Archive for category: Developing Countries

Information and stories about developing countries.

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The Economic Enticement of WCAH In Tanzania

The Economic Enticement of WCAH In Tanzania In the United Republic of Tanzania, women, children and adolescent health, often referred to as Women, Children and Adolescent Health (WCAH), has consistently been one of the country’s significant epidemiological burdens. Since 2022, the country has recorded more than 100 pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 births. Despite this, research has shown that when WCAH in Tanzania is adequately invested in, it can be economically beneficial for the country.

The WCAH Crisis

WCAH was originally a framework proposed during the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global movement, “Every Woman Every Child,” to encompass strategies aimed at investing in the health and rights of women, children and adolescents.

As it stands, WCAH in Tanzania is under strain due to different factors. Tanzania has made strides in reducing mortality among its under-five population. However, due to limited access to health services and a shortage of health care workers with the proper skills to manage the causes of maternal death, the maternal mortality ratio remains high.

Malnutrition in children and adolescents remains an important health issue in Tanzania. UNICEF reports that 30% of children across Tanzania experience childhood stunting due to malnutrition.

WCAH in Tanzania and the Economy

There are still many expected advancements with WCAH in Tanzania and the Tanzanian government, along with many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), continues efforts to address them. Evidence suggests that investing in WCAH in Tanzania can lead to economic returns.

When women lack access to quality maternal care, it can lead to complications after birth, including a higher likelihood of underweight newborns and miscarriages. In some cases, mothers may be unable to return to work for extended periods. Women in low-income countries such as Tanzania play a key role in the labor market. By investing in appropriate treatment programs, the costs of maternal and newborn health care can be lowered, and absences from the workplace can be reduced, increasing overall productivity.

Invest in the Children, Invest in the Future

NGOs such as Action Against Hunger promote initiatives like the “Equip for In-School Nutrition Services Project,” where children learn to engage in agricultural practices that support improved nutrition. By investing in the nutrition of children and adolescents, they are more likely to stay in school and pursue higher education. They also leave school with greater knowledge about safer pregnancies and healthier children, which can contribute to reducing maternal and newborn deaths.

By collaborating with more organizations to provide maternal health and childhood nutrition support, women and young girls may have greater opportunities for economic participation, contributing to Tanzania’s overall economic growth.

– Bernice Attawia

Bernice Attawia is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Boosting Food Security: The Golden Yolk Project in the Bahamas

The Golden Yolk ProjectThe Bahamas, an island country situated in the Atlantic Ocean, comprises approximately 700 islands and has a population of 399,440 as of 2023. With a tropical climate all year round due to the Gulf Stream, the Bahamas’ population continues to suffer from food malnutrition. The Golden Yolk Project initiative involves increasing sustainable egg production, boosting food security, decreasing malnutrition rates and improving employability rates in the country. It is a government-invested scheme which targets lower-middle-income families across the Bahamas.

Malnutrition Across the Bahamas

A very small number of the food consumed in the Bahamas is naturally grown and produced across the region, meaning the population is highly reliant on imported food sources. According to the Global Nutrition Report, obesity rates across the Bahamas are considerably high, with 41% of women (above the age of 18) and 27.4% of men living with obesity. According to the International Trade Administration, the Bahamas imports almost 90% of its food, totaling around $1 billion a year.

These include meat, beef, dairy, eggs, fruit, vegetable juices and oil products. These foods are highly processed and have led to unhealthy dietary challenges. Due to rising and fluctuating prices of imported food, low- and middle-income families are facing food insecurity. Hands for Hunger reports that one in 10 people in the Bahamas lives below the poverty line and experiences extreme food insecurity.

The Golden Yolk Project

Hon. Clay Sweeting (former Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs) launched an egg production project in February 2023. The initiative aims to boost egg production across the Bahamas so the country can achieve sustainable and affordable access to food. According to the Regional Statistics Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Government of the Bahamas invested more than $15 million in the project to:

  • Boost annual egg production and restrict imported eggs
  • Reduce malnutrition rates
  • Provide employability opportunities
  • Increase agricultural production rates through new infrastructural development

Ongoing Work/Targets

  • Implementation Across Islands: The project will be carried out on 12 islands in the Bahamas: Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini, Berry Island Andros, Eleuthera, Exuma, Cat Island, San Salvador, Long Island, Ragged Island and Inagua.
  • Job Creation: The project will create a total of 90 jobs, 51 of which will be across the islands.
  • Construction of a New Feed Mill: The government will finance a new state-of-the-art feed mill. A feed mill is a series of machines that use grains to produce nutritional animal feed for different animals.
  • Supportive Environment for Farmers: The government will contract the facility to farms, which will be required to sell eggs to different distributors in the Bahamas.
  • Increase in Egg Production: According to CARICOM, officials say the project will produce 13 million eggs annually across the islands while providing technical support and resources to farmers contracted to manage the facility.

Looking Forward

Malnutrition across the Bahamas remains an ongoing issue, particularly for low- and middle-income families experiencing fluctuating prices for imported food products. Obesity is also a visible problem across the country. Effective solutions, such as the Golden Yolk Project, will facilitate sustainable food production with newly funded technical equipment to enhance food security and reduce malnutrition across the Bahamas.

The former Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs told The Tribune Business that the goal is to raise egg production to 28 million from 700,000 per year once the project becomes operational.

– Zara Ashraf

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Fragility and Rule of Law in Peru

Fragility and Rule of Law in PeruFragility and the rule of law in Peru remain closely intertwined with political instability, corruption and low public confidence have weakened the rule of law in Peru, limiting equal enforcement and protection of citizens’ rights.

These challenges limit accountability, restrict access to justice and disproportionately harm low-income and marginalized communities, reinforcing cycles of poverty. Peru has made economic gains over the past two decades, but since 2023, 29% of the population still lives in poverty with rural and indigenous communities facing the highest vulnerability.

Structural Weaknesses in Peru’s Justice System

Public confidence in Peru’s institutions is extremely low. According to the World Justice Project’s 2022 general population poll, only 36% of Peruvians believe high-ranking officials will face accountability for breaking the law, a modest improvement from 2018. Moreover, 84% of respondents believe most or all members of Congress are involved in corrupt practices with 78% stating the same of political parties.

This erosion of trust weakens democratic legitimacy and reduces incentives for people to engage with formal institutions, leaving vulnerable communities exposed to abuse and exclusion. Therefore, fragility and the rule of law in Peru directly shape the country’s ability to reduce poverty and promote inclusive development.

Peru has approximately 10 judges per 100,000 inhabitants, below the OECD European average of 18. Access to justice is uneven; only 27% of Peruvians with recent legal problems received professional assistance, 19% struggled with costs and 47% experienced stress or health hardships. Rural and Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected, reinforcing legal inequality.

For rural and Indigenous populations, geographic isolation and financial barriers make courts nearly inaccessible. Without reliable legal protection, people face higher risks of land dispossession, labor exploitation and environmental harm; all factors that deepen poverty and inequality.

Political Interference and Judicial Independence

Political interference has further undermined judicial independence in Peru. According to America’s director at Human Rights Watch, Juanita Goebertus states that “Peru’s Congress has severely weakened one of the last standing independent bodies that could serve as a check on its abusive practices.” As a result of these weakened oversights, it has reduced institutional autonomy and limits the ability to investigate corruption and organized crime. 

High-profile prosecutions, such as former President Martin Vizcarra’s, illustrate perceived selective enforcement and politicization, limiting public confidence in judicial impartiality.

In August 2022, Peru granted immunity to security forces accused of human rights abuses during the 1980–2000 internal conflict, halting more than 600 cases and overturning 156 convictions, raising concerns over international obligations.

Civil Society and Legal Accountability

Civil society organizations play a critical role in expanding access to justice and monitoring government conduct. However, recent legislation has introduced new restrictions on non-governmental organizations. The Guardian reported that new laws allow fines of up to $500,000 against NGOs that support legal actions against the state, potentially affecting hundreds of organizations involved in legal advocacy and human rights protection. These measures risk reducing legal support for marginalized communities and weakening external oversight, further undermining accountability under the rule of law in Peru.

As funding and advocacy space shrink, poor and marginalized populations lose essential support networks, making it harder to challenge abuses or access public services. This further illustrates how fragility and the rule of law in Peru compounds economic vulnerability.

Consequences and Reform Prospects

The erosion of the rule of law in Peru has measurable governance consequences. According to the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators, Peru’s rule of law score stood at -0.54 in 2023. These negative scores reflect weak confidence in contract enforcement, judicial independence and legal predictability. 

The OECD Justice Review emphasizes the need for reforms focused on strengthening judicial independence, expanding access to justice in underprivileged regions, improving institutional coordination and safeguarding civil society participation.

Government and NGO Responses To Rule of Law Challenges

Despite persistent challenges, government programs and NGO initiatives are working to strengthen the rule of law in Peru. One major effort is the Justice Sector Support Project (JSSP‑2), led by the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) in collaboration with Peru’s Ministry of Justice and Human Rights and funded by the U.S. State Department. Launched in 2022, this program operates across all 34 judicial districts and seeks to consolidate judicial reforms, improve Peru’s capacity to combat complex crimes, prevent and detect corruption, and strengthen access to justice, especially for vulnerable and Indigenous communities. It builds on a previous five‑year project and has included nationwide oral litigation workshops with more than 600 participants, as well as practical training for prosecutors and police on environmental law and crime investigation.

Peru’s experience demonstrates the close relationship between state fragility and the erosion of the rule of law. There is empirical evidence that reveals low public confidence in accountability mechanisms, limited judicial capacity, political interference in legal institutions and growing constraints on civil society. Together, these factors undermine the effective functioning of the justice system and weaken democratic governance.

– Madison Brown

Madison is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Fragility and Rule of Law in Serbia

Fragility and Rule of Law in SerbiaRule of law aims to delimit arbitrary power by ensuring governments must follow the same legal standards as citizens. In Serbia, leaders have repeatedly tested this principle. Nevertheless, Serbia’s post-authoritarian recovery, rooted in the stability of potential European integration, produced a rule of law that drew fair and equitable governance. However, since 2012, Serbia has faced burgeoning fragility across state institutions and a shrinking of the nation’s civic space. The following article on fragility and rule of law in Serbia highlights the impact this has on the country’s poorest.

From Recovery To Institutional Fragility

Serbia’s post-Yugolsav trajectory has moved through three distinct phases. War and international isolation defined the 1990s under the authoritarian rule of President Milošević. However, the 2000s brought political openings and rapid recovery through stronger international ties such as the EU Stabilization and Association Agreement, which helped anchor domestic reforms.

This momentum stalled after the 2008 financial crisis, as public confidence in EU accession waned. This shift aligned with the rise of the Serbian Progressive Party (SPS). In 2014, the SPS’s ascent to power under Aleksandar Vučić triggered a measurable decline in democratic performance and institutional independence. International bodies, including the OSCE have repeatedly raised concerns that the centralization of power and political pressure on institutions is producing corruption. This corruption has undercut the state’s legal accountability and exacerbated poverty for marginalized groups.

How Fragility and Rule of Law in Serbia Impacts Poverty

Serbia’s at-risk-of-poverty rate stands at around 20%, with nearly one-fifth of the population receiving an income below the poverty line. The government continues to highlight GDP growth, which grew 3.9% in 2024, as markers of success. Nevertheless, these gains have not alleviated Serbia’s poverty, partly because weakening rule of law has distorted how authorities wield state power and distribute support.

Since 2014, corruption allegations and institutional deregulation have hollowed-out watchdog bodies, limiting civic oversight and weakening the delivery of public resources. The geographies of poverty remain most concentrated in the south and east, where it affects more than 27% of residents. The region counted around 77,000 unemployed in 2025. A slowed inflow of FDI amid failing investor confidence has accelerated factory closures. Serbia’s Association of Free and Independent Trade Unions warn the shutdowns “have only just begun.”

A major turning point came with the collapse of a newly built train station in 2024. The incident triggered a series of anti-government protests. Protesters blamed the collapse on corruption and the breakdown of rule of law. Student-led demonstrations swiftly grew into a national movement, exposing Serbia’s political fragility and exacerbating concerns from foreign investors. The economy felt the impact immediately, producing a rise in job insecurity and pushing households closer to poverty.

Failing Measures

Serbia spends 19.5% of GDP on social protection. However, most funding goes toward broad social insurance rather than targeted anti-poverty support. In reality, Serbia spends only 5% of GDP on program directly aimed at poverty reduction. Opposition figures argue officials use the inflated number to portray success while masking gaps in direct support.

For many families the support is not enough. An unemployed family of three receives 22,000 dinars per month in cash social assistance, far below the estimated 56,868 dinars that make up Serbia’s minimum consumer basket.

The Future of Fragility and Rule of Law in Serbia

Despite the declining rule of law, there are signs that Serbia’s future trajectory may be shifting. The 2024 protests evolved into a more organized political force in 2025, whose push for an early election has now been announced for 2026.

Civil society has also grown more influential. NGO groups such as the A11 Initiative for Economic and Social Rights argue leaders have governed Serbia through short-term, selective measures rather than sustained, rights-based policy. This has resulted in a system that A11 states keeps marginalized people “just enough above water to survive,” rather than reducing poverty in meaningful terms.

– Rory Wesson

Rory is based in London, the United Kingdom and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Thailand Is Granting Myanmar Refugees Access to Employment

Myanmar Refugees Access to EmploymentThailand has enacted a policy granting Myanmar refugees living in border camps access to employment. Reuters reports that this policy shift will grant 80,000 refugees the right to work; many of them have been living at these border camps for 40 years. According to UNHCR, around 47% of refugees were born in these shelters.

Background

A violent military regime drove the refugees out of Myanmar. Since then, they have been living in nine camps spread across the Thai border and have been completely dependent upon foreign aid. A diminishing foreign aid budget, particularly from the United States, has contributed to this decision.

According to Léon De Riedtmatten, executive director of the Border Consortium (TBC), the United States was one of the largest donors to the refugee camps. The TBC is one of the largest suppliers of food to the camps. The current administration has significantly reduced the overseas budget this year, which has, in turn, forced the TBC to provide aid only to the most vulnerable. According to De Riedmatten, Thai officials knew that no other government would be willing to support as much as the United States would.

As a result, Thai officials approved employment access for Myanmar refugees to reduce labor shortages and protect human rights. Cambodian workers leaving the labor force following an armed conflict at the border also influenced this policy change.

Economic Impacts

Tammi Sharpe, a UNHCR representative, has emphasized this development as a turning point. According to Sharpe, “With this policy shift, Thailand transforms hosting refugees into an engine of growth – for refugees, for host communities and for the nation as a whole.” She further confirms that providing employment access to Myanmar refugees benefits both Thailand and the refugees themselves.

Refugees will have the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families while also stimulating the Thai economy. Job growth is expected to increase as thousands of Myanmar refugees join the workforce and, in turn, the national GDP is also projected to rise. This marks a positive step toward poverty reduction.

As more refugees gain employment, dependence on aid is expected to decrease, while social mobility improves. Sharpe explained that the UNHCR has partnered with the World Bank to analyze economic data tracking how refugees are entering and participating in the formal job market. Humanitarian organizations also hope to expand employment access for refugees living outside the camps.

Conclusion

Granting Myanmar refugees access to employment marks a turning point in their relationship with Thailand. It will serve as a mutually beneficial process; Myanmar refugees will receive the means to support themselves and increase their standard of living, while the Thai economy will experience a boost in job growth and GNP. Poverty will diminish directly for the refugees and indirectly over time for people living in Thailand via systemic change. Overall, this policy change provides a hopeful trajectory for the country’s economic future.

– Sasha Banaei

Sasha is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Guatemala: Hope in the Humble

Poverty in GuatemalaIn Guatemala, more than half the population lives in poverty. However, the statistics alone fail to capture the resilience and humanity of those affected. During spring break, The Borgen Project visited communities where survival is a daily endeavor and individuals like Bonita, a grandmother with a boundless work ethic, embodied strength in the face of adversity. Her story illustrated not just hardship, but a quiet dignity stitched together with grit and grace.

Poverty in Guatemala

As of 2024, 54.8% of the population of Guatemala was reported to be living in poverty. Nearly two-thirds of those individuals survive on less than $2 a day. These figures are staggering, yet they only hint at the lived realities behind them. Each number represents a person, a family and a community striving to endure and overcome systemic challenges.

A Firsthand Encounter

The Borgen Project interviewed Bonita, a Guatemalan grandmother raising her grandchildren alone after her husband’s passing. She operates a small store to support her family. Despite limited resources, Bonita welcomed visitors with warmth and generosity, offering food and soda without hesitation. According to a team member, “Bonita was the softest soul and worked for everything she had.”

In these communities, every member makes a contribution. Teenagers assist their families, older women assist with household chores and men labor in the fields. In places where missing work can mean missing a meal, rest is not a luxury—it’s a risk. Survival functions as a full-time occupation.

Clean Water, Clear Impact

Bonita received a water filter from the Filter of Hope organization. The moment marked a turning point, as access to clean water reduces illness, improves work attendance and offers a safer future for children. A team member recalled, “We gave her grandchildren cups of the clean water and they smiled so big it was something I will never forget.” The gesture underscored how basic resources can transform daily life.

Joy in Simplicity

Despite economic hardship, joy remains a constant presence in Guatemalan communities. Children played soccer in the streets using worn-out balls and improvised goals. One child used a plastic bottle as a toy, demonstrating that happiness often stems from connection and community rather than material possessions.

The visit highlighted the contrast between assumed necessities and actual privileges. Clean water, secure shelter and opportunity are not guaranteed for many. Yet dignity persists—not through wealth, but through perseverance and grace in the face of struggle.

The Illusion of Contentment

Gratitude is common among Guatemalans, but it often reflects limited exposure to broader possibilities. Poverty restricts more than material goods; it narrows perspective. Without access to clean water, its absence may not even be recognized as a deficit.

Approximately 70% of Guatemala’s employed population works in the informal sector, characterized by unstable income, limited benefits and slow long-term growth. Female labor force participation remains among the lowest in the region, at around 42%. These structural barriers hinder families like Bonita’s from reaching their full potential.

Why It Matters

Bonita’s story exemplifies the heart of Guatemala—marked by pride, love and resilience. Yet no one should have to endure such burdens alone. Organizations like Filter of Hope provide more than resources; they offer respect and recognition. Many communities have adapted to survive without assistance, but that should not be the expectation.

Poverty in Guatemala is not just a matter of numbers—it is a human issue. It affects mothers, grandmothers and children who deserve more than mere survival. They deserve the opportunity to thrive.

Resilience should not be mistaken for sufficiency. Strength does not negate the need for support and gratitude does not imply contentment. Bonita’s experience reflects millions of others. While she may never ask for help, her story calls for it because she deserves it. Because they all do.

– Marissa Schoth

Marissa is based in Benton, LA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Garbage Cafes Tackle Waste and Poverty in India

garbage cafes

India is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It has a population of more than one billion within its territory, which makes up 17.5% of the world’s overall population. The country’s growth rate, however, has stood at less than 1% since 2018. It is located in South Asia, with countries around its borders such as Pakistan, China, Nepal and Bangladesh.

The country has 28 states and eight union territories, each with its own government bodies. It is officially known as the Republic of India and is known for having one of the largest democracies in the world. India has many facts that are unique to its people, but one unexpected fact is that it is currently the world’s largest producer of plastic waste.

Plastics for Change

According to Plastics for Change, India was labeled as the world’s biggest polluter. In 2024, it was reported that the country produced 20% of the overall plastic waste that pollutes land and oceans. There are more than 9 million tonnes of waste generated by the country each year, which exceeds competing countries such as China and Nigeria. The waste is largely created by population growth, urbanization and development within the economy. As the population increases, the need for resources expands, like building more housing and grocery stores. The need for plastic resources is especially high within urban areas.

Waste and Poverty in India

Poverty in India has decreased significantly between 2016 and 2021. The number of people living in poverty decreased from more than 300 million between 2015 and 2016 to around 230 million between 2019 and 2021. As of 2025, 83 million people live in poverty in India, with more females being impacted. This shows the country has taken great strides in investing in its people.

There have been large impacts, such as investments in the economy, roads and connectivity between local and urban areas. There have also been job creations in various fields and aid programs accessible to the public. India is currently known as the fastest-growing economy in the world and has a high gross domestic product (GDP). Even though poverty in India has not been eradicated, there are cafes in the country offering meals to people in need in exchange for collecting waste.

Garbage Cafes

It all began in 2019 after multiple reports of plastic waste impacting communities and cities in India. One such city that took the initiative was Ambikapur. One of the first “garbage cafes” opened with one simple policy: every person who turns in 2.2 pounds of plastic waste gets a full meal. These meals include rice, vegetables and other staples vital to one’s diet. For those who collect 1 pound of waste, they can purchase breakfast items. With this cafe serving 20 meals daily, it presents a solution to waste polluting the city’s streets. In total, the cafe has collected more than 20 metric tonnes of waste since its creation.

This garbage cafe prides itself on its slogan, “more the waste, better the taste.” It prioritizes two main issues within its city and India as well: hunger and plastic waste pollution. People who struggle to make ends meet for their families have access to meals that can benefit them and their loved ones. The cafe is operated by the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation (AMC), which oversees this local initiative.

Creation of Jobs

It may have started in Ambikapur, but garbage cafes have spread to other cities in India, such as Siliguri and Mulugu. These cafes have similar policies that provide meals to people in need who collect waste. Another campaign offers period products to those who collect plastic waste. These initiatives help rid streets of pollution while also providing citizens with basic needs. Cambodia has also adopted similar programs, showing how positive responses to these initiatives can lead to long-term benefits.

The Municipal Corporation has also provided jobs that would not have been available otherwise. It employs more than 400 women to sort plastic waste after collection. They are given the necessary tools, such as gloves and masks, to protect themselves. They also go around neighborhoods to collect the waste from homes. This shows the creation of jobs that help people who may have been unemployed, especially women who are often most impacted by poverty.

Looking Ahead

Garbage cafes have created opportunities for people in poverty to supply meals for themselves and their families. This shows the importance of investments in communities and how corporations can assert themselves in this role. For the 83 million who remain in poverty in India, there are initiatives by the government and garbage cafes to alleviate daily burdens. There are job openings, investments in community cleanups and meal provisions where necessary. India has shown one initiative that other countries can adopt to target two issues at one time.  

– Nickaylia Anderson

Nickaylia is based in Syracuse, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty Reduction in the Republic of Congo

Poverty Reduction in The Republic of CongoThe Republic of Congo, also referred to as Congo-Brazzaville, is a mineral-rich country in Central Africa. Despite its abundance in valuable natural resources, the country continues to face increasing rates of poverty. Petroleum and gas currently dominate exports in the region, however, the nation struggles to translate its economic gains into extensive social development. Extreme poverty throughout the country, especially in rural areas, has been an ongoing challenge. Fortunately, poverty reduction in the Republic of Congo has been underway.

About Poverty in the Republic of Congo

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 46.5% of the Republic of Congo is living below international poverty lines, equating to $2 a day. In fact, poverty rates in the region have spiked to 52%. The nation’s high poverty rates have continued to threaten civilian health, education and overall wellbeing.

The Republic of Congo faces various constraints when it comes to addressing its global poverty status. Corruption and social inequalities have been ongoing barriers. Due to weak national governance, policies confronting poverty have not been effective and initiatives pertaining to social development programs have not undergone successful execution. Many civilians lack access to quality education, health services, quality food markets and overall job opportunities.

Poverty in the Republic of Congo is multidimensional. Populations in rural Congo are 3% more likely to experience multidimensional poverty, which is slightly higher than those in urban settings. On top of this, when comparing male-headed households with women-headed households, women-headed households are at risk of experiencing 2.5% more multidimensional poverty.

Access to education has also played a significant role in the poverty status of Congolese households. It is reported that households with no secondary school education are more susceptible to multidimensional poverty by approximately 24%, with household size also being a contributing factor.

Additionally, the country’s strong dependence on its oil production can pose an issue depending on international price fluctuations. The country’s high debt has also contributed to how much funds can be distributed to social development programs.

The Congo’s National Development Plan 2022-2026

To help combat poverty in the Republic of Congo, several initiatives have emerged. The Congo’s National Development Plan 2022-2026 (PND) has focused on redirecting the country’s reliance on oil and diversifying its revenue. The plan emphasized national poverty reduction, infrastructure and economic development. To support the implementation of the PND, in June 2025, the World Bank approved the final operation in its Fiscal Management and Inclusive Growth series.

The Telema Program

Telema, meaning “stand up” in Lingala, one of the nation’s local languages, is a national program with initiatives to support poverty reduction in the regions of Brazzaville, Point-Noir and Pool. The program mobilizes micro-entrepreneurs and those vulnerable to poverty to start micro-projects. The government provides participants with grants and skills training. The project launched in 2019 and has proved major recent developments. In 2025, the program received an additional 1,968,000,000 CFA from France to expand to other regions including Oyo, Niari and Lekoumou.

Looking Ahead

Although the Republic of Congo has displayed efforts in stabilizing its economy and expanding social development programs, long-term poverty reduction in the Republic of Congo is dependent on the administration providing realistic opportunities for civilians. Initiatives such as Telema and support from the World Bank give optimism for positive change focusing on inclusion and job opportunities. If effectively implemented, the Republic of Congo could transform its resource wealth into a foundation for a prosperous future.

– Gloria Bwenge

Gloria is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Maternal Mortality in the KP Region

Maternal Mortality in the KP RegionConditional cash transfers (CCTs) are a common tool used by governments to alleviate poverty. It involves direct cash transfers to individuals or households to help families manage expenses. In exchange for these grants, there are stipulations of required health check-ups or testing, educational enrollment or other factors that can broadly reduce poverty and improve standards of living.

Based on current evidence, CCTs are most effective in health care-related initiatives, often improving health outcomes and encouraging increased utilization of health care offerings. The studies that provide this evidence also note that despite the clear positive impact, the efficacy of these initiatives remains ill-defined. This is due to disparate health care systems and the quality of services offered between the countries and communities where CCTs have been implemented.

Maternal Mortality in the KP Region

In Pakistan and in South Asia generally, the maternal mortality rate is significantly high. Although there has been a significant drop in the maternal mortality rate of around 60% between 2000 and 2017, the region still accounts for around 20% of maternal deaths worldwide. The 2006-07 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey was the first effort to collect information on maternal mortality in the country.

The survey revealed that during those years, there were 276 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births in Pakistan. In 2007-08, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) region, the maternal mortality rate was 275 deaths for every 100,000 live births in the region. These numbers indicated severe deficiencies in the delivery of adequate health care to expectant mothers, which the local governments of Pakistan sought to address.

The Chief Minister’s Special Initiatives

In the KP region of Pakistan, the Chief Minister’s Special Initiatives are a set of poverty alleviation measures created by the local government. These initiatives aim to improve living standards by offering financial incentives to individuals who take advantage of local services focused on education, employment and health outcomes.

For example, grants were provided to female students above grade 5 to encourage them to continue their education. Stipends were also offered to young people enrolled in government-sponsored vocational training programs. These incentives were significant because they represented key examples of CCTs used as a poverty alleviation tool in Pakistan.

In 2014, recognizing the urgent need to address maternal mortality rates and in line with a national push to improve health care for mothers and children, the government of KP launched the Chief Minister’s Special Initiative for Mother and Child Health. This conditional cash transfer program provides fixed cash stipends to marginalized mothers for attending prenatal checkups, delivering safely and completing postnatal visits.

A 2024 study evaluating the program found a substantial increase in the total number of health-seeking hospital visits, indicating that the intervention successfully achieved its intended behavioral change. Additionally, the cash incentives improved household purchasing power and supported the incomes of vulnerable families. The findings provided strong evidence for expanding the use of other CCT programs in Pakistan.

Maternal Mortality Declines in KP

In the years that followed, the maternal mortality rate declined significantly. The 2019 Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey collected updated national and regional data, showing trends since the 2007 survey. Nationally, maternal deaths fell from 276 to 186 per 100,000 live births.

In the KP region, the figure dropped from 275 to 165, representing a slightly higher percentage reduction than the national average. This suggests that local initiatives and conditions, including the CCT programs, may have contributed to reducing maternal mortality rates.

Final Remarks

The conditional cash transfers program in the KP region has already shown promising results for improving maternal health outcomes and alleviating poverty. It could be a model for the rest of Pakistan to follow and bring down its alarming maternal mortality rates.

– Nikhil N Kumar

Nikhil is based in Lexington, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Impacts of Savings Groups in Malawi

Savings Groups in MalawiMalawi is a low-income country in East Africa. It is one of the 10th most impoverished countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita and more than 50% of its population officially lives below the national poverty line. Many Malawians do not have access to formal banking due to a lack of banking infrastructure or a fundamental lack of personal wealth. Savings groups in Malawi have primarily replaced banking and have the potential to eradicate poverty in this country.

What Are Savings Groups?

Savings groups are small community-based groups, between 15 and 25 people, who each place an amount of money into a central holding, allowing them to save money on a small and relatively stable basis. They provide a transparent and democratic form of microfinance, serving as an alternative where formal banking is unavailable. Benefits include:

  • Loans become available to more impoverished people who cannot access them from formal institutions.
  • Young people can learn how to save, borrow and invest money in a safe environment, rather than going into adult finance without experience.
  • Women, generally one of the most vulnerable groups economically, can gain independence through savings groups.
  • Essential local infrastructure can be sustainably built and maintained.

Crucially, Plan International emphasizes that savings groups are vital in reaching the first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). The SDGs are a set of international goals agreed upon by the U.N. and targeted for completion by 2030, with the first goal focused on eradicating global poverty in all its forms.

Impacts of VSLAs in Malawi

Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) are a version of savings groups in Malawi, organized at the village level rather than within smaller groups. They are widespread throughout the country. Impacts include:

  • Savings: Villages working under VSLAs have reported a 34% increase in savings over the last 1.5 to 3 years compared to villages without them.
  • Loans & Credit: Households that are part of a VSLA have increased access to credit and loans. In VSLA areas, the borrowing costs of people taking loans have fallen by 20%.
  • Businesses: VSLAs have correlated with a rise in the number of businesses and profits in Malawi, but household incomes have not yet changed. Although income rises with profits, the effect can be expected to be staggered. Businesses cannot realistically increase incomes until their profit gains prove to be sustainable rather than a one-off.
  • Food Security: Although savings groups in Malawi have not yet had a significant impact on food security, according to Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), they have helped mitigate the negative effects of droughts. On average, VSLAs have also increased food consumption by one meal per week, showing gradual improvements.
  • Women: VSLAs have had a clear positive impact on women. Malawian women in savings groups report being more empowered, with greater ability to make decisions for themselves and their households.

Malawi is also pursuing digital means for its financial future. According to IPA, the main focus currently is on digitizing records and monitoring how it improves access to finance across the country.

How Effective Are Savings Groups in Malawi?

The IPA report shows that saving groups have been incredibly influential in Malawi. They have provided a vehicle through which the Malawian people can bring themselves up financially. Women have significantly benefited, able to become increasingly economically and socially independent. While there is still a long way to go in eradicating poverty in countries like Malawi, saving groups have proven to be a reliable solution in many aspects and will help push the world toward reaching the primary SDG by 2030.

– Oliver Evans

Oliver is based in Devon, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr