Archive for category: Developing Countries

Information and stories about developing countries.

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India’s Journey: Emerging as a Global Economic Powerhouse

Global Economic PowerhouseIn recent years, India has emerged as a global economic powerhouse, displaying remarkable economic progress that has positively impacted both extreme and non-monetary poverty. This is evident in the poverty decline over the years.  In 2022, India witnessed a substantial reduction in its Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) rate, dropping from 55.1% to 16.4% in 15 years. Several critical factors influence this decrease in poverty and the improvement of the global economic outlook.

India’s Growing Middle Class

The middle class in every country plays a pivotal role in shaping its economic outlook. India’s middle class is the fastest-growing demographic group in India, as it has witnessed a significant growth rate of 6.3% annually from 1995 to 2021.

Currently, the middle class makes up 31% of the population and projections indicate that this percentage will increase to 38% by 2031 and to 60% by 2047. The increase in the middle class has been one of the determining factors behind India’s growing success as a global economic powerhouse, as it leads to an increment in consumption and human capital for innovation.

IT Services and Digital Transformation

India’s IT services and digital transformation have propelled its position as a major player globally. India’s technology industry is a powerhouse driving the country’s global economy, job market and overall growth. In the fiscal year 2022, its revenue surpassed $200 billion. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated India’s digital progress, leading to a surge in internet users and a shift toward online services, including education and food delivery. As a result, India’s digital economy, comprising online businesses and services, is projected to reach a worth of $1 trillion by 2030.

Digital transformation is important for big companies and also smaller ones. Businesses are realizing they need to embrace technology to survive and grow. India is exploring exciting possibilities, like using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve internet access and digital services for everyone, even in rural areas. It is investing in innovations like AI to solve big challenges. While it is still early, the potential is huge for transforming India’s society and global economy for the better.

India’s Agricultural Landscape

The agriculture sector, a vital component of India’s economy, contributes significantly to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employment. In the past years, it has experienced robust growth, accounting for 18.8% of the Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2021-22. Growth in allied sectors like livestock, dairying and fisheries has been the primary driver of this expansion.

Indian agriculture is now consumption-driven rather than population-driven, with farmers displaying diverse skills and small farms serving multiple functions. India ranks fourth globally in terms of the total value of agricultural production. Additionally, it is the second-largest food producer by calorie content, trailing only behind China.

India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Over the past decade, India has experienced robust growth in its domestic market. It has attracted additional foreign direct investment (FDI) and focused on establishing foundational elements for sustainable economic development. Notably, India has advanced in global rankings for innovation and ease of doing business, indicating a favorable environment for further economic expansion.

In FY 2021-22, India saw a significant surge in annual FDI inflows, reaching $84,835 billion, surpassing the previous year by $2.87 billion. FDI equity inflows in the manufacturing sector increased by 76% compared to the previous fiscal year, totaling $21.34 billion. During FY 2022 (April-December), total FDI inflows in India amounted to $55.27 billion, with FDI equity inflows totaling $36.74 billion. Key countries contributing to FDI equity inflows included Singapore, the United States (U.S.), Mauritius, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The top sectors attracting FDI equity inflows in FY 2021-22 were computer software and hardware, services, the automobile industry, trading and construction activities.

Conclusion

In the past two decades, India has made remarkable strides in reducing extreme poverty. Between 2011 and 2019 it has halved the population living on below $2.15 per person per day. India aims to achieve high middle-income status by 2047.

According to the World Bank, for India to achieve this goal, it would need to focus on growth-oriented reforms and the expansion of quality job opportunities that match the influx of labor market entrants. Additionally, addressing gaps in economic participation, including increasing female workforce participation, is imperative to its global economic outlook.

– Teniola Yusuf

Teniola is based in Norwich, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Brazil’s Sound: Samba Music and Social Justice

Social JusticeSamba music is a staple of Brazil’s urban culture, from influences found in African drum patterns brought over by enslaved people to the now world-famous Brazilian carnival. This style of music provides communities with opportunities for bonding and culture away from poverty. In recent years, communities brought together by Samba music have also become advocates for social justice. Amid Brazil’s political turmoil during the Bolsonaro years, jam sessions became both moments of release and powerful meeting points in favor of social justice.

A Brief History of Samba Music

Samba Music originates from drum patterns transported across the Atlantic by enslaved people taken from their homeland to work on the Brazilian plantations. Originally, the word Samba is thought to derive from the Kimbundu term “Semba” loosely translatable as “invitation to dance” or designating the informal parties held by slaves in Rio’s rural areas. In the early 20th century, following the abolition of slavery in 1888, Samba grew in popularity and enriched its tradition through exposure to other genres of popular music also brought to Brazil by immigration. German polka or Cuban Habanera brought song structure and lyrics to the rhythmic form leading to an early style of Samba popular among Brazil’s aristocracy, pairing slower tempos with melancholic and romantic lyrics.

