Archive for category: Developing Countries

Information and stories about developing countries.

, ,

The UN Calls for Debt-Poverty Pause as Global Poverty Rates Rise

Debt-Poverty Pause
The United Nations (U.N.) has called upon global finance ministers to provide a debt-poverty pause for impoverished countries. It has emphasized the need for funding to go toward social programs that will help reduce poverty, rather than toward repaying debts.

A Global Poverty Crisis

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has estimated that the COVID-19 pandemic, paired with the subsequent rise in inflation and borrowing costs, has resulted in an additional 165 million people falling into poverty. The UNDP says that more than 20% of the population worldwide is living on less than $3.65 a day, making it difficult for them to afford basic necessities like food.

In response to the pandemic and the rise in costs of food and fuel, exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many low-income countries resorted to substantial borrowing. This situation strained their economies as it affected agricultural commodity supplies and led to energy prices reaching close to record levels.

According to the UNDP, approximately 25 low-income countries spent more than 20% of their revenues on debt servicing in 2022. This is the highest number of countries surpassing this threshold since the beginning of the century. This rate can also continue to rise if global interest rates increase further. Debt interest payments account for more than 10% of the general government revenue in 46 countries, and developing countries owe around 30% of the worldwide $92 trillion of government debt. Costs associated with servicing debts are rising quickly, attributed to the actions of the world’s influential central banks, which are raising interest rates in response to the rapid increase in inflation rates.

The rise of interest rates means that poorer nations now spend two or three times the share of their revenues on paying back their debt compared to wealthier countries. Impoverished countries also spend about two times more on interest payments than public assistance and social support programs.

The UNDP Pushes for a Debt-Poverty Pause

The UNDP says that low-income countries need reprieves from repaying their debt to alleviate the repercussions of rapidly increasing borrowing costs. It urges countries burdened with debt to allocate resources typically used for debt servicing toward mitigating the social effects of economic shocks. This approach aims to alleviate some of the adverse effects on society due to these shocks so that the focus can be on poverty reduction.

Looking Forward

The United States (U.S.), the European Union and the other members of the Group of 20 (G20) recently met to discuss global solutions, including debt restructuring and global poverty. However, the debt restructuring discussions made very little progress during the finance meeting of the G20 countries in India.

The UNDP continues to push for debt alleviation to fight global poverty. So far, there have been some elements of international financial activity aiming to increase focus in terms of financing poverty reduction and social programs. However, western countries and the G20 still have work to do. The UNDP has urged Western countries to give developing countries the debt-poverty pause they require to focus their financial efforts on alleviating poverty in their communities.

– Marisa del Vecchio
Photo: Flickr

, ,

The Ongoing UK Strikes Indicate Greater Aid Needs Abroad

The UK StrikesRecent unrest amongst various public-sector industries in the U.K. has ballooned amid rising inflation and stagnating wages. The ongoing U.K. strikes appear to be a result of these issues, and to an extent, present a picture of the situations abroad and the need for aid.

Record Strike Action in Over 30 Years

Strikes seem to have almost become part of normal life in the U.K., with sectors engaging in industrial action ranging from public transportation to education, post services and health care. February’s strike of ambulance staff, nurses and physiotherapists marked the National Health Service’s most dramatic strike since its beginning 75 years ago. Yet, there is still no lasting solution in sight. Insufficient pay is the biggest reason for those taking part in strikes, as public-sector wages have not kept up with record-high inflation, which makes disposable income much tighter for those who work for government-controlled entities.

A Global Crisis

The ongoing cost of living crisis in the U.K., including sharp increases in the price of energy bills and food now at a 45-year high, is causing a lot of unrest within the country, but these problems are not unique to the developed world. If communities in one of the world’s wealthiest countries are struggling, it points to the harshness of the situation for those in low-and-middle-income countries. Inflation has been surging abroad also and is more likely to have devastating effects on communities that were struggling to attain basic life necessities before the price hikes. The U.N. estimated in the summer of 2022 that the increase in costs of food and energy will plunge an additional 71 million people into poverty, with forecasts suggesting that Sub-Saharan Africa and the Balkans could be two of the worst-affected regions.

The Bleak Situation Abroad

In 2022, strikes in developing countries’ health sectors were also widespread, including in Zimbabwe, where the government passed a controversial bill limiting workers’ ability to strike in 2023. Poor pay and working conditions were the underlying reasons for the strikes, with similar situations in Asian countries such as Sri Lanka where poverty levels continue to increase.

Why Maintaining Aid Is Essential

Delivering aid helps reduce political insecurity and the chance of conflict, which benefits all countries. Improving health standards abroad is also crucial for preventing the rise of global epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. There is also the potential for new markets to open in countries assisted by aid in the future. This is another economic opportunity for developed countries like the U.K. Finally, there is the opportunity to gain more soft power, or global political influence, through the maintenance of foreign aid. Improving existing friendships and partnerships can potentially result in positive outcomes for the countries involved. And developed countries working with less-developed nations in economically challenging times could be crucial for geo-political relations.

Looking Ahead

In the face of ongoing strikes and rising living costs, the need for aid becomes evident not only within the U.K. but also in low-and-middle-income countries facing similar challenges. Reports suggest that providing foreign aid is essential for reducing political insecurity, preventing global epidemics and fostering economic opportunities for both developed and developing nations. It also presents an opportunity to strengthen global partnerships and promote positive geo-political relations in economically challenging times.

– Hannah Naylor
Photo: Unsplash

,

Aid to Developing Countries Face Extreme Weather Conditions

Extreme Weather Conditions
Developing countries are set to receive $100 billion worth of funding from wealthy countries to combat extreme weather conditions. In 2009, wealthy countries pledged to commit $100 billion annually from 2020 onward to disadvantaged countries struggling with the impacts of changing weather patterns. However, only now, three years after the pledge, these countries are on track to fully meet this commitment. On May 2, 2023, more than 40 country representatives met in Berlin, Germany, to discuss effective ways to tackle harsh weather changes.

Severe Weather Changes

Currently, the change in weather patterns is affecting people worldwide, from dried-up lakes in California and rising sea levels in Venice to mega-droughts in Somalia and floods in South Sudan. Extreme weather conditions most harshly affect impoverished people due to their dependence on vulnerable sectors such as agriculture.

In sub-Saharan Africa, 65% of the labor force works in agriculture. Floods and droughts not only destroy their source of income but also their sources of food. Extreme weather events also increase the risk and transmission of diseases such as cholera and malaria, especially among impoverished populations with high exposure to these diseases and limited access to health care.

Furthermore, impoverished people struggle to recover from extreme weather events due to a lack of access to insurance and credit. A lack of education and lack of access to information also stand as barriers to achieving climatic resilience.

The Situation in Somalia and South Sudan

Recent reports show that Somalia’s last rainfall season (October to December 2022) consisted of below-average rainfall for the fifth consecutive year, depleting water sources in the country and increasing droughts. The country is one of the worst drought-affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2011, after three back-to-back seasons without sufficient rain, the country experienced a famine that led to the deaths of about 250,000 people, with children accounting for half of this number.

Due to continuing extreme weather conditions, in the first quarter of 2023, the World Food Programme (WFP) forecasted that 6.3 million Somalis will face crisis levels of food insecurity or worse and more than 320,000 people will face catastrophic levels of food insecurity (the highest insecurity level) out of Somalia’s 17.1 million population.

South Sudan is currently facing its worst humanitarian crisis since 2011. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that at least 7.7 million people are experiencing food insecurity due to the ongoing conflict in the nation coupled with severe weather conditions.

With the conflict putting people’s lives on hold and keeping them from conducting any type of work to get money and food, alongside the increase in temperatures making the land in South Sudan barren, there is a need for aid from foreign countries and organizations like the U.N. now more than ever.

The WFP Takes Action

In December 2022, the WFP served 4.7 million people in Somalia with life-saving assistance, which came in the form of cash-based aid or food supplies. The WFP also provided aid to nearly 352,000 vulnerable people facing the effects of droughts in the country under the expansion of the national safety net program, which aims to support the poorest and most vulnerable families.

In South Sudan, the WFP handed out more than 13,880 metric tonnes of food and $3.6 million worth of cash-based aid. In February 2023 alone, the WFP assisted 1.6 million people impacted by climate effects and the nation’s internal conflict.

The WFP South Sudan director Mary-Ellen McGroarty announced that the organization needs an additional $567 million to continue covering the most severe needs in South Sudan alone, excluding the effects of the current conflict.

