Archive for category: Developing Countries

Information and stories about developing countries.

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Food Systems in Costa Rica: Advancing Nutrition Accessibility

Food Systems in Costa RicaCosta Rica is a hotspot of global biodiversity, containing 5% to 6% of all estimated species life on Earth despite being only 51,100 sq km (19,730 sq mi), or 0.03% of the world’s landmass. Bordered by Nicaragua and Panama, it in fact ranks third among the smallest countries in Central America, leaving the country little to work with.

Costa Rica was traditionally an agrarian export-based economy, supplying coffee, bananas and cocoa to countries around the world. However, from private-public industry diversification and policy adaptation leveraging Free Trade Zones, it is now has become one of Latin America’s largest high-value services and high-tech manufacturing providers. In short, Costa Rica is very different from the narrative one might expect. It is a modernized powerhouse, featuring growing population density, declining birth rates, steady immigration inflow and a population overwhelmingly concentrated in urban areas. It is a competitive high-income economy, particularly stark as the only OECD country in Central America, concentrated into a small biodiverse and climate-prone geographic area.

The same is true of food systems in Costa Rica. With all these factors at play, Costa Rica has faced a difficult task in achieving a robust and interconnected network of farm to fork food production and distribution in its food systems. However, rejecting assumptions once more, Costa Rica has continued to rise above expectations in developing globally-leading food system strategies.

Food Insecurity Solutions for Underserved Communities

Despite Costa Rica’s high-income status, many households still experience strong impacts from poverty. About 18% of households across the country lived in poverty in 2024, with an additional 4.8% living in extreme poverty conditions. Economic inequality has also increased according to measures of Costa Rica’s Gini coefficient (a figure which evaluates wealth distribution among a population), made even more starkly apparent by almost a third of all Costa Rican children experiencing poverty or extreme poverty conditions.

The country has worked heavily to expand food accessibility to more rural communities through the national initiative “Empowering Communities in Sustainable Agri-food Systems,” a program that the SDG Fund and UNICEF and the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement supported. Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health found that food insecurity in 2020 impacted 11.76% and 22.65% of households in the cities of Buenos Aires and Guatuso respectively. Efforts have therefore been especially focused on working to assist these hard-hit cities and rural communities surrounding them, in addition to reducing overall food insecurity from a national average of 16.42% of Costa Ricans without clear or quality food.

Community and Government Coordination

Multisectoral partnerships among government and community bodies are have also been a key focus of the SUN Movement, with agencies responsible for agriculture and health working alongside local governments and community organizations to create more realistic and community-centered approaches to nutrition awareness.

The SUN Movement’s efforts have trained more than 180 Costa Ricans in nutrition-awareness activities through the SUN Movement’s efforts. SUN has additionally been effective in helping to integrate integrating community-led food strategies into formal national policy, revitalizing the national food and nutrition body Secretaria de la Politica Nacional de Alimentacion y Nutricion (SEPAN) and aiding EU4SUN and Universidad EARTH to expand early childhood nutritional access and integrate Mesoamerican farming traditions into the National Plan for Sustainable and Healthy Gastronomy. Ultimately, the initiative hopes to improve agri-food system governance, sustainable production practices and Costa Rican eating habits with strategies encompassing the often-overlooked role of women, children and indigenous peoples in creating change.

Affordability and Accessibility Policy Problems

Some have still raised concerns regarding the affordability of nutrition, however, even as the Costa Rican government works to meet the United Nation (UN)’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A 2024 UN report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World found that an average healthy diet in Costa Rica costs $4.56 per day, 60 cents higher than the worldwide average. Costa Rica also features some of the highest rates of obesity in Central America due to cheap and accessible modern ultra-processed foods, underscoring the complex web of challenges Costa Rica faces in ensuring not just food access but complete quality nutrition in its food systems.

To address these issues, Costa Rica has tried innovative new approaches. In 2023, the Costa Rican government implemented a value-added tax (VAT) on food with explicitly defined positive nutritional content, becoming the first country in the world to attempt basic tax basket reform meant to encourage more balanced dietary improvements. While not entirely successful, the 2023 VAT and its subsequent 2024 amendments represent a conscious and continuous effort to address longstanding nutritional issues in the country, especially for lower-income populations more highly affected by incomplete food systems.

Costa Rica’s Robust Environmental Sustainability Efforts

Even while addressing affordability, nutritional program implementation and economic shifts away from agriculture in its food systems, Costa Rica is notably still conscious of environmental sustainability. Given the country’s diverse topography and biological life and its high concentration of volcanic sites, Costa Rica has historically been a global leader in leading environmentally sustainable climate action, despite even with agriculture accounting for more than a third of the country’s land use and a seventh of its overall employment.