However, it was during the ’50s in the favelas that Samba took on its most popular shape. In these poor urban areas, faster rhythms were oriented toward communal events like the Carnival, where bands of musicians would rehearse all year round to perform at the event. During the 50s, Brazil saw its music export grow considerably, with the likes of Gilberto and Jobin popularising Bossa Nova in cooperation with American jazz musicians. With the now world-renowned fame of the genre, urban populations have incorporated other styles of music into Samba, such as jungle drum patterns. Its strong association with the Carnival and urban popular culture pairs samba music and social justice deep within its roots.

Samba Music and Social Justice

As a style of music popular at its chore, the popularity of Samba intertwined its development with social justice struggles in the country. In the ’30s, during the dictatorship of General Getulio, Samba music offered a rallying crowd where protesters could mask socially engaged lyrics within the music and avoid censorship. This trend continued during the military dictatorship of the ’60s and ’70s. Carnivals offered moments of reversals of social structures, allowing a release for much of the grievances built out of social inequality and income disparity.

The music also grew as a tool for affirmation and protestation against racial injustices plaguing the country. The 1988 Carnival theme “One Hundred Years of Freedom: Reality or Illusion” asked burning questions amid the celebration of the 100 years of slavery’s abolition. The harsh conditions in urban slums were highlighted, pegging the question of true social evolution since the abolition of slavery.

Samba Music and Social Justice Today

Today, much of Brazil’s poverty remains urban. The United Nations (U.N.) reports that 72% of the country’s poor live in urban areas, with rates of informal settlements climbing as high as 22.15% in Rio de Janeiro and 54.47% in Belèm. Those tough circumstances are further reinforced by high rates of criminality in poor urban areas and high rates of inequalities across the country; Brazil clocks in as one of the most unequal countries in the world. Samba music in these underprivileged areas offers moments of community cohesion and peace.

Different institutions, such as the Renaissance Club in Rio de Janeiro, became a stronghold for social justice protests and community-led actions. Upholding, at its root, both the Afro-Brazilian roots of the music style and the historically underprivileged positions occupied in society as part of the same fight. Amid the COVID-19 crisis and the high death toll that struck poor urban communities hard, the Renaissance Club was a place in which the grievances of the community could be expressed through music and raise voices of social equality across race and economic backgrounds. The Club shows that samba music and social justice are still interlinked both by their heritage and current issues.

– Felix Stephens

Felix is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and New Markets and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Period Poverty in Somalia

Period Poverty in SomaliaSomalia stands as an exceedingly impoverished nation, ranking as one of the poorest countries in Africa. The Voluntary National Review of 2022 acknowledges that nearly seven out of 10 Somalis endure poverty, falling below the international poverty line. The country consistently faces recurrent droughts, attributed to unsuccessful rainy seasons. These droughts have resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives and caused extensive crop failures.

What Is Period Poverty? 

Period Poverty is a global issue. According to the World Bank, as many as 500 million people across the globe face Period Poverty. Consequently, 500 million girls and women have a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products (commonly pads, tampons and menstrual cups), sanitation facilities (disposal and washing) and education/information regarding menstruation and period products.

Examining Period Poverty in Somalia

In Somali society, people often consider menstruation a taboo. Menstruating girls and women are viewed as unclean, making them deemed unfit for regular daily activities. This lack of awareness surrounding menstruation contributes to a shortage of proper sanitary hygiene products in Somalia. Furthermore, this lack of understanding makes girls and women refrain from seeking necessary treatment for menstrual pain. 

Consequently, numerous girls and women turn to utilizing leaves, aged fabric, socks, the interiors of worn-out mattresses and newspapers. The results of such desperation are heartbreaking. The use of unhygienic materials as sanitary products heightens the risk of urogenital symptoms and infections among Somali girls and women.

Period poverty in Somalia significantly impacts girls’ education. Many girls in the Somali capital regularly miss classes during menstruation. The lack of access to sanitary products leaves them feeling uncomfortable and fearful of potential embarrassment or staining their clothes. This disadvantage faced by females in Somalia hinders their academic progress and diminishes their prospects for future success, further perpetuating gender inequality. 

Positive Action 

The Youth Peer Network supported by UNFPA Somalia has initiated a campaign addressing sexual reproductive health for young people. Launched in 1999 and established in 2011, the Youth Peer Network has branches in more than 50 countries around the world.