The WFP funding for South Sudan goes to a number of great causes. For instance, in 2022, the organization built irrigation systems in rural towns and helped local farmers gain access to larger markets. WFP programs not only provide food and cash-based assistance but also teach people how to prepare for potential extreme weather patterns and establish resilience by creating climate-smart food systems.

The Way Forward

A European Union study on changing weather effects predicted that by 2050, increased temperatures and higher demand could leave as many as 150 million people in the world severely affected by water stress. The 2023 climate pledge reaching the designated amount of $100 billion is good news for organizations helping those in need in developing countries.

Funding is essential for tackling extreme weather conditions. Hence, the $100 billion provision from developed countries will help to advance resilience and sustainability goals and address the humanitarian issues that arise from changing weather patterns.

– Sam Kalantzis
Photo: Flickr

,

Drones Help Combat Illegal Fishing in Developing Countries

Fishing in Developing Countries
The marine fisheries of many developing countries, which stand as a critical source of food and income for coastal communities, are under threat from illegal foreign fishing vessels that take advantage of the rich ocean resources that lie far from prying eyes. Illegal fishing damages livelihoods, the economy and the marine biodiversity of affected countries. However, advances in technology are offering new solutions to countries struggling to protect their oceans as the world begins to look toward drones to help combat illegal fishing in developing countries to reduce poverty and boost economic growth.

Illegal Fishing in Developing Countries

Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) are the areas of the ocean belonging to coastal countries. These large swathes of the ocean hold a multitude of opportunities to facilitate economic development. However, many countries do not have the resources or the capacity to monitor their EEZs, let alone fully utilize them. The costs of obtaining and maintaining fleets of coast guard vessels are extremely high and many countries have only a handful of vessels to cover the entire extent of their EEZ.

Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing costs developing counties billions of dollars. Companies involved in these practices originate from countries such as China, Colombia and Spain.

In the fight against illegal fishing, countries are looking to technological innovations to provide faster, cheaper and more accessible methods of monitoring EEZs. Advances in technology are providing ways for countries to monitor illegal vessel activities in their EEZs not from the sea but from the sky.

Drones Provide Eyes in the Sky

Drones or unmanned vehicles (UMV) provide “eyes in the sky” for coast guards and fisheries organizations attempting to detect and prosecute illegal fishing vessels. The most significant benefit of drones is that the device can collect photographic, video and radar evidence of illegal vessels fishing in EEZs without the major resource requirements of sending a vessel out to make an arrest. Authorities can then use this as evidence for prosecution later.

The FishGuard Project

The Republic of Seychelles is one of the first countries to embrace this new technology and hopes to use drones to fight illegal fishing in the new program FishGuard.

The island nation of Seychelles is responsible for an enormous EEZ of almost 1.4 million square kilometers. The rich ocean resources of its EEZ have attracted hordes of illegal fishing vessels, including European fishing fleets targeting tuna and fleets from Sri Lanka targeting sharks.

Over the past 30 years, “illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing led to an over 60[%] decline in the main fish stocks, resulting in loss of livelihood and revenue for the majority of Seychellois fisherfolk,” according to a 2020 research paper by Malshini Senaratne. About 17% of the Seychelles’ population depends on the fisheries sector to derive an income.

ATLAN Space developed FishGuard, a technology startup creating drones with artificial intelligence. It hopes to aid Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the fight against illegal fishing by providing low-cost intelligent technological solutions. ATLAN Space has provided Seychelles with drones to monitor marine areas, particularly the fishing hotspots. Each drone can cover 10,000 square kilometers. ATLAN Space will train the Seychelles Air Force to operate the drones while the coast guard will provide the vessels from which to launch the drones.

As part of the FishGuard partnership, a Norwegian analytical organization called Trygg Mat Tracking will provide fisheries with intelligence and analysis services and Grid-Arendal will provide Earth observation data. ATLAS Space has received funding from National Geographic for this pilot program. It plans to use the technology to combat terrestrial environmental threats such as illegal mining and deforestation.

Looking Ahead

For now, the Republic of Seychelles hopes that the drones will aid in the endeavor to keep its oceans safe from poachers of the sea. Maintaining legal licensing processes will provide the island nation with a critical and reliable source of income and will allow more effective management and protection of its vulnerable marine ecosystems. By combating illegal fishing in developing countries, the world can safeguard the livelihoods of the vulnerable people who depend on fishing as a means of income.