Several plans, namely Costa Rica’s National Climate Change Adaptation Policy (2018-2030), National Development Plan (2019-2022) and National Decarbonization Plan (2018-2050), present the country’s ecological and environmental adaptation and carbon neutrality ambitions. Costa Rica has also developed national low-emission livestock, coffee and banana production strategies, export industries which the country still relies on heavily. It has involved significant partnerships, most notably SCALA, or Scaling up Climate Ambition on Land Use and Agriculture, a 2020-2028 joint initiative by the UNDP Climate Change Adaptation and the Food and Agriculture Organization to develop low-carbon farming systems for the country’s beef and coffee sectors.

In addition, Costa Rica has innovated sustainable direct interventions to great success. The Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) program of 1997, which provided financial incentives to landowners to protect forested area, has resulted in a net negative to deforestation countrywide. Digital traceability has been improved by a $120 million initiative to modernize 10,500 small and medium agricultural producers, allowing for digital registration systems and food-tracking networks. Methods like crop rotation, companion planting and natural repellents, polyculture planting and indigenous natural nutrient cycling have all been practical strategies advocated for long-term sustainable farming.

An Optimistic Food System Future

Costa Rica’s food system combines an urbanized population and a strong agricultural export economy with ambitious sustainability goals. Despite challenges in rural food insecurity, nutritional accessibility and climate and environmental concerns, the country has managed to develop strategies focused on creating a more sustainable, healthy and resilient food system that supports both people and ecosystems. With a clear commitment to using community, policy and environmental solutions to drive change, Costa Rica appears well-suited to solving its food system shortfalls with a variety of effective and concrete means.

– Matthew Hecomovich

Matthew is based in Santa Clara, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How 3D Printing Can Be a Resource for Developing Countries

3D Printing Can Be a Resource
For educational purposes, healthcare treatments and local production, learn why 3D printing technology is a resource for developing countries.

Across many developing countries, progress can stall when essential systems lack funding, materials, or reliable access to specialized tools. Advanced technology cannot erase those barriers on its own, but it can give communities new ways to act. 3D printing can be a resource when organizations know how to leverage this technology.

Local Production Reduces Delays

Shipping costs, customs delays, limited storage and uneven supplier access can slow a simple repair. Those delays place extra pressure on communities that already stretch equipment and materials across many users.

Instead of waiting for every small object to arrive from far away, trained teams can produce selected parts using a 3D printer and digital designs. A repair component for a water system or a teaching model for a classroom becomes easier to replace once production moves closer to daily life.

Health Systems Gain Practical Tools

Health systems in developing countries often work with limited equipment and long replacement timelines. A rural clinic may not have the tools to print complex medical devices. It may still benefit from basic models, simple supplies or selected lab items that support routine care. 

The National Library of Medicine describes 3D printing as a potential way to produce basic medical supplies, laboratory equipment, anatomical models and prosthetic limbs in developing countries. These uses place 3D printing in a supportive role within existing health systems. The technology expands what trained professionals have available for care, planning and problem-solving. While it cannot replace clinical judgment or formal medical infrastructure, health workers gain a practical resource when supply gaps limit what they can provide.

Rapid Prosthetic Production in Uganda

Children who needed prosthetic support in Uganda faced long production timelines because clinics relied on manual methods and limited specialist capacity. That delay kept patients in the hospital for extended periods and made timely mobility support difficult to provide. 

Through 3D PrintAbility at CoRSU Hospital, clinicians tested a process that used 3D scanning, digital design and 3D printing to produce prosthetic sockets and braces for children. The technology did not replace trained orthopedic professionals. Instead, it gave them a fast workflow that fit the needs of a resource-limited clinical setting.

CoRSU reported that prosthetic socket production time dropped by as much as 70%, from five days with conventional manual methods to 1.5 days with 3D PrintAbility. That improvement shows how 3D printing can strengthen care when local teams receive practical tools that support existing medical work.

Medical Training Improves

Medical education depends on strong instruction, repeated practice and access to clear learning materials. In many settings, students learn anatomy through textbooks or flat digital images because advanced simulation tools cost too much. Those resources still teach important concepts, but they can make depth and proportion difficult to judge.

Printed anatomical models address that gap. A student can study the shape of a bone or organ from multiple angles while connecting structure to function. Then, a clinician can use the same type of model during a patient conversation, so an unfamiliar diagnosis becomes easier to understand.

Education Turns Problems Into Projects

Students and researchers can use 3D printing to connect technical learning with public service. A classroom project becomes more meaningful when it responds to a local challenge. A university lab can test a low-cost teaching tool, then improve the design after a school or clinic explains how it works in practice.

That exchange strengthens both sides. Students learn that design begins with listening. Researchers gain insight from community partners who understand daily conditions better than outside observers. The finished object matters, but the shared process builds people’s problem-solving skills.

Innovations With Global Value

A printer alone cannot overcome weak infrastructure or limited public funding. Strong programs begin with people who understand the setting. Local technicians, educators, clinicians and community organizations should guide decisions about what to print and how to maintain the equipment.