The campaigns main priority is menstrual hygiene. Mohamed Arshad Ibrahim, a peer educator for the Youth Peer Network, states, “We aim to eradicate the lack of menstrual hygiene products, and we have distributed reusable sanitary pads to many vulnerable girls for use during their periods, which allows them to stay in school.”. The campaign has been carried out in several schools and universities. Over 2,000 girls suffering from period poverty in Somalia, have benefitted from packs of reusable sanitary supplies. These reusable sanitary supplies are included in the campaign’s dignity kits. The kits include disposable and reusable menstrual pads, underwear, soap and other essentials. 

Founded in 2005, the GBV Area of Responsibility currently has operational presence in 44 countries across 5 regions of the world. GBV Area of Responsibility is actively working to distribute dignity kits to vulnerable women and girls throughout Somalia. In 2020, GBV Area of Responsibility provided 12,816 people with dignity kits in 17 coordination hubs across Somalia. Upon receiving these kits, women and girls gain access to essential items such as soap and hand sanitizers, contact details for GBV service providers, laundry soap, baby-safe antibacterial wipes, chamber pots with privacy shields and sanitary products.

A Look Ahead

Unfortunately, the Somalian government has shown no initiative in providing support for women regarding healthcare needs and finances. The commendable efforts made by organizations such as UNFPA and GBV Area of Responsibility to aid women and girls in Somalia should be greatly applauded. 

– Libby Jackson
Photo: Flickr

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Updates on SDG 1 in Algeria

SDG 1 in AlgeriaPoverty is a global issue as its consequences of disease and instability do not have borders and therefore, achieving SDG 1 is an important step not only for individual countries but the global community. Algeria has been steadily working to eradicate extreme poverty, and efforts to reduce multidimensional poverty are still ongoing. This article discusses updates on SDG 1 in Algeria, what the Sustainable Development Goals are and some of the projects that have contributed to achieving SDG 1 in Algeria.

Sustainable Developed Goals (SDG)

In 2015, the U.N. developed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to “ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity,” covering not only poverty but also hunger, disease and discrimination against women and girls among other issues. 

SDG 1 in Algeria and globally targets the poverty line and extreme poverty. Across different countries, there are different official poverty lines based on what is needed to survive in each country. However, extreme poverty is defined generally as having less than $2.15 per person per day and the poverty line is set at $3.65 (at 2017 purchasing power parity). 

Poverty in Alegria

According to the UNDP, in 2021 1.4% of Algeria’s population was multidimensionally poor, with another 3.6% vulnerable. This means that portions of the population while over the monetary poverty line may still have low standards of living, education and health.

For example, 43% of households have at least one child either not in education or training, or without the mandated nine years of free education, according to the Economic Research Forum (ERF). This is particularly significant as the poverty rate reduces in the population with higher levels of education, with rates being between 13% and 16% for those with only a primary education whereas rates are 1% and 2% for those with high education, ERF reports. Further, increased education reduces the difference in poverty rates between male and female Algerians. 

With regards to distribution, multidimensional poverty is not evenly spread throughout the country, with rural areas much more affected than urban areas with rates of more than 30% in the High Plateau Center, High Plateau East and High Plateau West regions, according to the ERF.

Achieving SDG 1 in Algeria

According to the SDG Index, SDG 1 in Algeria has been achieved, and the country is on track to maintain its (monetary) poverty headcount ratio at $2.15. Moreover, Algeria has reduced the percentage of the population living on less than $3.65 per day from 4.06% to 1.78% between 2010 and 2023. 

Algeria achieved SDG 1 through continued efforts that included investing in infrastructure, social politics and diversifying the economy away from relying on hydrocarbon production which currently accounts for 19% of GDP and 93% of exports, according to the World Bank.

Algeria has invested in several projects that aim to lift rural communities out of poverty and keep them there. One such project is the “integrated management project of the Guerbes Wetlands,” where the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries collaborated with the General Forest Authority, the UNDP and the WWF.

The U.N. Global Compact calls it “vital to the well-being of the local people and species” because of the impact on food sources as well as empowering rural women and youth economically, alongside its positive environmental benefits.

While the project mainly covered SDG 6, it did have positive outcomes for SDG 1. According to UNDP Algeria, Nadira Boukerma, a rural project manager, took about 10 unemployed young people and trained them in beekeeping. With their new knowledge and the introduction of modern hives, honey production in the region could significantly increase.

Utilizing Natural Ecosystems

Algeria’s push towards a more diversified economy also involves utilizing natural ecosystems to promote eco-tourism. Taza National Park, through the SEA-Med project, implemented sustainable tourism practices that had positive effects on the local people and engaged both private and non-profit stakeholders. Some achievements are; 

  • Nine new diving clubs established 
  • 412 dive certifications achieved 
  • 19 dive shops opened
  • Eight training courses with 15 people per course
  • Two exchange visits to France totalling 14 participants

While the area received more than 5 million visitors a year, the SEA-Med project also encouraged tourism from within Algeria. For example, in 2011 local diving clubs organised the first underwater photo and video contest on the Jijelian coast in collaboration with park authorities, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report.

The Future

According to WorldPoverty.io, in 2023 Algeria had 15%% of its population categorized as “living in highly vulnerable conditions” i.e. under $6.85 per day per person. A reduction of this percentage could be the next step in continuing to achieve SDG 1 in Algeria. 

– Rachael Denton-Snape
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The Future of Renewable Energy in Kosovo

Renewable energy in KosovoIn 2024, Kosovo is at a crossroads. Its antique coal power plants cannot meet demand and need refurbishment. Many people see this as the perfect opportunity to expand the use of renewable energy in Kosovo. However, any renewable future in Kosovo has to contend with the state’s large coal reserves.  

The Current Energy Situation

Europe’s newest country is ranked 166th by size. But, within its 4,203 square miles, there are 12.44 Megatons of lignite coal. Kosovo has the world’s fifth-largest proven reserve of this type of coal. Kosovars have been dependent on this lignite coal since Yugoslav times. Even today, two lignite coal power plants – Kosova A and Kosova B – produce over 90% of Kosovo’s electricity. This current setup is facing problems in 2024. 

Ageing Infrastructure and Energy Importation

Yugoslavia built Kosova A in 1962 and B in 1983, respectively. Today, the plants are inefficient and in need of modernization. There are frequent blackouts at the two plants as they struggle with demand. 

The power grid is also in bad condition. Some rural villages report that they do not receive electricity for six months of the year. Two-thirds of people in poverty in Kosovo live in the countryside. Economic growth is nearly impossible without a reliable energy supply. Kosovo’s current energy problems are trapping people in the cycle of poverty. 

Kosovo has had to import energy as the power plants cannot provide the required levels in their current state. In 2022, Kosovo spent 12.5% of its GDP on importing energy, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) paper. This is a high percentage for a growing economy like Kosovo. It harms their ability to provide basic services for their citizens. For example, Kosovo only spends 3.5% of its GDP on health care while the EU average is 19.5%. Energy importation is a large burden on the Kosovo economy. 

Furthermore, expensive energy importation is having a subsequent effect on citizens as well. Many reports estimate that 40% of Kosovars live in energy poverty, according to a 2022 article by Ana Krstinovska. Energy importation drives the price of energy up in Kosovo and leads to locals not being able to afford basic energy necessities. 

Poor Air Quality

Kosovo has some of the most polluted air in Europe. Kosovo’s carbon intensity – CO2 emissions released per unit of electricity- is four times the rest of Europe, according to the IMF paper. The consensus is that Kosova A and B are the sources of this poor air quality. Their inefficiency and high usage make them two of Europe’s most polluting power plants, according to Intellinews.

Next to these coal power plants is the town of Obiliq. The citizens here suffer due to bad air quality. In 2020, environmental NGO Bankwatch studied dust concentration in Obiliq. The level of harmful toxins in the air surpassed the EU-required limit in 17 of the 26 days of the study.

Bankwatch specifically measured dangerous particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 can lead to respiratory, pulmonary and heart diseases. In 2019, long-term PM2.5 exposure caused 4.14 million deaths worldwide.   

In 2024, Kosovo has made some steps towards a more sustainable energy grid already. Two years ago, Kosovo opened its biggest wind farm. The Selac Wind Farm has 27 turbines and provides electricity for around 10% of Kosovars. 

The project employed mostly workers from the local communities around the wind farm site. Contractors were contractually obliged to limit the amount of foreign workers during the project and the project brought much-needed jobs to this region. 

The Future of Energy in Kosovo

The Kosovo leadership has provided mixed messages on its commitment to a renewable future. The current government wants to modernize Kosova B and two units of Kosova A. A refurbishment would make the plants less polluting and increase energy production. This plan would allow Kosovo to be less reliant on importing energy. Bankwatch says the plans “would be an improvement, though less optimal than investment into renewable,” Intellinews reports.

The refusal to phase out coal is a controversial decision. In 2023, an environmental watchdog called it a “critical gap in Kosovo’s commitment to decarbonization,” according to Reuters. Kosova A and B are likely to remain in use beyond 2040.  

The strategy, whilst controversial for what it does not include, does provide proof of plans for a more renewable future. The Kosovo government set out these targets for 2031:

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector by 32%
  • Increase the share of renewable energy sources up to 35% 
  • Develop new solar, wind and biomass energy infrastructure.

The World Bank describes this strategy as “laying the foundations for greener growth in Kosovo,” Intellinews reports. Renewable energy in Kosovo could provide a safer and healthier environment. A renewable future in Kosovo could have a lower level of PM2.5 in the air than any future with fossil fuels. 

The refurbishment of Kosova A and B means they could become less polluting and produce more energy. This could mean better air quality and less energy imports. However, it could keep coal part of Kosovo’s energy production for the foreseeable future. The emergence of renewable energy in Kosovo is exciting but could continue to be alongside coal instead of replacing it.  

– Richard Sartor
Photo: Flickr

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The $10 Billion Plan to Combat Rural Poverty in Egypt

Rural Poverty in EgyptIn response to the persistent challenge of rural poverty in Egypt, the government has unveiled an ambitious initiative known as the “$10 Billion Plan.” This comprehensive strategy aims to tackle the multifaceted issues underlying rural impoverishment by targeting key sectors and implementing various initiatives. With a substantial budget allocation of $10 billion, the plan focuses on revitalizing the agricultural sector, improving infrastructure, implementing social welfare programs and fostering entrepreneurship in rural communities. By addressing systemic barriers and investing in sustainable development, the plan seeks to uplift rural populations, enhance livelihoods and promote inclusive economic growth across Egypt’s rural landscape.

Since its inception, the Decent Life Initiative has garnered high expectations. In 2021, the Egyptian prime minister hailed it as Egypt’s mega project of the 21st Century, drawing parallels to iconic national endeavors like the Suez Canal and the Aswan High Dam.

Over the years, the initiative has begun to fulfill the promises made by Egyptian leadership. Branded as “Haya Kareema,” the Decent Life Initiative represents a comprehensive strategy to eradicate rural poverty in Egypt, encompassing many projects to foster sustainable growth in rural areas. Praised by the United Nations (U.N.) for its meticulous planning, Decent Life targets various facets of rural life, benefiting from broad support beyond governmental realms, with private sector entities and humanitarian organizations actively participating. With a combined funding of 500 billion Egyptian Pounds ($10.5 billion), Decent Life demonstrates a concerted effort to uplift rural communities and foster enduring socio-economic progress.

Rural Poverty in Egypt

A stark contrast exists between the quality of life in rural and urban Egypt. In 2011, 30% of the rural population struggled to afford necessities, compared to 10.6% in urban areas. Similarly, poverty rates mirrored this discrepancy, with 9.6% of rural Egyptians unable to access adequate food, while only 2.6% faced such challenges in urban locales. The Decent Life initiative represents a concerted effort to ease the impoverished conditions experienced by many rural Egyptians.

The Logistics of Decent Life

Decent Life commenced its official launch in 2019, marking the beginning of a transformative initiative. Initially, the government undertook a comprehensive survey of every rural village, employing an algorithm to identify the disadvantaged communities. These villages were ranked based on various criteria, including access to water and sanitation, education rates, health care accessibility, transportation infrastructure and poverty levels. The inaugural phase of Decent Life, from 2022 to 2024, concentrated on addressing the needs of identified communities. During this phase, a remarkable 23,000 projects were implemented across 1,477 villages, resulting in approximately 18 million Egyptians benefiting from the initiative.

The First Phase

Decent Life integrates vital life-saving interventions with projects aimed at fostering growth. Here are some notable achievements of the initiative thus far: access to water and sanitation: The government constructed 169 water stations, resulting in a significant increase of 24,000 households gaining access to clean water. Additionally, nine sewage treatment plants and 739 sanitation projects under Decent Life were inaugurated. These efforts led to a notable rise in household access to the sewage system, benefiting 287,000 individuals.

The Impact of the Decent Life Initiative

Decent Life, an initiative in Egypt, has made substantial contributions across various sectors. In education, it has constructed more than 14,000 classrooms across 1,242 schools, reducing classroom density in 35% of schools and eliminating the need for shifts due to overcrowding. Health care access has also seen significant improvements with the opening of 382 health units, a new hospital in the Aswan Governance and more than 300 new ambulance services.

Further, transportation infrastructure has been upgraded by paving 45 roads, including 15 main thoroughfares, refurbishing 60 railway stations and enhancing public transport services. Addressing rural poverty is another focus of Decent Life, achieved through initiatives like enhancing financial access. This includes establishing 12 new bank branches, renovating 112 existing branches and installing 563 ATMs, leading to more than 200,000 new bank accounts opening. Efforts to improve internet connectivity have connected more than 180 villages to a fiber optic network and installed more than 1,000 network towers, expanding internet access and economic opportunities for rural communities.

The Future of Decent Life

The completion of the first phase is slated for 2024, with the second phase poised to commence shortly after that. Encompassing more than 1,600 villages and impacting the lives of 20 million Egyptians, the Decent Life Initiative represents a monumental endeavor to eradicate rural poverty in Egypt. The ongoing efforts of the initiative have already yielded substantial benefits for millions of Egyptians, underscoring the imperative of its continuation. With a steadfast focus on sustainable growth, there is optimism that the initiative will provide a lasting solution to rural poverty in Egypt rather than a temporary fix.

– Richard Sartor
Photo: Flickr

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The Impact of Poverty in the Maldives

Poverty in the MaldivesThe Maldives, a South Asian country, has managed to elevate itself from a middle-income status despite facing significant geographical challenges. In the past five years, the economy has experienced an average growth rate of 4.5% per year, which is a considerable improvement mainly due to the booming tourism industry. The transport, communication and construction sectors have also contributed to this growth. The Maldives heavily relies on tourism to grow its per capita income. However, this industry is quite risky. Therefore, to maintain its growth and overcome the challenges of poverty, the country needs to have a more balanced economy. As of 2019, about 20,000 people or 5.4% of the population in Maldives, lived below the national poverty line, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Although the Maldives has one of the lowest poverty rates in South Asia, concerns remain regarding the vast differences in per capita income, literacy rates, access to health and education services, levels of industrialization and relatively high-income inequality. Separately, as a small island developing state, the effects of changing weather patterns and the risk to the tourism sector can also be a big concern if not addressed.

The Impact of the 2004 Tsunami

The impact of the 2004 tsunami was devastating. The financial damage was estimated to be around $470 million, which accounted for 44% of the country’s GDP in 2004. This estimate, however, does not include the environmental costs, such as the loss of topsoil and land that was washed away into the sea. The tourism industry was severely affected, with a 34% shrinkage and the economy as a whole shrank by 8.7%.

Despite the impacts of the tsunami and global financial crisis, the Maldives government reduced poverty by implementing the regional development policy. This helped distribute the social and economic infrastructure equally and resulted in the country bringing national poverty to 15% in 2010 from 21% in 2003. 

UNICEF’s Impact in the Maldives

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) collaborated with the National Bureau of Statistics and Oxford University to create the country’s first Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), helping the government identify vulnerable children and provide assistance. Additionally, it developed a child-focused MPI to identify issues in education, health and future living standards for children in the Maldives.

To increase children’s access to education, UNICEF has also partnered with other organizations to “educate local island councils, parents, school staff and members of other institutions to promote disabled children’s right to education.” Furthermore, the organization supports the Maldives government to research other challenges affecting children in the nation. This is in addition to providing evidence-based solutions to some issues, such as child marriage, among young people in the Maldives.

– Mayra Sahu
Photo: Flickr

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5 Facts About Mental Wellness in Bulgaria

Mental Wellness in BulgariaBulgaria is a country known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. The population is roughly seven million and the nation is part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU). It is a hotspot country for historians and anthropologists alike, as it is one of the first European countries in existence. Bulgaria is dotted with mountains and dense with forests and it borders the sea, so there are several tourist attractions and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Here are five facts about mental wellness in Bulgaria.

5 Facts About Mental Wellness in Bulgaria

  1. Historically, Bulgaria has not prioritized the mental health of its citizens, with very few mental health facilities in existence before the ’50s. After the regime change in 1944, psychiatrists in Bulgaria began to advocate the “dispensary system,” which meant to integrate and normalize psychiatric intervention in the broader citizen sphere. This mentality was born at a time when psychiatrists began to see the direct influence of “social conditions” on the mental well-being of citizens. Thus, psychiatry and outpatient treatments were introduced more readily to accommodate mental wellness in Bulgaria.
  2. Social stigma is a significant barrier to addressing mental health in Bulgaria. Despite psychiatric efforts in the 20th century to incorporate psychiatric care into society, attitudes surrounding mental illness and disabilities in Bulgaria do not reflect these efforts. Seeking help can often target individuals and warrant social scrutiny – “Mentally ill are socially discriminated.” It is believed that the mentally ill themselves are guilty of their doom and they should not expect society to share the burden of disease with them.”
  3. Regardless of rampant social stigmas, mental illness is highly prevalent in Bulgaria. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), about 20% of children and adolescents experience mental health complications each year. Bulgarian youth are also ranked number one in Europe for unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as nicotine intake and drug/alcohol abuse.
    Though many doctors are not readily diagnosing mental health disorders in Bulgaria, it is estimated that nearly one in five Bulgarians experience depression to some degree: “People are told to just snap out of it and get on with their lives and are branded as sensitive and fragile.” Every year, nearly eight hundred Bulgarians succumb to suicide.
  4. Several factors contribute to poor mental health in Bulgaria, the foremost being the lack of assistance for those in need, as previously mentioned. The health care system in Bulgaria does not prioritize mental wellness, which is often seen as separate from physical well-being and not as immediate. Additionally, though substance abuse is usually a result of mental health disorders, it can also be an instigator of such ailments.
    “According to data from the Bulgarian Methadone Association and the Bulgarian Institute for Addictions, there are more than 300,000 drug addicts in Bulgaria.” Health care is also widely inaccessible, with almost half of all medical payments requiring “out-of-pocket” compensation. Finally, nearly 40% of the population is impoverished to some degree, which amplifies mental health struggles disproportionately.
  5. Luckily, steps are being taken to combat social stigmas around mental health disorders and provide resources to those affected. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) implemented mental wellness interventions in Bulgaria. These interventions included providing mental health training to medical professionals, donating funds to support mental health services, creating programs to raise awareness and collaborating with policymakers to establish sustainable solutions. 

WHO’s initiative made a sizeable impact: “In 2018 and 2019, the suicide rate in Bulgaria decreased by 7% compared to the previous biennium.” Similarly, UNICEF is creating an app for young Bulgarians to provide information about mental struggles, personal care advice, links to mental health resources and more. It also strives to create a website that connects Bulgarian youths with mental health professionals.

Though efforts are being made to promote mental wellness in Bulgaria, more can be done to address the ongoing mental health crisis. Government intervention, as well as assistance from WHO, UNICEF and related organizations, is essential in steering the population to a more healthy and optimistic future. With the reduction of social stigmas, a decrease in barriers to health care and the integration of psychiatric care into everyday medicine, Bulgarians can begin to heal themselves holistically for years to come.

– Anna Williams

Anna is based in Burlington, VT, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Urban Poverty in Nigeria: Addressing the Plight of the Poor

Urban Poverty in Nigeria: Approaches to Address the Plight of the PoorThe Federal Republic of Nigeria, located in West Africa between the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea, is a multi-ethnic and culturally diverse federation with 36 autonomous states and the Federal Capital Territory. Despite the government’s goal to eliminate urban and rural poverty in Nigeria by 2030, rapid urbanization presents significant challenges. While urban centers often drive socio-economic development, many large cities in the country lack the necessary infrastructure and social services, exacerbating poverty among those who migrate to these areas.

Drivers of Urbanization and Its Impact

Several interrelated dynamics are driving large-scale and extensive urbanization in Nigeria. Unlike many Sub-Saharan African countries, Nigeria has undergone urbanization since pre-colonial times. This early urbanization, combined with erratic colonial development focused on mining and petrochemical projects, has created complex urban subsystems. These systems continue to hinder economic development and worsen poverty.

Demographic Pressures and Migration

Currently, the World Bank estimates that 53% of Nigeria’s 213 million people reside in urban areas, a figure expected to rise to 70% by 2050. Declining mortality rates and persistently high fertility rates are the primary drivers of this rapid urbanization, supplemented by rural-urban migration contributing to urban growth. Nigeria’s increasing population places demographic pressure on rural natural resources, prompting many to move to cities in search of higher incomes and new economic opportunities.

Environmental Challenges and Conflict-Driven Migration

Human-induced deforestation and climate change are significantly affecting agricultural productivity in rural areas, which has traditionally been the main economic activity for low-income and peasant farmers. Additionally, conflict and insurgency from recognized terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West African Province, particularly in northeast Nigeria, are forcing residents to relocate to urban areas, thereby contributing to urban population growth.

Urban Growth and Its Challenges

While most analysts focus on Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city with an estimated 18 to 20 million residents, other cities like Ibadan, Kano and Abuja are also experiencing rapid population growth. Urbanization can stimulate local economic growth but also strain social services and infrastructure, particularly impacting the poor. The country’s reliance on oil and gas revenues makes its economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations and corruption, which hampers its ability to develop other revenue streams, enhance governance and invest in robust urban infrastructure and public services for the poor.

Poor urban planning policies, along with other factors, have led to increasing rates of urban poverty in Nigeria. The national multidimensional poverty rate stands at about 63%, with roughly 42% of urban residents living in poverty. These individuals face disproportionate challenges such as social exclusion, gender inequality, underemployment and limited access to education, housing and health services. They often live in urban slums, making them vulnerable to diseases, crime, environmental hazards and insecurities related to food, water and energy.

Government Initiatives and Collaborations

To address urban poverty in Nigeria, the national government has implemented numerous projects in conjunction with local grassroots organizations and international development institutions. While many previous projects failed to produce their intended results, recent initiatives appear more promising. 

In 2016, the Government of Nigeria implemented the National Social Safety Net Project (NSIP), which was complimented by a civil society-led implementation effort that is now known as the Enhancing Social Protection Policies in Nigeria Project (ESPPIN).

The NSIP was created to help low-income and vulnerable individuals in Nigeria gain access to financial transfers and basic services through an expanded social safety net in urban areas. This initiative led to the creation of a National Social Registry and has supported more than 3.2 million beneficiaries across the country, 49% of whom are women. Additionally, in partnership with the World Bank and various civil society organizations, the Government of Nigeria launched the Community and Social Development Project to provide impoverished and internally displaced people with improved infrastructure and basic services such as health care, food, water and housing in urban settings.

The Role of NGOs in Alleviating Urban Poverty

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and civil-society networks also serve as crucial agents of change in cities throughout Nigeria because they often operate relatively independently of bureaucratic constraints, enabling them to respond to the multifaceted needs of impoverished urban communities.

Global organizations such as Cities Alliance, the Justice and Empowerment Initiative and Slum Dwellers International have contributed to mitigating urban poverty in Nigeria. They have achieved this by profiling urban slums, preventing evictions, fostering partnerships for knowledge sharing and providing essential services like clean water, food, housing and health care. Similarly, local entities like the Ambience of Hope Exceptional Foundation and the AMAC Council play key roles in alleviating urban poverty. They use their local insights and establish inclusive networks to effectively meet the changing needs of the urban poor.

Looking Ahead

Nigeria’s multifaceted approach to urban poverty alleviation—incorporating government action, NGO support and international collaboration—promises significant progress. The ongoing initiatives lay a strong foundation for sustainable urban development and enhanced quality of life for its urban poor.

– Campbell Clarke

Campbell is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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5 Charities Operating in El Salvador

Charities in El SalvadorAs the smallest country in Central America, El Salvador is home to 6.3 million people. Among the Salvadoran population, 27% live below the national poverty line. Despite ranking as the 17th highest country in global crime, factors, such as poor access to education, and a recent increase in immigration also contribute to El Salvador’s high poverty rate. As the country’s economy grows, economic disparity continues to challenge El Salvador. According to the World Bank, the rate of extreme poverty rate increased by 4% in 2022. The most vulnerable populations, including women, children, Indigenous people, the LGBTQI+ community and those with disabilities, still face economic challenges that sustain the cycle of poverty. The work done by nonprofits, such as the following five charities operating in El Salvador, address poverty and strive to improve the lives of impoverished Salvadoran.

Salvadoran American Humanitarian Foundation

The Salvadoran American Humanitarian Foundation (SAHF) is a Miami-based non-profit that provides humanitarian aid to Salvadorans in need. The foundation collects donations from the United States and distributes them to hospitals, clinics, orphanages, nursing homes, libraries and schools in El Salvador. In partnership with its sister organization, the Salvadoran Foundation for Health and Human Development (FUSAL), SAHF shipped more than $19 million in aid to El Salvador in 2022, directly helping 62,535 Salvadorans and 157 organizations.

FUSAL

Established in 1986, the Salvadoran Foundation for Health and Human Development (FUSAL) is the Salvadoran-based sister organization of SAHF. FUSAL is responsible for receiving the goods shipped by SAHF. They distribute items, such as medicine, medical supplies, hygienic products, clothing, food and educational goods to vulnerable Salvadorans across the nation’s 14 states. Since its conception, FUSAL has distributed about $850 million of donations to 630 beneficiaries, including hospitals, schools, care and community centers, and other Salvadoran NGOs.

The Poma Foundation

The Poma Foundation is a Salvadoran organization that aims to promote the social, economic and personal development of the impoverished. Through various educational, cultural and wellness programs, such as FUSAL and the Higher School of Economic and Business (ESEN), the Poma Foundation creates opportunities for vulnerable Salvadorans to break the cycle of poverty. Since 1984, the organization has granted more than 1,300 scholarships, donated $1 million dedicated to the distribution of COVID tests and produced over 329 national theater shows.

Americares

Americares is a global nonprofit that provides relief and health care to developing countries. Their presence in El Salvador began in 1984 and increased following the 1986 earthquake. Americares works alongside FUSAL to provide medicine and medical supplies to Salvadorans in need. In 2003, the organization built the Americares Family Clinic. The clinic, located in Usultan, sees about 30,000 patients yearly and offers low-cost, high-quality medical care to local families in El Salvador.

Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos

Since 1999, the Salvadoran chapter of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) continues to provide support to vulnerable Salvadoran youth. NPH’s main house, Casa Sagrada Familia, offers shelter, education and food for 373 children emancipating from difficult environments. In addition to its internal programs, NPH’s external programs provide educational tools, such as primary education and scholarships, to low-income Salvadoran students. 

Despite a third of the country’s population living in poverty, these charities operating in El Salvador are dedicated to improving the lives of poverty-ridden Salvadorans. According to a study conducted by the World Bank Group, the national poverty rate decreased from about 40% in 2009 to 26.6% in 2022. Through various educational programs, cultural opportunities and humanitarian aid provided by non-profits, El Salvador is advancing in the fight against poverty.

– Naima Rasheed
Photo: Flickr