– Amy McAlpine
Photo: Flickr

,

How Corruption in Developing Countries Impacts Poverty

Corruption in Developing CountriesIn many developing countries, corruption poses a major impediment to social development, economic expansion and effective governance. Corruption in these nations can occur in several ways, including bribery, embezzlement, nepotism and fraud. Weak legal systems, bad governance, a lack of transparency and poverty stand as some of the key factors that contribute to corruption in developing nations. According to the United Nations, corruption costs the world more than $2.6 trillion annually, which further undermines efforts to reduce poverty.

One of the consequences of corruption is that it can divert resources away from important social initiatives, such as health care and education programs. Moreover, corruption can prevent foreign investment and restrict a nation’s access to international assistance and support.

Addressing Corruption

The United Nations Office on Drugs (UNODC) says addressing corruption in developing countries requires a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, promoting transparency and accountability and encouraging citizen participation. Governments can accomplish this by taking steps to strengthen anti-corruption legislation and regulations, increasing accountability in the public sector and giving civil society organizations and the media more authority to observe government operations.

International organizations have created anti-corruption conventions and agreements that encourage countries to combat corruption. For example, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) seeks to address the key governance issues and provide transparency in the extractive sectors such as oil, gas and mineral resources.

Continued Struggles With Corruption

According to Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which measures perceptions of corruption in the public sector of 180 countries and territories, many developing nations continue to struggle with corruption. The CPI uses a scale of zero (extremely corrupt) to 100 (extremely clean) to measure this.

“The global average remains unchanged for over a decade at just 43 out of 100” on the CPI scale. Furthermore, 26 nations now have the lowest scores ever noted and more than 66% of nations have received ratings below 50. Across the world, 155 nations have barely progressed in reducing corruption or have seen a deterioration since 2012 despite sustained efforts. The 2022 CPI, therefore, shows that most countries are failing to reduce corruption.

Efforts to Fight Corruption

Civil society organizations and the media play an important role in exposing corruption and holding government officials accountable. Many countries have worked to strengthen civil society and media engagement in anti-corruption efforts.

International aid and support can help countries build the capacity to address corruption by providing technical assistance, training and financial support.

There are many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are actively working to combat corruption in developing nations:

  • Transparency International: Transparency International is a non-governmental organization that focuses on combating corruption and promoting transparency in government and business internationally. It began its journey in 1993 with a Secretariat in Berlin, Germany. The organization works to raise awareness about the negative effects of corruption on society, promote accountability and integrity and advocate for reform and policies that will promote transparency and good governance.
  • The Accountability Lab: The Accountability Lab focuses on building networks of change-makers who work to promote accountability and good governance in their communities. The organization provides training, mentoring and resources to these individuals to help them develop their skills and implement such projects effectively.
  • The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL): The ICNL supports governments and civil society organizations to promote good governance, enhance transparency and establish legal frameworks. It provides legal advice and technical support. The ICNL supports the development and implementation of laws and policies that would enable civil society to thrive.

Prioritizing Anti-Corruption Efforts

Corruption remains a significant challenge in many developing countries and is a major obstacle to economic growth, social development and good governance. It continues to undermine public trust in government institutions while perpetuating poverty and inequality. Considering the links between poverty and corruption, anti-corruption initiatives designed to address issues of economic growth, income inequality, governance capacity, government services in health care and education and public trust in government are likely to reduce corruption along with poverty.

– Lauryn Defreitas
Photo: Flickr

,

The Benefits of Investing in Developing Countries

Investing in Developing Countries
Investing in developing countries holds the power to enhance the lives of its citizens significantly. The right investments can improve infrastructure, provide access to essential services, increase amenities and boost overall human development. These investments positively impact health, education and economic opportunities.

Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA)

The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), which the African Development Bank (ADB) manages, serves as a prime example of the benefits of investing in developing countries. Established in partnership with the government of Denmark in 2011, SEFA provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, striving to increase access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy services in Africa.

High-income governments and organizations have made contributions to SEFA. Through its efforts to develop green mini-grids, finance green energy programs and establish blended-finance initiatives for small-scale renewables, SEFA actively contributes to the growth of renewable energy in Africa.

This investment in renewable energy projects not only enhances access to energy and stimulates economic growth, but also generates job opportunities in developing countries. This helps raise living standards and reduce poverty, while also advancing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of “No Poverty” and “Affordable and Clean Energy.”

Increasing Efforts

High-income countries should increase efforts towards promoting economic growth, reducing poverty and inequality and closing the gap in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by investing in developing countries. Despite the growth of sustainable finance, most of it remains in high-income countries, leaving lower-income countries in need of funding. To bridge this gap, high-income countries should remove barriers to financing access in developing countries and allocate more financing towards SDG investments.

The U.N. Conference on Trade and Development and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predict that the “SDG financing gap could reach $4.3 trillion per year from 2020 to 2025,” a significant increase from previous estimates, according to OECD.

OECD expects the government revenue of developing countries to decrease in 2022 and 2023, especially for middle-income countries, resulting in a yearly decline of $95 billion and its recovery will likely be slow, potentially not reaching pre-pandemic levels before 2030.

Companies could reap numerous benefits from foreign investment in developing countries, such as increased competitiveness, favorable productivity spillovers, access to new technology, market expansion and improved workforce training and qualifications leading to higher wages and employment.

Investments in job creation and training could provide an economic boost to communities by creating jobs, driving demand for goods and services and enhancing the skills of the workforce. Furthermore, foreign investments could lead to improved infrastructure, access to basic services and amenities and overall human development.

Boosting the Integration

Investing in developing countries opens the possibility of boosting their integration into the global economy through the enhancement of foreign trade flows. The growth of international networks of affiliated enterprises and the growing significance of foreign subsidiaries in multinational companies’ strategies provide greater access to import and export activities. Thus, developing countries that embrace international trade are more likely to reap the benefits of foreign direct investment (FDI).

In today’s interconnected and globalized world, it is crucial for countries to take advantage of the potential of foreign investments in developing countries. By investing in these countries, companies can reap the benefits of economic growth and development while promoting sustainability for all. These investments provide access to new markets, resources, technologies and capabilities that drive economic growth, create jobs and build local infrastructure. Additionally, foreign investments are a key source of financing for sustainable development initiatives such as renewable energy projects or environmental protection programs.

By investing in developing countries, companies not only benefit from increased economic growth but also play a crucial role in global sustainability efforts.

– Nkechi First
Photo: Flickr

,

The Medicalization of Poverty Induced Mental Health Illnesses

Mental Health Illnesses
As the number of people with mental health illnesses increased in recent years, mental health has become the center of much discussion, with the highest rate among lower-income countries. A World Health Organization (WHO) report found that more than 80% of depressive disorders occurred in low to middle-income countries. Poverty, unemployment and other factors that people commonly associate with poverty, such as alcoholism, make the risk of depression higher. Many who develop mental health struggles go on to seek appropriate treatment for their symptoms from doctors and medical professionals, where available. On the other hand, treating the cause of their distress would arguably be more effective.

Living in Poverty: The Biological Stress Response and the Effects on Mental Health 

The neurological effects of poverty are already visible in infancy, with diminished brain development seen among children from low-income households. Meanwhile, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reported that poverty can lead to ample detrimental physiological responses, including increased blood pressure and cortisol levels. Over time, a build-up of these responses can disrupt brain function, prompting long-term physical and mental health ramifications.

A 2015 report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) found that schizophrenia and depression have a higher prevalence amongst those with lower socioeconomic status. Alcoholism and other substance abuse had a stronger association with those who lived in poverty for a long time.  

Mental Health in Low-income Countries 

What many may consider a disease that plagues the wealthy, the largest proportion of global mental health sufferers resides in the countries with the lowest incomes. Those living in poverty, with less educational access, and who struggle to acquire basic needs are at a greater risk of developing mental disorders. This means that the relationship between poverty and mental disorders resembles a vicious cycle in low to middle-income countries.

The lack of available mental health resources only further exacerbates this problem, with less than 1% of these countries’ budgets invested in mental health. Moreover, in the communities, there is a higher level of taboo surrounding mental health illness, leading to a lack of clarity and understanding.

Treatment: The Symptom, Not the Cause 

Low-income communities have a higher proportion of antidepressant users in comparison with those of higher income. A U.K. study that the DeStress Project conducted revealed that individuals living on Universal Credits and struggling with the distress from poverty reported resorting to medication as a means to legitimize their suffering, as well as being made to feel as though the cause of their grief was pathological, not systemic. Despite prescribing antidepressants, one doctor reported knowing in their “heart of hearts that it’s not a medical problem.” 

CBM UK: The Mental Health Charity Helping the World’s Poorest 

CBM U.K. has been working to help the lives of those suffering from mental health illnesses in the world’s poorest countries for more than 15 years. In 2017, CBM merged with the mental health charity BasicNeeds which only increased its technical capacity and reach. The charity aims to improve access to mental health resources such as therapy and medication, eradicate stigma and taboo surrounding mental health as well as train local communities to support those with mental health illnesses in rural and non-developed areas. In 2022, CBM U.K. gave 27,000 people support for mental health conditions, and the pandemic has enabled 2,500 medical professionals to provide support.

Looking Ahead

Nonetheless, treating mental health illness in poorer communities only addresses the symptoms rather than the cause. Solving poverty would reduce the number of cases of mental disorders and consequently eradicate the need for the unnecessary cost of prescriptions.

– Genevieve Lewis
Photo: Flickr

,

Transnational Companies: The Good and The Bad

Transnational CompaniesA transnational company is a global company that has factories and offices in different countries around the world. The headquarters are usually in advanced countries and its factories and manufacturing facilities are in less developed countries. Most of the transnational companies have home headquarters in Western Europe, Japan or the United States. Suppliers can be anywhere in the world depending on the necessary goods. However, companies usually set up their manufacturing centers in places where labor is cheap to keep operating costs low.

The operation of transnational companies in less developed countries where rates of poverty are high can be helpful in aiding people to break out of the cycle of poverty, but the risks of exploitation and low wages are still present.

Advantages

  • Creating jobs for the local population – Undoubtedly, transnational companies create jobs for the local population; they account for at least one-fifth of total paid employment in manufacturing in a number of developing countries. The creation of more and more jobs not only boosts the economy of the country but also provides local workers with a stable income, albeit that pay is low. Furthermore, these jobs help in improving the skills of its employees, which can then be transferred to future jobs and taught to others in their communities.
  • Economic growth for the country – Transnational companies bring much-needed money into a developing nation. Although most of the profits do return to the company’s country’s headquarters of origin, the local economy does benefit. By boosting business activities in the country, transnational companies contribute to economic growth and development. They could also act as growth poles for other similar companies by encouraging them to locate to that country, thus bringing in even more economic support.
  • Developing infrastructure and technology – Developing countries do not have sufficient resources needed to boost research and development, leaving them technologically behind. Transnational companies however bring in technology and knowledge that the host country does not possess, consequently furthering their development. They are a source of inventions and innovations. Also, infrastructure in the ways of transport links, airports and services are also developed as a result of transnational companies.

Disadvantages

  • The exploitation of workers – Even though transnational companies do provide employment opportunities, they also can exploit the employees. The minimum wage rate for the workers is very low when compared to the work that they complete and the long hours spent, commonly with little or no breaks. The income that workers receive may be stable, but it is not enough to survive on, let alone enough to live a decent quality of life. In a desire for cheap labor, working conditions may also be poor and sick leave that workers are entitled to may be refused.
  • Environmental damage – Transnational companies often receive critics for their harm to the environment. The use of cheaper, non-renewable resources limits sustainability and the burning of materials such as plastic and rubber pollutes the environment. Developing countries need environmental sustainability since for many their health and livelihoods greatly rely on the natural environment and the risks of air and water pollution further diminish their development.

H&M in Ethiopia

One example of transnational companies operating in a less developed country are the textiles and fashion companies such as H&M, Guess and others in Ethiopia. They create job opportunities for local people and particularly for women. However, as mentioned above, the risks of exploitation are prevalent. Garment workers in Ethiopia are among the lowest paid, with a 2019 study from the Center for Business and Human Rights reporting that they have an extremely low pay of just $26 a month. This does not cover basic needs thus not enabling the workers to live a decent quality of life.

There are several NGOs who work towards tackling exploitation in the garment industry; one such example is CARE International, one of the biggest defenders of workers’ rights in all areas, including the fashion industry. It currently has work going on in 95 countries around the world, reaching 56 million people directly via approximately 1,000 projects and indirectly working towards 340 million lives globally.

The Overall Impact on Poverty

So, transnational companies do provide jobs and boost a country’s overall development, but at what cost? There are other ways to help local workers in improvising their livelihoods without the risk of exploitation and capitalist benefits. One such example of this is Farm Africa, a more sustainable and locally oriented initiative. Farm Africa is a charity that helps to reduce poverty by helping local people in eastern Africa to earn more from their produce. Working in DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, Farm Africa works to boost the economic welfare of the people, whilst also ensuring environmental sustainability, thus protecting their environment for generations to come.

For a transnational company to be effective, it would need to involve the local people, not just use them for cheap labor to boost its own profits. It is imperative for an initiative to tackle poverty to be sustainable not only environmentally, but also socially and economically.

– Ruby Wallace
Photo: Flickr

, ,

Minecraft: Building a New Reality Via the Digital World

MinecraftWhen thinking of Minecraft most people will associate it with kids playing something akin to digital Legos, building worlds and if everything goes according to plan, defeating the Ender Dragon. At its core, this view effectively captures the game at the surface level. Partnering with U.N.-Habitat, Minecraft developer Mojang has harnessed the game concept and applied it to sustainable solutions for developing public space and addressing global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since 2012, the aim has been to integrate Minecraft into urban planning on a local level, prioritizing the involvement of community members, particularly those that lack a voice in public development initiatives such as women, children, refugees and the elderly. The space they are working with is for the people and designed by the people. Behind the success of the Block by Block methodology lies the simplicity of Minecraft, providing an exceptionally effective lens for visualizing a three-dimensional environment that an untrained eye can make sense of, and propter hoc contribute to.

Block By Block

Pilot ventures in Nairobi and Mumbai in 2013 evolved the methodology into what it is today, built on the central tenet of collaboration. Block by Block provides community residents with the training, tools and platforms to develop and share their ideas on how best to transform public space. The exchange of ideas broadens the considerations of all those involved in the collaborative planning process.

Co-created public spaces come into existence, designed by different people and as such take into consideration the needs and concerns of all those involved in the process, resulting in a ubiquitously accommodating locality. Furthermore, what develops as a by-product is a shared sense of ownership and responsibility for the area, increasing the likelihood of maintenance and endurance, whilst simultaneously strengthening the bonds of the community.

Block by Block selects projects based on financial sustainability, accessibility and potential impact. They tend to target youth empowerment, refugee rights, climate change, accessibility, cultural heritage, social inclusion and human rights involving health and safety.

Kosovo

Following the success of a 2015 project in Pristina, Kosovo, that saw the transformation of an abandoned marketplace into a vibrant public space with a range of facilities including children’s playgrounds and Kosovo’s first skatepark, the Block by Block methodology was implemented once more in Mitrovica, some 40 km north of Pristina.

Located on the banks of the Iber river and divided by The New Bridge, the administrative center of the district is burdened by the ethnic divisions between the Serbian and Albanian communities on either side of the river. A symbol of division, the bridge separates the 80,000 Kosovo Albanians living in the north and the community of 20,000 Serbians in the south. In 2016, Block by Block hosted a workshop bringing together residents of both communities to explore ways how to transform the area and collaboratively design their ideas using Minecraft. The approach aimed to negate the divisions between the communities, changing social attitudes towards the city’s unity through democratizing urban planning’s development process. Construction began in 2017, focused on community interaction and urban redevelopment and has had knock-on effects on intercity cooperation to bring about enduring changes across Kosovo’s socio economic landscape.

Nepal

Dey Pukhu, literally translated to “state pond,” as found in the Kirtipur settlement of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, is as one would expect, a pond, typically used for daily gathering and steeped in tradition, having been designed for socio-religious functions. Rapid urbanization across the area threatened the water systems and affected the use of Dey Pukhu for social and traditional gatherings, with other public spaces similarly experiencing some form of deterioration as well. In 2013 Block by Block selected it for restoration with the aim to sustainably revitalize the area and for the methodology to gain traction and lead to further development initiatives across Nepal.

Gathering local stakeholders to propose ideas for restoration and development, the initiative noted the rise in youth engagement with the project and the notion of public space. As Pontus Westberg of U.N.-Habitat outlined, the young people’s confidence, effort and pride in their work was perhaps the most rewarding outcome from the project. The positive response led to further development programs put in place across the Kathmandu metropolitan area.

Noteworthy is the 2015 Kirtipur project that proposed the development of a site with a school, temple and a water system amidst large open areas of green and vegetation. Following designs and finalized models of the site, the earthquake hit Nepal in April 2015, delaying implementation. U.N.-Habitat allocated $50,000 in emergency response, repairing a damaged local school and providing essentials for survival including water tanks and emergency shelter. By June 2016 the project was running again, with a trash-covered hillside converted into an open park with recreational space and access to clean water as well as a Public Space Revitalisation Plan put in place for the entire municipality of Kirtipur.

Successful Stories

The Block by Block applied its methodology to other cities across the Kathmandu Valley and is active in over 35 countries. The examples above have set off a chain reaction in the areas of implementation. More recent projects include the likes of public gardens as safe spaces for women and children in Beit Lahia. The successes are a momentous use of technology for the public good and make one wonder what other global concerns can have a solution in something as simple and commonplace as video games.

– Bojan Ivancic
Photo: Unsplash

,

How AI Technology is Helping Developing Nations

AI technology
AI technology is all around and many use it without even knowing it. However, many people in developing countries cannot access this technology without help. WorldData has reported that there are 152 developing countries worldwide, with a population of 6.69 billion. The entirety of Central and South America and Africa are developing nations, along with the majority of Asia and other island states. About 9% of the global population is living in extreme poverty, earning less than $1.90 per day, and living below the higher poverty line. More than 20% earn less than $3.20 per day and more than 40% earn less than $5.50.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is basically coding and software that help people in daily life. While people know it best for its role in science and medicine, it also has a role in the productive robots in factories, the voice recognition in smartphones, the software that detects online viruses and the drones that deliver packages and help farmers. While there is no official definition for AI, it is typically a man-made machine that does things humans cannot do in a timely manner or at all. The term “artificial intelligence” or “AI” was created in 1956 at a conference in New Hampshire, the United States, but AI machines existed before that.

How is AI Technology Helping Developing Nations?

Agriculture. AI technology supports many different aspects of agriculture, particularly in Africa. It helps farmers take care of their crops by detecting when is the best time to plant and harvest. It can also help detect when crops are sick. For example, mCrops is a form of AI that helps diagnose crop diseases in Uganda. Additionally, another AI that is helpful in agriculture is drones that spray pesticides on sick plants. However, they can also spray water and help plant new crops in the healthiest parts of the ground. An example of this is Aerobotics, which works in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Education. AI technology can help developing nations, especially in rural areas, with education because it is effective for illiteracy, coursework and general school subjects, and can alleviate the short supply of teachers and supplies using tutoring technology. Sites like Dapito, Eneza Education and Tutorful help people connect around the world. For example, they teach English to non-English speakers, customizing content and lessons for a specific student. Students in developing nations are intelligent, but they lack qualified teachers and are sometimes unable to travel to school. For example, travel might not be available when there are floods and when they are sick, especially when many schools are far away.

Recognition. This method of AI includes location and supports many fields, such as health care, natural disasters, deliveries and shipments, and more, generally by the use of drones. An earthquake hit Nepal in 2015 where the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) used AI in relief to locate damage from social media posts, mobile devices, satellites and multiple other devices. Currently, the World Wildlife Fund uses drones in Kenya to arrest wildlife poachers, and UNICEF is building a machine to detect malnutrition using facial recognition.

AI Technology and Health Care

AI technology is helping globally, especially in rural countries in Africa. It is constantly undergoing development for health care but relies on the government, NGOs and medical professionals to authorize machines for medical use and support. AI can diagnose patients, recommend treatments and discover global viruses. For those living in rural and developing nations, AI is lifesaving as it can locate injured people which a normal navigation or GPS system cannot do, and send medicine and medical supplies via drones. It also provides qualified doctors to countries with a lack of medical professionals and to those who need a second opinion on diagnoses, treatment and surgery. This reduces costs, manual labor and mortality rates and develops education in health care and literacy.

In 2022, the University of West Scotland developed new AI technology that enables lung diseases to be identified faster with an accuracy of 98%, meaning diseases are less likely to spread and more people will be correctly diagnosed before a disease progresses and can receive treatment. Further research has found that it can detect COVID-19 cases. This technology is especially useful in developing nations during winter periods especially and globally in general. This will not replace human labor but will support hospitals. This AI technology cuts short the long wait and use of CT scans, blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds, cutting down further costs and time taken to identify disease and illness.

– Deanna Barratt
Photo: Wikimedia Commons