Long-term success also depends on training that fits local capacity. Programs should account for the difficulty level of learning 3D printing before they introduce new equipment. With steady instruction, repair knowledge and realistic goals, 3D printing can be a resource that supports community-led problem-solving instead of creating another unused technology project.

– Kelly Schoessling

Photo: Flickr

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Migration to Ecuador: An Untapped Economic Potential 

Migration to EcuadorWith a total population of approximately 18 million and an area of 276,841 square kilometers, Ecuador is one of the smallest countries on the South American continent. Due to its geographical location, it is also one of the largest host countries for hundreds of thousands of migrants. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), migration to Ecuador is significant as more than 123,000 irregular migrants cross the Ecuadorian-Colombian border each year.

Meanwhile, the UNHCR estimates that nearly 500,000 refugees, asylum seekers, or people in need of protection have remained in Ecuador in the hope of a better life. Most of these are irregular migrants from Colombia and Venezuela. These groups are at risk of marginalization due to stigmatization, discrimination and a lack of valid documentation—yet new data shows that a well-organized strategy for integrating refugees has immense potential to boost the country’s economic growth. However, since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020 the country has been struggling with serious crime issues. Drug cartels and gang crime are causing an increasing exodus of young and productive Ecuadorian workers. The result: no economic growth and a rising poverty rate.

Emigration of Productive Labor

Ecuador, once known as the “Island of Peace,” attracted immigrants from around the world due to its comparatively low homicide rate. As the Center for Strategic and International Studies reported, Ecuador’s homicide rate in 2019 stood at 6.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, making it one of the lowest among Latin American countries. 

During the pandemic, the situation shifted dramatically: Lockdowns forced businesses to close, tourism declined and oil exports fell. Ecuador’s central bank reported a 7.8% decrease in gross domestic product (GDP), while unemployment rose rapidly. Three out of 10 workers lost the jobs they held before the pandemic; half of them remained unemployed. The homicide rate jumped to 50.91 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025.

As a result, income levels in Ecuador have changed: according to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), income poverty rose from 25% in 2019 to nearly 33% in 2020—1.4 million people fell into income poverty.

At the time, an undesirable but already well-researched phenomenon plagued the country: the positive correlation between poverty and crime. In other words: rising poverty leads to a higher risk of violence and crime, which, according to Ecuador’s Ombudsman’s Office (DPE), has resulted in the displacement of more than 300,000 Ecuadorians in recent years. Demographically speaking, most of them are young men of working age. A paper by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) calculated the direct cost as an average of 3.44% of the GDP annually. Indirectly, the exploding crime rates slow down economic growth.

Ecuador as a Host Country

Ecuador serves as a transit and entry country for groups from Africa, Cuba and Haiti. The country has, for decades already, been experiencing an influx of refugees from countries plagued by armed conflict and violence. Nonetheless, two main groups mark migration to Ecuador: 

Migrants from Colombia who have fled an armed conflict between guerrilla groups and the government that has been ongoing for more than 50 years. There are an estimated 130,000 to 200,000 Colombians living in Ecuador; according to the UNHCR, 94% of the more than 80,000 recognized refugees are Colombians.

In addition, Ecuador is home to Venezuelans who fled the humanitarian crisis under the Maduro regime. Around 440,000 migrants have applied for asylum, but only a small number of Venezuelans in Ecuador have valid residency documents. For Venezuelans, it takes months or even years to obtain a document such as an ID card or a passport. These delays are due to very high financial barriers, political restrictions, and the general collapse of the Venezuelan bureaucracy.

Migrants in Ecuador Face Legal Obstacles and Discrimination

The status of undocumented refugees creates significant barriers and contributes to the marginalization of these groups. At the same time it opens the door to systemic discrimination, exposes them to the risk of crime and violence, and traps refugees in a cycle of poverty. Access to housing, healthcare, education or employment appears to be significantly more difficult. Although an estimated one-third of refugees in Ecuador hold a college degree, the vast majority end up in the informal sector, with some earning a per capita income of only about $175 or less.

People in host countries often stigmatize minorities. They frequently project the violence and poverty prevalent in refugees’ countries of origin onto those seeking protection, which hinders their cultural and socio-economic integration. In crisis and conflict situations, politicians exploit fear and uncertainty for propaganda against migrants, in the hope of achieving better election results by stoking fears of competition for jobs or a strain on public finances.

Migration to Ecuador Can Boost Economic Growth

However, contrary to all the clichés, propaganda, and hate campaigns, recent statistics from the Center for Global Development (CGD) show that Venezuelan migrants are underrepresented among those detained for criminal offenses in Ecuador. In 2025, Venezuelans made up 2.4% of Ecuador’s population but accounted for only 1% of all detainees. Studies even suggest that refugees are more likely to be victims of crimes committed by their hosts than the other way around, but most of these cases remain unreported due to lack of trust in Ecuador’s authorities.

Given the country’s precarious security and economic situation, the integration of migrants is a crucial factor for economic growth and the well-being of the Ecuadorian population. As the International Organization for Migration (IOM) notes, Venezuelan migrants contribute an estimated $900 million annually to the Ecuadorian economy—simply through their consumption of goods and services. A well-thought-out bureaucratic strategy and a liberalized refugee policy could benefit the country and generate additional resources to combat gang violence and crime.

Migration and Poverty

Humanitarian aid plays a crucial role in integrating migrants into Ecuador’s society. The situation in Colombia is a prime example of how vital financial support can be for the stabilization and integration of refugees: the country has taken in over 2 million Venezuelans. Through programs such as the “Humanitarian Cash Transfer” (HCT), which was funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), households received $100 per month over a six-month period.

A study conducted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated the total cost of health care, education and other services for this period of assistance—assuming a total of 2 million refugees—at $1.3 billion. The IMF’s analysis highlights that host countries are under significant financial pressure. However, the study found a surprisingly positive impact on the countries’ productivity. Due to the growth of labor force and a better match between migrants’ human capital and available jobs, these countries are able to achieve meaningful productivity and growth gains in the medium term. The study estimates that GDP could grow by 2.5 to 4.5 percentage points by 2030. Furthermore the authors assume that the costs of integrating migrants and refugees would decrease if they gained access to the labor market due to increased economic activity and the expansion of the tax base. 

Projects such as HIAS’s Economic Empowerment Program aim to educate Venezuelans about their economic opportunities and help them develop a greater awareness of their skills and how to apply those skills in a business setting. By offering training, mentoring programs and start-up capital, Venezuelans can be integrated into the labor market. In this way, refugees are provided with a sustainable livelihood—while simultaneously contributing to a net benefit for Ecuadorian society and economic growth.

Conclusion

Migration to Ecuador plays a major role in the country’s middle-term and long-term development. In order to boost economic growth, Ecuador must tackle its national crime rate explosion. Therefore, the country needs to break its cycle of poverty, especially amongst migrants from Venezuela and Colombia. Moreover, the Ecuadorian population should recognize the potential that refugees bring to their country. Foreign aid and assistance combined with a consistent socio-economic integration strategy can provide long-term solutions for downsizing poverty and minimizing the negative effects on Ecuador’s economy.

– Oliwia Kowalak

Oliwia is based in Berlin, Germany and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Strait of Hormuz Conflict Could Hinder Poverty Reduction in Iraq

Poverty Reduction in IraqRecent tensions around the Strait of Hormuz –  a channel for an estimated 20% of the world’s oil and liquified natural gas supplies that the Iranian government shut down after U.S.-Israeli airstrikes – has put a strain on Iraq’s already fragile economy, threatening recent progress towards poverty reduction in Iraq. Fortunately, there may be a solution to prevent future threats to Iraq’s economic prosperity.

Recent Progress Towards Poverty Reduction in Iraq

In 2003, the United Nations established its Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to assist in rebuilding the country following the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime. Since then, the people of Iraq have seen their fair share of struggle; they faced years of war, political corruption and economic struggle. However, in more recent years, the government of Iraq has made strong efforts to understand and reduce poverty for its people; in 2025, the Iraqi government officially announced the launch of its Multidimensional Poverty Index analytical report, and in the last three years, Iraq’s poverty rate has dropped from 23% to 17.5%.

On top of that, in 2024, Iraq reached a score of 0.712 on the Human Development Index (HDI), which measures life expectancy, education and quality of living for its citizens. By achieving this number, they surpassed the average HDI for Arab nations, a significant sign of progress for the country. After the UN declared its mission successful in 2025, the UNAMI mandate came to an end. Despite recent progress, many of Iraq’s citizens, including children, still face deprivation across education, health care and living standards.

Now, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the halt of oil production, the challenge Iraq now faces is “the most serious operational threat” it has faced in more than 20 years, according to a senior Iraqi oil ministry official.

The Effects of the Strait’s Closure 

Since the war began in late February, the Iranian government has controlled, restricted and blocked access to the Strait of Hormuz. “Tehran is leveraging the global economy’s inability to tolerate a sustained closure of the waterway,” said Landon Derentz of the Atlantic Council.

The problem for Iraq, a strategic trading partner of the United States, is that it relies on crude oil for nearly 90% of its total income, which they export via the Strait of Hormuz. Following the closure of the checkpoint, Iraq was forced to shut down oil production from its southern fields, halting nearly all of its oil exports.

Now, nearly two months since Iran closed the strait, after much negotiating, several U.S. threats, ultimatums and even a naval blockade, despite a couple of false alarms, the strait remains closed. The difficulty in reopening the waterway proves to be a problem within itself, but even when ship traffic does continue, Iraq’s economy will remain vulnerable to future threats made on the Strait of Hormuz.

‘Build Around it,’ He Says 

While reopening the waterway by force may offer a quick fix to the problem, it has proved to be a difficult and costly task. Derentz, who served as director of energy at the White House during the Trump administration’s first term, suggests that building infrastructures around the channel to bypass it would offer a more long-term solution, ending Iran’s ability to leverage the Strait of Hormuz entirely. 

“Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline…has already proven that bypass infrastructure can relieve part of the bottleneck created by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. That model should now be scaled dramatically,” says Derentz. If the government were to ever consider it, this suggestion could very well prove to be effective: the maneuver would permanently weaken Iranian leverage against the global economy, foster economic resilience for Iraq and only cost a fraction of the $200 billion the United States was willing to spend on military operations against Iran.

Final Thoughts 

Lately, Iraq has shown significant progress toward poverty reduction. However, if the country ever wishes to climb out of destitution completely, sustainable economic growth remains crucial. The United States government has recently stated that it is “dedicated to our enduring strategic partnership with the Government of Iraq and the Iraqi people,” with several U.S. companies currently active in Iraq. U.S. resolution to the Strait of Hormuz will not only be a service to its enduring trading partner, but to the entire global economy as well. The Strait of Hormuz conflict may be a speed bump for poverty reduction in Iraq, but it is surely not the end of the road.

– Tommy Bass

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

Photo: Pixabay

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Resilience in Haiti with FADEKA

fadeka haitiIt has been almost five years since a catastrophic earthquake hit Haiti, leaving behind a tremendous amount of damage. The 7.2 magnitude earthquake killed 2,247 people, injured more than 12,700, and destroyed more than 53,000 homes. 1,060 schools were damaged, compromising the education of thousands of children. This event helped start an initiative to enhance the economic status and community standing of women and their resilience in Haiti.

After this event, an initiative to enhance the economic status and community standing of women was formed for women as a resilience in Haiti.

FADEKA Project

The original initiative, Fanm nan Agrikilti se Devlopman Ekonomi Ayiti (FADEKA), meaning Economic Empowerment of Women in the South Department of Haiti, was active from 2018 to 2021. U.N. Women developed the project in partnership with the Government of Norway, releasing a final report in December 2022. Despite the success of the project, Haitian agriculture and women are still struggling with ongoing insecurity and poor infrastructure, and need another FADEKA Project.

For supporters of this topic to want to push for a second initiative, they need to hear about the success of the first one. An independent firm dissected the FADEKA Project in Haiti and the resiliencies made throughout the program, expressing the positives of the project, and providing a guide for a second one.

Success of FADEKA

During the FADEKA Project in Haiti, focus was solely on improving the livelihoods of female farmers through agriculture, fishing, and small-scale processing through catalytic investments and capacity-building for female producer organizations, according to the December 2022 report.

The female agricultural workforce makes up 44.2%, with only a third of Haitian farms managed by women. Agriculture is the primary source of employment in Haiti, with 40% of households involved in activities and around 75% of rural households engaged in a form of agriculture, such as fishing or beekeeping.

Training farmers on extreme weather patterns was also a part of the FADEKA project. A total of 8.7% beneficiaries surveyed said that they had taken training on weather challenges and 7.3% on nursery management within the context of the project. According to the discussion group participants, this training built their technical capacity on weather patterns and resilience.

Improving the Atmosphere Between Men and Women

The report found that 100% of women, when asked about their participation in household expenditure, contributed to it. Along with 65.3% said that household management income is managed equally between men and women, according to the December 2022 report. Overall, women’s voices in their households were strengthened, they had higher participation, more leadership in decision making, and strengthened farmers’ and agricultural entrepreneurs’ preparedness for shocks of weather patterns.

Out of 34 planned activities, the program implemented 26 (76%). The failure of the eight projects could be due to the instability of Haiti’s government. If a second project goes through, the evaluation gave ideas on how to make it more successful.

According to the evaluation report, if a second phase gets the approval, “the focus should be on consolidating the project’s achievements and on capacity-building for local authorities and the beneficiary communities.”

The need for that second project has grown more and more over the past years, with the rise of gang violence, displacement, food insecurity, and the collapse of livelihoods.

Need for a Second Project

Ever since the end of the first project, Haiti has fallen into critical conditions with mass displacement of people, widespread, acute food insecurity and the domination of gang control of Port-au-Prince. Numerous cases of kidnappings, murders, rapes, gang confrontations and other acts of violence against individuals have contributed to a sense of general insecurity in the country.

In order to improve the socio-economic situation and government of Haiti, there are many different approaches, including strengthening local governance to restore resilience and fostering economic independence through agricultural investment.

The Future

With a successful first project, the U.N. Women, along with leaders in Norway, can make the second project more effective.

The FADEKA Project in Haiti is highly relevant but requires an additional period to strengthen its exit strategy. Many beneficiaries found themselves left to their own devices. This argues in favour of a second phase of the project, which could be consolidating the project’s achievements and capacity-building for local authorities and beneficiary communities. These efforts would help many people, and not go in vain.

– Elizabeth Fryer

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

Photo: Flickr

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Solutions to Youth Unemployment in Greece

Youth Unemployment in GreeceEnsuring that the next generation can transition into the workforce is essential to a functioning society. Unfortunately, a troubling trend has emerged in some developed European countries, where young people are being left behind. This is especially evident in Greece.

The southern European nation has long faced this challenge amid a broader economic crisis. Although the government of Greece is considering measures to address youth unemployment, the country has already seen significant improvements in employment.

Youth Unemployment in Greece

“For over a decade, Greece has held one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the European Union.” In 2009, after nearly a decade of adopting the Euro as its national currency, Greece was hit hard by the global financial crisis. As a result, the government became unable to pay off its debts. 

That exacerbated long-running problems within the Greek economy and job market, leading to the highest rate of youth unemployment in Europe. Factors contributing to this high rate include a disconnect between the private sector’s actual needs and the education system. Greece produces a significant number of university graduates in the fields of humanities and social sciences, “while the market screams for specialized technical roles and digital expertise.” 

This imbalance in the labor market leaves highly educated young people without the technical expertise needed to meet the demands of the private sector. This leaves them overqualified for jobs in tourism and retail but underqualified for upper management positions. Limited vocational training can restrict young people’s access to sectors such as construction and engineering, while low levels of youth entrepreneurship contribute to fewer start-ups.

Regarding tourism, Greece is a popular vacation destination, with a large tourism industry that generates significant revenue. However, the tourism industry can be seen as a double-edged sword. Most work in tourism is seasonal, which presents a problem for long-term financial planning and career progression. 

Many young workers are caught in a cycle of short-term, six-month contracts. This limits their ability to plan for the future, including securing a mortgage or starting a family. Seasonal work also rarely provides the professional development needed to move into stable, high-paying corporate roles.

Improvements and Potential Solutions

As the problem has persisted, the Greek government and other parties have remained divided over the issue and have tried to implement policies to address the needs of Greece’s youth who have been left behind. Just this year, Greece introduced reforms to its tax code that lowered the overall tax rate by two percentage points. The reform also offers additional tax breaks to younger workers and families, with rates as low as 9% for families with three children and zero income tax for those with four or more children.

Reforms like this can provide some extra brevity for those looking to enter the job market, as well as making it more manageable for those who want to start a family in the future. Other taxes that are reduced include the property tax for villages with fewer than 1,500 residents and an overhaul of provisions for short-term renting. Another proposal, detailed by the European Student Think Tank, calls for “Setting up regional offices for counseling and networking, especially in rural regions with high youth unemployment, as part of an effort to enhance entrepreneurship skills, knowledge of the Greek market and social skills of youth.” 

From the proposals already passed, it is evident that there has been a substantial improvement in youth employment. According to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, “Greece used to be at the bottom in Europe in unemployment of young people with 39.5% in 2019, but that rate has dropped to 13%.” That is a substantial improvement, yet there is still much work left to be done.

Final Remarks

Recent reforms to the tax code, property laws and economic policies have greatly improved the prospects of young Greeks. They now have the opportunity to begin a new chapter in their lives as professionals, rather than remain stagnant in a tourist economy that kept them from advancing. 

– Alexander K. Petrov

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

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing the Hidden Poverty of Urban Slums in India and Kenya

Urban Slums in India and Kenya

Urban slums are home to millions of people in cities like Mumbai and Nairobi, where residents endure extreme poverty, overcrowded housing, poor sanitation and limited access to basic services. These informal settlements are often overlooked in poverty reduction efforts, leaving slum dwellers without essential support. Despite being central to the urban landscape, slums face challenges such as inadequate health care, limited educational opportunities and heightened vulnerability to environmental risks like flooding and landslides due to climate instability.

The Hidden Struggles of Slum Dwellers

In Dharavi, Mumbai, one of the largest slums in the world, is marked by overcrowding, poor infrastructure and a lack of sanitation. Families live in cramped, poorly constructed homes with minimal access to clean water and essential services. With little access to quality health care or education, slum residents are caught in a cycle of poverty that is hard to break. 

Kibera, another well-known slum in Nairobi, suffers from similar challenges. Despite being home to a large portion of the city’s population, these slums have inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and infrastructure and poor structural quality of housing. These communities are also disproportionately affected by climate instability. 

Without adequate drainage systems, flooding and other climate-related disasters worsen their already precarious living conditions. Residents also face constant threats of forced evictions, often stemming from insecure land tenure and government urban development plans, with many fearing displacement despite living on the land for decades. This problem is rooted in unequal land ownership and political-economic factors that prevent low-income populations from accessing land and securing decent housing.

Successful Policies and Initiatives

Despite these challenges, several successful initiatives have improved living conditions in urban slums in India and Kenya, thereby addressing poverty.

In India, the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) program seeks to improve slum conditions by promoting inclusive and equitable cities where every citizen has access to basic civic infrastructure, social amenities and decent shelter. This initiative is part of India’s broader goal of creating a “Slum-Free India.” Similarly, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project in Mumbai aims to redevelop the Dharavi Notified Area by appointing developers. The project uses land as a resource to rehabilitate slum dwellers and permits an incentive Floor Space Index through tenements sold on the open market.

In Kenya, the Kenya Slum Upgrading Program (KENSUP) focuses on improving living conditions in informal settlements. KENSUP focuses on constructing housing and infrastructure, managing the environment and solid waste and addressing health challenges. One key success is the Kibera Slum Upgrading Initiative, implemented in collaboration with U.N.-HABITAT. The initiative aims to improve infrastructure through targeted interventions.

Local organizations in Kenya, such as Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), have also been instrumental in improving access to health care, education and women’s empowerment programs. They are demonstrating how grassroots initiatives can complement government efforts. 

The Way Forward

For sustainable change, slum upgrading must be integrated into broader urban development plans. Governments need to implement policies that create economic opportunities, promote job growth and expand access to education for slum residents. Securing land tenure, investing in affordable housing and expanding public services such as health care and sanitation will provide a stronger foundation for residents to escape poverty.

Moreover, integrating slum improvement into urban planning requires addressing the socioeconomic needs of slum dwellers, including access to employment, education and basic services. It also requires tackling environmental challenges such as flooding and climate resilience. Governments should promote inclusivity by ensuring that slum residents have a voice in the planning process and that their specific needs are addressed. 

Building stronger partnerships among local governments, international organizations and community groups can help advance this vision.

Conclusion

Urban slums are home to millions of people living in extreme poverty. However, with targeted initiatives and community-driven solutions, significant progress is possible. Successful programs in India and Kenya show that improving living conditions in slums is achievable. 

By addressing both the physical and socioeconomic challenges of slums, stakeholders can begin to break the cycle of poverty in urban communities in India and Kenya and build more resilient and inclusive cities.

– Chris Tang

Chris is based in Beijing, China and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Communal Living Benefits the Rural Poor in India

How Communal Living Benefits the Rural Poor in IndiaA single woman, a resident of Kambam near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, spoke about her family and friends organizing fundraisers. The funds went into assembling more than 1,000 grocery bags for low-income families living in the town. It is quite common for local communities in different parts of the nation to look after the rural poor in India.

India, while known for its overpopulated cities, is also prominently known for its vast rural landscape. Numerous small towns and villages where community living is the backbone still continue to exist. Kambam is one such town. On speaking to more locals in the region, there seemed to be several unofficial and low-key groups. These groups consistently reached out to the needy living in their area.

The Rural Poor in India

According to a recent SBI Research report, rural poverty has recorded a significant reduction. The report stated that in FY24, rural poverty accounted for about 4.86%, falling from 25% in 2011-12. This represents a notable reduction in rural poverty.

Taking a broader view of impoverished people in rural areas of the country brings several aspects to light. Similar to their surroundings, they more often tend to live as groups rather than individuals.

Secondly, experts state that there exists a notable disparity between homelessness in rural and urban areas. A recent census shows that 52% of India’s homeless live in urban areas, while 47% live in rural regions. Most of this population, however, lives in very inadequate and substandard housing situations. Nevertheless, studies show that they are less likely to be stranded on the streets like their urban counterparts.

On the other hand, access to health care and other basic facilities is often more difficult to reach in rural areas in India. These individuals, particularly those residing in remote parts, also face difficulties claiming the benefits of governmental schemes that can aid them in improving their lifestyles.

The Impact of Communal Living on the Rural Poor

India, similar to other Asian countries, exhibits a community-based lifestyle. This cultural approach has positive effects on people living below the poverty line. As mentioned earlier, casual conversations with locals in South India indicated the existence of several community outreach groups. 

One group of young women hosts a cooking-based group. Members gather for a day of cooking, chatting and working together. They cook large meals, pack them and distribute them to areas where low-income residents live. These women report a sense of fulfillment through such outreach activities and say it provides a break from their routine. 

Within the Muslim community in Kambam, following the rule of obligatory charity (“Zakath”), residents contribute regularly. Volunteers collect these funds and use them to help people who require health care assistance. This support can also extend to education and livelihood assistance.

These observations highlight the outcomes of communal living for people experiencing poverty. Studies also suggest that people living in rural India often approach the poor as members of their community.

As a result, individuals may help those who do not have access to basic life needs. For instance, it is common for a rural shopkeeper to give excess vegetables to a struggling person in the neighborhood.

Communities and Government Programs

In the last few decades, rural poverty has notably reduced. Several factors have contributed to this. While communal living and similar practices often provide short-term assistance, government schemes have focused on long-term solutions.

The central government’s housing schemes have contributed to reductions in homelessness. A research paper observes the difference between 2001 and 2011, showing a 28% decline in homelessness between the two decades.

In February 2025, the central government announced a new set of schemes focused on empowering rural communities. These initiatives aim to increase housing, employment, infrastructure and poverty alleviation efforts in rural areas.

Apart from governmental schemes and NGOs, projects often partner with local communities to enhance outreach and productivity. One such project was PURA (Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas). This large program began in 2001, with former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam playing an integral role.

The project involved governments working with businesses and local communities to implement long-term solutions in rural areas. Although there were challenges, private-sector PURA initiatives reported more effective results. These outcomes ranged across housing, transport, education and employment.

Urban Versus Rural Poverty in India

Multiple studies suggest that rural poverty reduction in India has occurred at higher rates than urban poverty. One report stated that of the 22% of people experiencing poverty in India, nearly 25% live in urban areas. When considering that 70% of the nation’s population lives in rural areas, this suggests a higher concentration of poverty in urban settings. Additionally, homelessness shows higher rates in urban compared with rural India. While multiple factors contribute to this difference, lifestyle may be one factor. Urban environments often involve more individualistic living conditions compared with rural communities.

Looking Ahead

Global poverty can take many forms and requires diverse responses. Rural poverty in India highlights the need for strategies that combine government initiatives with community participation. In recent decades, government programs and community-based efforts have contributed to reducing poverty in rural areas. These approaches continue to support rural communities by improving access to services and economic opportunities.

– Shafika Fathima

Shafika is based in Chennai, Tamilnadu, India and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Organizations Supporting Farmers in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

Hidaya Trust

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

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

Kissan Madadgar

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

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

Chamber of Food and Agriculture

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

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

The World Bank Group

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

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

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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

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

The Future for Farmers in Pakistan

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

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

– Umaymah Suhail

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

Photo: Pexels

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Fighting Poverty Through Education in Latin America

Education in Latin AmericaWhen thinking about their childhood, most people remember their first day of school, learning their ABCs and basic math operations. For most, childhood and education go hand in hand as essential steps that help an individual learn, mature and transition into adulthood. However, many children in Latin America lack access to this experience. 

Before COVID-19, roughly 52% of children in Latin America were unable to read and understand simple text. The pandemic has made this situation even worse, with young generations being less educated and lacking the tools necessary to transition into adulthood. However, international organizations are fighting poverty through younger generations by increasing investments in education to create a brighter future for millions of children across Latin America.

Learning Crisis

Over the last two decades, many countries in Latin America have experienced a learning crisis related to their younger generations. This crisis can take different forms across countries, depending on their specific geographic and social characteristics. In Argentina, for example, the most affected children are those living in rural areas, far from cities and their services. 

As a result, many teachers are forced to teach children from multiple grades, ages and abilities in the same classroom, being unable to personalize the learning experience and focus on individual students. In other countries, such as Haiti, the learning crisis is related to the provision of educational opportunities to all members of the population. 

In Haiti specifically, nearly 80% of primary schools are non-public, thus limiting access to education to those who can pay, on average, $130 per year. Many families cannot afford education and other necessities, so they decide not to send their children to school.

What Is Being Done?

To address the education crisis plaguing Latin America, several international organizations have stepped up efforts to expand access to education across the region. In September 2025, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) launched the LAC Future Bank. It is a five-year strategy designed to benefit 50 million children in Latin America through a $5 billion regional investment.

These funds will be used to develop projects that prioritize children and their needs, including education. Although this initiative addresses other issues related to childhood well-being, education is a main area of focus to “break cycles of poverty and inequality.” In Haiti, programs and organizations, such as the International Development Association (IDA) and its partners, have focused primarily on funding for millions of children. 

From 2013 to 2023, IDA and partner organizations provided roughly half a million tuition waivers to children who could not afford to attend school. In other countries, such as El Salvador, projects like the “Growing up and Learning Together: Comprehensive Early Childhood Development Project” are working to create safe, clean schools with essential services for children.

The Impacts

Although it is difficult to measure the effectiveness of these investments in the short term, there have been early signs of improvement. World Bank investments have enabled middle-income countries to reduce their dropout rates and boost learning outcomes. Slowly but surely, improvements in education quality and access in Latin America are key to a more productive, inclusive and sustainable development pattern in the future for many countries across the region.

– Rodrigo Salgado

Rodrigo is based in Boulder, CO, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash