environmental instability have made it hard for the country to get back on its feet financially. However, the more than seven million camels that Somalia has in its borders are starting to change that.

Camels have always been at the center of Somalia’s exports. Now, thanks to a growing industry of camel milk and its benefits to humans, the people of Somalia are using these camels to boost the economy and fight malnutrition.

Production

Before, only a fraction of the country’s seven million camels were used for urban grocery stores. Now, in the outskirts of Mogadishu, there’s been a shift in production thanks to Dr. Abdirisak Mire Hashi, a veterinarian and Beder Camel Farm’s manager. He has been at the center of this production, both preserving heritage and supporting the progress that the country has been experiencing.

Each camel at the farm now produces up to 10 liters of milk per day, two times more than what traditional farmers got. The increase is directly related to new investments in veterinary care, better feed and modern milking practices. On routine, the camels have a check-up and take their nutritional supplement, a very different practice than the free-roaming camels as seen a decade ago.

The biggest change is the yogurt factory, the first of its kind in Somalia. The factory has created hundreds of much-needed jobs for the country.

Camel Milk Benefits

There has consistently been an uptick in people demanding camel milk in Somalia. It has exploded in popularity for many reasons, but the main reason is its health benefits:

  • Rich in lactoferrin and immunoglobulins.
  • Contains properties similar to colostrum.
  • Provides protein, potassium and healthy fats.
  • Excellent source of calcium and vitamin B1.

Camel milk yogurt is just as nutritious as cow’s milk. It offers a low-lactose alternative that remains rich in vitamins and minerals. This product could provide Somalia with a much-needed public health boost that may help ease the country’s malnutrition crisis.

Modern camel milk production is transforming agriculture. It is changing the way that farmers go about their livestock.

The Future

The Somali government is hoping more people will invest in this growing industry. Camel milk offers countless benefits and rising productivity could transform Somalia’s future. With the introduction of a Dairy Act and a livestock sector development strategy, the country is laying the groundwork for lasting change.

The Beder Camel Farm holds 40% of Somalia’s camel milk market. It continues to lead the way toward a more camel milk-focused future. The people of Somalia see the potential of this investment and they are hopeful for where it takes the country.

– Avery Carl

Avery is based in Norfolk, NE, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Urban Vertical Farming in Nairobi: Fighting Poverty in Kenya

vertical farming in nairobiIn the bustling heart of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, some of the world’s most densely populated slums — Kibera and Mathare — are home to a quiet agricultural revolution. Here, where space is scarce and poverty deep, residents have turned to innovative urban vertical farming techniques to grow food, generate income, and build stronger communities.

Growing Food in Tight Spaces

Traditional farming is impossible in the cramped alleyways and makeshift housing of Nairobi’s slums, but residents have found a creative solution: sack gardening. This method involves filling sacks with soil and organic waste, then growing leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and amaranth vertically on rooftops, balconies, and even along fences. These “vertical gardens” maximize limited space, requiring only a few square feet to feed a family.

Thanks to support from local NGOs and government programs, more than a thousand residents across Kibera’s villages have adopted sack farming. The approach is also resilient, relying on irrigation rather than rainfall, which makes year-round production possible despite inconsistent water access.

More Than Just Food

Vertical farming in the slums of Nairobi does more than reduce hunger. Surplus produce is sold at local markets, generating crucial income for families living on just a few dollars a day. For many young people, particularly in areas like Mathare, these farms offer an alternative to crime and gang involvement. Organizations such as Vision Bearerz, started by former gang members, have transformed abandoned spaces into hydroponic farms that supply fresh food and jobs while promoting peace.

Women play a leading role in this movement, often spearheading rooftop gardens and small-scale hydroponic projects. Their efforts empower households with better nutrition and financial stability, contributing to broader social change in these marginalized communities.

Building Resilience and Opportunity

Urban vertical farming also addresses critical environmental challenges. The techniques reduce dependence on unpredictable rainfall and make efficient use of scarce water through irrigation and wastewater recycling.

Moreover, the skills and entrepreneurship fostered by these farming projects could open doors to new economic opportunities. Youth gain knowledge in sustainable agriculture, business management, and community organizing—building a foundation for long-term poverty alleviation.

A Model for the Future

Vertical farming in Nairobi offers a hopeful blueprint for other rapidly urbanizing cities facing food insecurity and poverty. By transforming rooftops and small plots into productive farms, communities are reclaiming control over their nutrition and livelihoods. With continued support from local governments, NGOs, and social entrepreneurs, this grassroots agricultural revolution could scale across Kenya and beyond, nourishing not only bodies but also spirits.

– Meagan Beaver

Meagan is based in Zephyrhills, FL, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Sustainable Farming in Bihar: Bridging the Poverty Gap

Sustainable Farming in BiharThe Sophia Akash Foundation (SAF), in partnership with nonprofit organization PRADAN, is addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable women farmers in Bihar, India. Founded in 2010, SAF aims to combat poverty in underserved and rural communities through collaboration and social impact.

In March 2023, the foundation joined forces with PRADAN to empower women in Bihar with knowledge, tools and resources. The partnership focused on improving traditional farming methods through more sustainable, climate-resilient practices.

Agriculture in Bihar

Bihar, known for its fertile land and rich natural resources, relies heavily on agriculture, which employs about 76% of the state’s population. However, many farmers still rely on ineffective traditional farming practices that use harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides to sustain their livelihoods.

The growing impact of climate instability, including unpredictable rainfall, droughts and extreme temperatures, has made it even harder for farming communities to earn a stable income and support their families.

Why Women Farmers Matter

This joint initiative focuses on women in rural areas, who often lack access to the necessary tools, agricultural training, support and financial resources. According to SAF founder Shailendra Patel, initial research showed that empowering women empowers communities.

“If you enable the female members of these households, there is empirical evidence that because of maternal instincts, they are going to use that transfer of knowledge, tools and resources to improve the circumstances of their family and children,” Patel said. “They are likely to do that with greater consideration than the male household members.”

Training for Sustainable Farming

The initiative addresses ineffective farming practices in several ways. It trains women farmers in sustainable techniques such as climate-resilient greenhouses and drip irrigation. These methods protect crops during erratic weather conditions. They also increase both harvest size and crop quality.

The hands-on training covers land preparation, seed selection, bio-fertilizer preparation, water conservation, crop diversification and greenhouse management. These skills create a strong foundation for more resilient and productive farming methods.

“Through the transfer of knowledge and sharing of tools, means and resources with these communities will help them to progress on their journey out of poverty,” Patel said.

Success Story

This shift from traditional practices to sustainable farming in Bihar has already shown positive results, including healthier soils, improved harvest and reduced vulnerability to extreme weather conditions. Among the program’s early success stories is Sheetal, a local participant who began cultivating saplings through the Climate-Resilient Farming Program.

With training and support, she established a small nursery business that supplies saplings to other farmers in her village. This has diversified her income sources and positioned her as an entrepreneur, while uplifting her village community.

Along with empowering women in leadership roles in their villages, this program has contributed to greater food security, reduced input costs and more stable incomes through sustainable farming in Bihar.

“Empowering women benefits the families, communities and households,” Patel stated. “We need to find ways to lift the women to some form of equitable status in their families, give them agency in their families and knowledge with which they can make decisions.”

– Sahana Shastry

Sahana is based in Newtown Square, PA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Urban Farming in Lebanon is Combating Food Insecurity

urban farming in lebanonFood insecurity has become one of Lebanon’s most pressing challenges. Years of economic collapse, political instability and rising global commodity prices have left millions struggling to access basic nutrition. Estimates show that 42% of the population faced high acute food insecurity in early 2023. This crisis is especially severe in urban areas like Tripoli, where high population density, unemployment and reliance on expensive imports leave communities vulnerable to market shocks. In the Shalfeh neighbourhood of Abou Samra, a new initiative is addressing this challenge through a solution rooted in sustainability, urban farming.

Changing the System

Launched by U.N.-Habitat and funded by the Government of Japan, the Al-Marjeh project integrates food production, renewable energy and clean water access to strengthen community resilience and combat Lebanon’s food insecurity.

The program has trained 100 women and 50 youth in planting, harvesting, composting, packaging and marketing. Participants gain both technical knowledge and business skills, enabling them to produce and sell fresh produce locally.

To support this shift, the project has installed renewable energy systems and water filtration units in two public schools and a health dispensary, benefiting the residents. These improvements enhance hygiene facilities, reduce the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and ensure sustainable access to clean water – an essential component of urban agriculture.

Reducing Poverty and Building Livelihoods

The Al-Marjeh project’s benefits extend beyond the harvest. Many graduates have received agricultural toolkits to continue production at home, reducing household food costs while generating income from surplus sales. Others have joined cash-for-work initiatives, expanding cultivation on larger plots and strengthening local food supply chains.

For residents, the training has been transformative. By learning to grow their own crops, citizens have reduced reliance on expensive imported vegetables and built more stable income streams. Examples like Omar, a young participant, who now applies his training to community gardens and helps neighbours adopt sustainable cultivation techniques, highlight the transformative impact.

This impact reflects a broader trend: urban farming fosters self-reliance, reduces dependency on volatile markets and creates spaces for community cooperation that works together to reverse Lebanon’s food insecurity. By linking food production directly to urban residents, the initiative could shorten supply chains, reduces transportation costs and improve access to fresh produce in neighbourhoods that have long relied on limited and costly imports.

Long-Term Development Impact

Urban farming in Lebanon is also a climate resilience strategy. With arable land scarce and extreme weather patterns intensifying environmental pressures, localized farming offers a way to meet food needs sustainably. The Al-Marjeh project promotes water-efficient irrigation and composting practices, reducing environmental strain while maintaining productivity.

U.N.-Habitat highlights that these projects strengthen social cohesion by involving diverse community members in collective goals. The combination of environmental sustainability, economic opportunity and improved nutrition provides a blueprint for scaling similar initiatives in other urban centres facing similar issues as Lebanon’s food insecurity.

Looking Ahead

As Lebanon continues to navigate overlapping economic and political crises, urban farming offers a practical and empowering response. By equipping residents with the skills, resources and infrastructure to produce their own food, projects like Al-Marjeh reduce vulnerability to external shocks and lay the foundation for inclusive, sustainable growth. In Tripoli’s Shalfeh neighbourhood, a simple idea—growing food locally—is helping build a more resilient future.

– Thomas Finighan

Thomas is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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India’s Forest Rights Act: A Tribal Village’s Success Story

India's Forest Rights ActIndia’s economic growth has lifted millions out of poverty, yet rural and indigenous communities continue to face deep-rooted inequalities. The 2006 Forest Rights Act aimed to address historical injustices by granting land rights to tribal communities, though its impact has been uneven. Pachgaon, a small village in Maharashtra, stands out as a success story. By securing legal rights to their forest land, villagers transformed their economy through a community-run bamboo business—showing how legal recognition and collective action can drive sustainable, inclusive development.

Poverty in India

India, with a population of 1.4 billion, remains a nation of contrasts. About 66% of its people live in rural areas and despite economic growth, 13% still survive on less than $1.90 a day. However, progress is evident—80% of adults now have bank accounts and 92% of children complete primary school, reflecting improved access to financial services and education. Yet, gender disparities persist, with women making up only 20% of the formal workforce, highlighting the ongoing need for more inclusive economic participation.

India’s significant reduction in extreme poverty over the past decade reflects both effective policy interventions and sustained economic growth. The dramatic decline from 16.2% to 2.3% in the national poverty rate—particularly the strong improvements in rural areas—highlights the country’s success in lifting millions out of the harshest conditions. Moreover, the narrowing gap between rural and urban poverty rates suggests a more balanced development approach, helping bridge long-standing regional disparities. While challenges remain, the progress so far offers a strong foundation for further inclusive and equitable growth.

India’s Forest Rights Act

The Forest Rights Act, passed in 2006, is a landmark piece of legislation in India that recognizes the rights of indigenous communities to claim ownership of federally-owned forest land they have traditionally inhabited and depended on. It aims to correct historical injustices by granting legal land titles to forest dwellers who have lived in and protected these areas for generations. 

The Residents of Pachgaon

One community that continues to benefit from the law is the residents of Pachgaon in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Pachgaon’s transformation from a struggling village to a thriving forest-based enterprise is an example of how India’s Forest Rights Act can be successfully implemented. After generations of dispossession under colonial and state control, the local Gond adivasi community used the law to reclaim ownership of 1,006 hectares of forest land in 2012. While many indigenous communities remained unaware of their rights or faced bureaucratic resistance, Pachgaon’s residents—supported by local activists like Vijay Dethe—persistently pursued their claim. Once they secured legal forest rights, the village launched a community-run bamboo business under a gram sabha model, rejecting hierarchy in favor of collective decision-making. 

The Outcome

Pachgaon’s bamboo enterprise has become a cornerstone of the village’s economic revival, generating a profit of 34 million rupees (approximately $400,000) over the past decade—equivalent to around $41,000 per year. This community-run business, established after villagers secured legal rights to 2,500 acres of forest, not only provides steady employment but has also stemmed the tide of migration to urban centers like Gujarat and Karnataka.

Managed democratically by a gram sabha, the profits are reinvested into the community—supporting education, infrastructure and the purchase of additional land for expansion. Even during monsoon seasons, when bamboo harvesting halts, the funds serve to maintain employment through local development projects, ensuring the preservation of economic stability and cultural roots.

The profits have not only provided stable incomes and reduced migration but also funded local development projects, including infrastructure, education and land purchases for business expansion. Pachgaon’s success highlights the transformative power of legal recognition, local leadership and shared ownership in restoring both livelihoods and dignity to tribal communities.

Looking Ahead

While India still faces challenges in achieving equity and full participation for all, examples like Pachgaon demonstrate how legal empowerment and grassroots action can lead to sustainable, locally driven development. As the country continues to grow, scaling such successes could be key to ensuring that progress reaches even its most marginalized citizens.

– Phoebe Guildford

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

Photo: Flickr

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New Agricultural Technology Helping Rwandans

Agricultural Technology Helping RwandansRwanda, a small, landlocked country in Eastern Africa, faces substantial socioeconomic challenges. According to the World Bank, 63.8% of its 14 million people live in poverty. Among the most pressing issues is food insecurity, which remains a critical concern across the country. Government data indicate that 20.6% of the population is food insecure, while the World Food Programme (WFP) reports that “nearly a third of children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition.”

Rwanda naturally has very fertile terrain due to its nutrient-rich volcanic soil. By many estimates, more than half of the country’s land is arable. However, despite this advantage, the country imports a significant amount of food. Foodstuffs account for more than 20% of all imports into Rwanda. To address food insecurity, Rwanda needs to better capitalize on its arable land and increase domestic food production. This makes innovations in agricultural technology, helping Rwandans increasingly vital for sustainable development.

Sustainable Agricultural Technology in Action

One way Rwandans are addressing food insecurity is through the adoption of a new sustainable agricultural technology called Juncao. Developed at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China, Juncao technology involves using chopped grass to cultivate edible mushrooms that both humans and livestock can consume. This method is not only more affordable but also more environmentally friendly compared to traditional mushroom farming techniques that are wood-based instead.

Since its development, Juncao has spread to more than 100 countries, including Rwanda, where it is helping to improve food security and sustainable farming practices. This form of agricultural technology helping Rwandans has been widely supported by the Chinese government under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a vast infrastructure and development strategy aimed at enhancing global connectivity, trade and cooperation across Eurasia, Africa and Latin America.

Impact of Agricultural Technology

Juncao technology has proven highly beneficial in Rwanda, where it is affectionately known as “the happiness herb.” The new agricultural technology’s introduction has been a collaborative effort between local Rwandan government officials and experts from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. As of 2025, Juncao has reached more than 4,000 Rwandan farmers and has generated thousands more jobs across the agricultural value chain.

Juncao technology has also been introduced into schools as a way to improve the diets of Rwandan children. The mushrooms grown using this method are rich in nutrients comparable to those found in meat, yet are significantly more affordable. This makes it possible for children to receive essential nutrients even when families cannot afford animal-based protein, contributing to better health and development outcomes among school-aged children. By showcasing agricultural technology that supports Rwandans at both household and institutional levels, projects like Juncao are paving the way for a healthier and more food-secure population.

Looking Ahead

Introducing nutritious, affordable foods such as Juncao mushrooms into schools improves children’s health and encourages higher attendance. Reliable, healthy meals help students stay in school, focus in class and perform better academically. Higher educational attainment can open a path out of poverty, equipping the next generation with the skills and opportunities to build more resilient, self-sufficient communities.

– William Brentani

William is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash