Archive for category: Developing Countries

Information and stories about developing countries.

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Syria’s Infrastructure Crisis: Health, Education, Jobs and Energy

Syria's infrastructure crisisSyria slumped into a period of turmoil far before the fall of Assad. However, it continues to struggle despite the inception of the interim regime. Health care infrastructure, education, general employment and the energy sector have been downtrodden for years. The long-term effects of such a catastrophe have begun to compound. While significant efforts have been made to revive Syria’s infrastructure crisis, the consequence of their existence remains a consistent conflict.

Health Care

According to UNICEF, “Half of the primary health care system in Syria remains offline. Two out of five sub-districts do not have functional primary health care facilities.” As of February 2025, more than 40% of Syria’s hospitals and more than 60% of primary health care facilities are offline. According to the U.N., as of December 2024, two million people live in Aleppo, yet fewer than eight hospitals remain operable.

On top of that, only around 20,000 medical staff are left in Syria. This leaves the ratio of health care workers to patients at 2.4 per 1,000, as opposed to the international standard of 4.5 per 1,000. Moreover, Al Jazeera has reported that there are currently more than five million people in Syria living with cancer. However, there are only three oncologists throughout the entire nation.

The hospitals remaining in operation are consistently full and hundreds of names are withering on waitlists waiting to receive prosthetics. Most health care facilities in northern Syria do not possess the equipment necessary to perform intensive surgeries, let alone have access to cancer and heart disease medication.

As of April, the Aid Fund for Syria reported distributing more than $18 million to support health care projects in northern Syria. The funding has assisted more than 65 medical facilities serving 1.9 million people, trained about 2,000 health care workers and contributed to more than 863,000 consultations.

Education and Employment

UNICEF stated that one in three schools in Syria has either been damaged, decimated, converted to military installations or repurposed into civilian shelters. Thousands of educators have fled the country and nearly half of all children ages 5-17 do not attend school. Despite these figures, UNICEF reported in June that 365,000 children had received educational support and 27,000 teachers were trained across all 14 governorates.

Regardless, many of these children may still join the ranks of their compatriots, 37% of whom were unemployed as of June 2024, with 85% facing disguised unemployment, according to the BBC. However, that number may rise as the new regime announced the public sector will require only 550,000–600,000 employees, less than half its previous size. While mass layoffs have not yet occurred, many workers have already been placed on leave.

According to the Tahir Institute, the remaining employees will receive a 200% salary rise, bringing the average monthly wage to $68, just above the poverty line. In March, it was estimated that a family of five living in Damascus would require monthly earnings totaling $666. Of course, this also relates to the depreciation of the Syrian pound. From 2019 to 2024, the currency fell by more than 3,680% against the U.S. dollar, coupled with a rise in inflation. However, it also rose when Assad’s regime collapsed. However, it’s feared that this boost will be temporary.

While progress is made in small amounts, it is still made. In May, the International Labor Organization (ILO) reported implementing the Employment-Intensive Investment Program, which has created short-term jobs in infrastructure rehabilitation; in Aleppo, 140 jobs were generated through this system.

Energy

According to the Tahir Institute, overall infrastructure repair for Syria is estimated to cost between $250 billion and $400 billion. However, Reuters reports that the electrical grid will only cost the nation around $11 billion. Since the start of the civil war, energy production has reduced by 80%, partly because 70% of power plants and electrical lines are damaged. As of October 2024, more than 50% of Syria’s electrical grid is offline.

Power has long been rationed to less than four hours per day for those still connected. Setting aside structural damage, the main factor in this equation is a lack of oil and gas. Syrian Minister of Electricity Ghassan al-Zamel reported that while the ministry requires 23 million cubic meters of gas daily, it receives only 6.5 million. Similarly, only 4,500 of the 10,000 tons of fuel required per day are available.

Moreover, under Assad, the regime had developed plans to install 2,500 megawatts of solar energy, 1,500 megawatts of wind power and 1.2 million solar water heaters. However, it’s uncertain whether or not these projects will ever come to fruition under the new interim government. Regardless, as of June 30, President Trump has lifted sanctions on Syria. While oil and gas may still be inexplicably expensive, it’s a step in the direction of being able to rebuild and reduce Syria’s infrastructure crisis.

In addition, Syria has committed to a deal with Qatar for $7 billion to construct four gas-fueled power plants and a single solar plant. According to Reuters, the energy generated from these facilities is expected to produce 50% of Syria’s electricity and create 50,000-250,000 jobs. However, the deal states that Qatar will own and operate these facilities once completed.

Final Remarks

Perhaps once elections occur, Syria’s infrastructure crisis can be improved and the country can focus on areas that increase its GDP, creating more opportunities for its overwhelmingly impoverished. However, the future remains unclear.

– Owen Armentrout

Owen is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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A Recent History of British Development Aid in Sierra Leone

British Development Aid in Sierra LeoneThe British government plans to cut its Official Development Aid (ODA) budget from 0.5% of the country’s GDP to 0.3% by 2027. This follows cuts in 2021, when the government reduced ODA spending from 0.7% of GDP, a figure once considered the standard for G7 countries. British development aid has had a significant impact in many parts of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe.

Currently, the only regions the British government has confirmed will continue to receive aid are those affected by current humanitarian crises: Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. This means it is unclear whether countries like Sierra Leone, whose health care, water provision and education access have benefited enormously from British development aid, will continue to receive sufficient support. The following explores some of the most notable successes of British development aid in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone in Context

Sierra Leone is a small country in West Africa. It is one of the least developed countries in the world, ranking 185th out of 193 nations on the Human Development Index. About 25% of its 8.8 million people live in extreme poverty and its GDP per capita is $874.

A British colony until 1961, Sierra Leone’s recent history has been defined by crises. A civil war gripped the country between 1991 and 2002, killing between 50,000 and 200,000 people and precipitating long-term consequences such as dysfunctional infrastructure and generational trauma. The country was at the centre of the 2014 Ebola outbreak and in 2017, mudslides killed hundreds. 

Despite the shocking statistics, many outcomes in Sierra Leone have been improving significantly. In the last decade, life expectancy has increased by 7 years, while the death rate of children under 5 has fallen by roughly a quarter.

British Development Aid in Sierra Leone

  • The Freetown WASH Consortium. Established in 2009, the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programme channelled British aid into constructing water storage facilities and public latrines, improving drainage systems and training health care workers in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown. By 2013, more than 144,000 people had gained access to improved water supplies and at least 33,000 had access to better sanitation facilities. The program also helped reduce the spread of cholera and malaria.
  • Secondary Education Improvement Program. Known in the local Krio language as “Leh Wi Lan”, the Secondary Education Improvement Programme took off in May 2016 with an investment of £62.5 million to improve the learning conditions and attendance of secondary schools. By the programme’s closure in 2023, the number of girls and boys attending secondary school had more than doubled.
  • Rehabilitation of Freetown’s Water Supply System. 2016 was an important year for British development aid in Sierra Leone, coming two years after the initial West African Ebola outbreak had brought the country to a standstill. June saw the investment of £38 million into rehabilitating Freetown’s water supply system, creating new pipe networks and reducing leakage to support 120,000 people’s access to clean water.
  • Saving Lives in Sierra Leone. Perhaps the most wide-reaching and well-documented example of British development aid in Sierra Leone, the £170 million Saving Lives in Sierra Leone programme improved the accessibility, availability and quality of child and maternal health services across the country. Administered in conjunction with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), Saving Lives provided family planning for more than 670,000 women, as well as widespread access to free contraceptives and health care drugs. Health care facilities improved, staff received training and essential medicines became more readily available. Between 2016 and 2019, these measures helped save the lives of almost 25,000 children and more than 3,000 mothers. The Saving Lives program also contributed to the substantial decline in Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality rate, which decreased by 74% between 2000 and 2020.

Emergency Aid for Mudslide Victims 

Following the devastating mudslides of 2017, the British government delivered a £5 million humanitarian response package that enabled UNICEF to provide essential medicines and clean water for 5,000 people and an Oxfam-led group of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to provide clean water and sanitation for 3,000 people. The U.K.-based charity Street Child provided bedding and clothing for an additional 3,000 children. The package also included supplies for Sierra Leone’s government, such as generators and tents.

Looking Ahead

The benefits of British development aid in Sierra Leone have been widespread, felt in the country’s education, health care and water services. As Sierra Leone continues to recover from past crises and build toward long-term development, sustained international support could help ensure that the country does not lose this progress and that future generations can thrive.

– Joseph Webb

Joseph is based in Norwich, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Violence Against Children in Myanmar

Violence Against Children in MyanmarAfter a violent military takeover in 2021, the already suffering country of Myanmar faced a catastrophic earthquake that further affected the country’s weakened infrastructure. The citizens of Myanmar are facing a violent violation of human rights that calls for a much-needed act of humanitarian aid.

Violence Against Children in Myanmar

From 2020 to 2023, there was a reported 400% increase in violence against children in Myanmar. In 2022, more than 500 children were killed or maimed, compared to the staggering 861 in 2023. The armed forces are not only attacking citizens, but also the country’s development systems.

Myanmar’s Armed Forces have directly targeted hospitals and schools. More than 200 attacks were carried out on schools and hospitals. These indirect attacks violently affect and harm the children in Myanmar and their future. Attacks on education and healthcare harm a child’s stability, as these two systems are vital to their survival.

The armed forces are also contributors to the abduction of children. These abductions take place for reasons such as:

  • Recruitment
  • Financial extortion
  • Information gathering

The aggressive jump in child violence statistics from 2020 to the present day is a call to action. To provide a future for the children of Myanmar, immediate humanitarian aid is critically needed.

What’s Being Done?

After the devastating events in Myanmar, children continue to face severe hardships every day. Organizations and groups have come together to provide aid and support.

  • Justice For Myanmar: This organization focuses on applying pressure to halt military funding that is directly killing the children of Myanmar. Applying public pressure through media exposure brings awareness of current grave violations. Pressures from global organizations and governments can help cause an instantaneous effect. This activist-based group reports on ongoing violations to dismantle the current leadership.
  • Save the Children: The group focuses on the development of children in various countries. This organization guarantees that children’s needs are met through first-hand encounters and visits. By holding leaders accountable, Save the Children prioritizes aspects like education, health and resiliency. The nonprofit can apply funds and pressure to hold leadership to their promises.
  • CARE: By providing funds to underdeveloped programs, CARE applies itself to building relief efforts for the children of Myanmar. Besides offering support for necessities, CARE supports other vital programs, such as helping people access basic financial services.
  • World Vision: Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is a central focus of World Vision’s work in Myanmar. The organization ensures children have access to clean water, safe sanitation and proper hygiene practices. Protecting children’s health and well-being is a critical mission, alongside building resilience and long-term sustainability in vulnerable communities.

Final Remarks

These groups share the mission of rebuilding Myanmar and creating future rehabilitation programs. Their focus extends beyond immediate crisis response to long-term developmental growth. By offering programs that build adaptability and support socioeconomic development, citizens gain more than just food and WASH assistance. Strengthening Myanmar’s economic foundation can help ensure greater resilience and stability in the face of future disasters.

– Emma Rowan

Emma is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Threats and Solutions To Crop Farming in Uganda

Crop Farming in UgandaUganda is located in East-Central Africa. It is a landlocked country, with the Democratic Republic of Congo to its west, South Sudan to its north, Tanzania to its south and Kenya to its east. Uganda is resource-rich, but relatively underserved. Its GDP per capita was $1,072 in 2024, which places the country at 196 in the world for this measurement.

Farming in Uganda

Crop farming in Uganda is a major sector. About 80% of Uganda’s land is arable, but only 35% is cultivated. Agriculture remains vital, accounting for nearly 25% of the country’s GDP.” Environmental factors are intrinsic to crop farming and in recent years, these factors have become unpredictable and extreme.

Since smallholder farmers are some of the most impoverished members of Ugandan society and often rely on every harvest for their sustenance and livelihoods, the increasing environmental challenges can become a real problem.

Maize and beans are two essential crops in Uganda. While they do not rank in the top five for exports, they are significant domestic foods and cash crops. Both crops are facing new environmental challenges and the solutions demonstrate the resilience and dynamism of the Ugandan agricultural community.

Better Beans for Ugandans

Beans are vital to Uganda, providing nourishment for its people. However, rising droughts and unpredictable rainfall threaten harvests, putting the country’s most vulnerable smallholder farmers at risk.

Dr. Clare Mukankusi is a Ugandan plant researcher at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). She is a firm believer in the importance of beans as a foundation of Ugandan life, having grown up on them herself. Through selective crossbreeding, Mukankusi has been developing a new type of bean that matures in two months, rather than the three to four months taken by traditional beans.

This will make them much more likely to survive an unpredictable and shorter growing season. As this new breed of bean is further developed and eventually distributed across Uganda, it will help secure the future of crop farming in the country. It offers vulnerable smallholders a crucial advantage in facing an increasingly challenging environment.

Fighting the Armyworm Threat

Pests have always been an issue in Uganda, but pesticidal chemicals were a clear solution. The armyworm, in particular, threatens maize, an important food, cash crop and export crop on which many smallholder farmers depend. However, the armyworm is becoming increasingly pesticide-resistant, forcing farmers to adapt and find new ways to keep the pest at bay:

  • Parasites: Introducing certain parasites that feed on armyworm larvae can help control their population. If managed carefully, this could become an effective mitigation method.
  • Planting techniques: Deep ploughing and strict management of crop residue after harvest can reduce pest survival.
  • Crop rotation: Regularly rotating maize with other crops can disrupt pest life cycles and lower infestation risks.

These techniques have the potential to counter pest threat without increasing chemical potency, which many farmers have had to do in the interim. While effective, this is not sustainable. Scientists from multiple institutions warn that overuse damages soil health in the long term and accelerates pest resistance.

The Need for Government Action

Many Ugandan environmental scientists agree that their government must become more involved in crop farming in Uganda. As mentioned, increased potency of pesticides has risks to human and environmental health and risks of further pest-resistance.

Dr. Kalyebi, the lead author of armyworm research in Uganda, stated that the government needs to educate farmers on the dangers of chemical mitigation and fund different solutions, such as those aforementioned. It is widely agreed upon that the Ugandan government should recognize the importance of maize farming, particularly farming and invest in research and subsidies.

Conclusion

Crop farming in Uganda is vital to the country’s economy and people. The underserved depend on good harvests to survive and environmental factors such as droughts and pests directly threaten them. However, the determination of the Ugandan people to find ways around these problems is remarkable and one can hope that the government will match these efforts.

– Oliver Evans

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

Photo: Flickr

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How India’s Sustainable Goals are Combating Poverty

India's Sustainable Goals are Combating PovertyIn a recent meeting at the United Nations (U.N.) headquarters, India stated that it is currently meeting expectations to reach its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) health targets by 2030. This was announced during the Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the High Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.

Significant progress has also been made in climate commitments made by India during the Paris Agreement in 2015. The link between making sustainable decisions and reducing poverty is very apparent when looking at recent data from India.

The Progression of India’s Climate Commitments

Non-fossil fuel capacity is currently one of India’s climate commitments. By the year 2030, India hopes to ensure half of the country’s energy is derived from renewable sources. Remarkably, India met this goal in 2024. Around 50% of the country’s installed capacity is sourced from wind, solar, hydro and nuclear sources. However, only 28% of electricity used in India is derived from non-fossil fuel sources. While India has met its initial target, it is still working toward making better use of sustainable energy sources.

India has also committed to increasing carbon sinks. A carbon sink is something that releases less carbon into the atmosphere than it absorbs. India’s goal is to use forests and trees to make an extra 2.5-3 billion tonnes of carbon sink. By 2021, India had managed to create an additional 2.29 billion tonnes of carbon sink.

Each year, there has been an increase of 150 million tonnes. However, there are some worries about the sustainability of carbon sinks. There is an anxiety surrounding the imbalance of monoculture plantations compared to naturally occurring forests. The concern surrounds their impact on ecology and whether their success can be sustained during a period of urbanization and pressure of land use.

Further, India has focused on its emissions intensity as part of its climate commitments. The government hopes to have a 45% reduction in emissions from its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. By the year 2020, India had already reached a 36% reduction. However, there is a significant lack of data beyond 2020 on emission reduction in India. Therefore, progress cannot be successfully monitored despite being on track to meet the goals of the group five years ago.

Impacts on Poverty Reduction

Over the course of the last 10 years, more than 240 million people have escaped from poverty within India. Furthermore, from 2015, the number of people with social protection coverage has increased by twice as much. These figures were displayed at the Voluntary National Review and reflect how India’s sustainable goals are combating poverty. India’s showcase at this review was a product of conversations with marginalized groups within its country. These groups include tribal groups, ensuring their needs are also being met.

India presented a short film during its VNR, highlighting its progress on the SDGs. The video showed how the country raised its SDG index score from 60 to 71. It also detailed efforts to ensure food security for more than 800 million people and the delivery of more than 2.2 billion vaccine doses. The film concluded with India’s core vision: “A sustainable future where no one is left behind.”

Looking to the Future

Working sustainably can improve a country’s economy and create a better future for its citizens. If India hopes to continue its remarkable progress, there are a few elements it can focus on. However, recent data support how India’s sustainable goals are combating poverty. As progress continues to increase, there is the hope of a future with little to no poverty.

– Katie Gray

Katie is based in Glasgow, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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4 Key Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Paraguay

Poverty in ParaguayParaguay has made remarkable progress in cutting poverty over the past two decades. According to the World Bank Group, the country’s poverty rate fell from 51.4% in 2003 to 24.7% in 2022. Social entrepreneur Martin Burt has been among the leading figures in creating innovations to reduce poverty in Paraguay. This success comes despite continuous challenges. Paraguay, a landlocked developing country in South America, with a population of around 6 million, still struggles with inequality and human capital gaps. Many Paraguayans face poor access to quality education, health care and formal employment.

Since the fall of the dictatorship in 1989, a strong implementation of macro-economic policies, market reform and social programs have driven significant growth and lifted millions out of poverty. Nonetheless, inequality still remains stagnant amongst Paraguayans. The World Bank Group has issued four key recommendations to improve poverty: invest in human capital, create quality jobs, strengthen the fiscal system and increase climate resilience. Here are four key innovations in poverty eradication in Paraguay.

1. Investment in Human Capital

Education reform is at the center of Paraguay’s long-term anti-poverty strategy. The OECD’s Paraguay Country Program, officially launched in March 2025, lists improving teacher training as a top priority. Experts see better-trained teachers as essential to raising learning standards and preparing students for the job market. 

One example is Tikichuela: Mathematics in My School, an online program designed to support teachers in helping primary students develop math skills. A Berkeley study found that Tikichuela has successfully narrowed the learning gap between low- and high-performing students in Paraguay. According to the study, 65% of students do not have the minimum proficient standards in mathematics, science and reading, making such teacher-supported programs vital. The initiative, which currently benefits 4,000 students in Paraguay, highlights how equipping teachers with the right tools and training enables them to deliver more effective learning. Building on this success, in 2017 the Paraguayan government announced plans to expand funding for Tikichuela at a national scale.

2. ‘Poverty Spotlight’ – Fundación Paraguaya

Social innovator Martin Burt developed Poverty Spotlight, a self-assessment tool that helps families, organizations and NGOs to assess their poverty levels on a holistic level. This innovation uses a metric of 50 indicators across six dimensions including: Income & Employment, Health & Environment, Housing & Infrastructure, Education & Culture, Organization & Participation and Interiority & Motivational. This creates a personalized ‘life map’ for individuals to understand their state of poverty and how best to overcome it.

The system uses a traffic-light color code: Red (extreme poverty), Yellow (poverty) and Green (not poverty). Staff works directly with the people, designing tailored plans to overcome their challenges. Families and individuals track their progress over time, moving from red to green with the support from local mentors and community. Since 2013, 100 public and private businesses in Paraguay have adopted the tool to improve employee well-being, reaching more than 15,000 workers and their families.

In 2021, the United Nations awarded Poverty Spotlight the ODS Recognition (Sustainable Development Goals) for its work dedicated towards ending poverty.

3. Creating Job Opportunities

Fundación Paraguaya runs several programs to help individuals gain key skills and find secure work. Here are some of its innovative programs that are aiding poverty eradication in Paraguay: 

  1. Football without Poverty: Football without Poverty is a program that encourages the combination of sport and activities connected to entrepreneurship to disconnect from the multidimensional poverty within families and communities.
  2. Junior Achievement Paraguay: This program develops the entrepreneurial skills of young people. This has benefited 27,000+ young people in 2024.
  3. Academy of Women Entrepreneurial (AWE): The Department of State of the United States Embassy in Paraguay initiated this enterprise. Its goal is to provide women with the necessary software platforms for them to carry out their business successfully.
  4. Young Ambassadors: Young Ambassadors provides full scholarships to 13 young leaders aged between 15 and 17 years old for a cultural exchange in the United States while representing Paraguay. They take part in training and activities enhancing their leadership skills. 
  5. Let’s Be Open: The foundation promotes this program as part of rebooting the economy in collaboration with Coca-Cola Paraguay. The program provides training to those without jobs or education, with the aim of increasing skills and employability.

Unemployment hit a record high of 8.55% in June 2021, but has since fallen to 5.7%. These innovations support Paraguay’s broader goal of eradicating poverty by fostering entrepreneurship and expanding economic participation.

4. Investing in Climate Resilience

Paraguay is one of the world’s leaders in clean energy production, generating 99.9% of its electricity from zero-carbon hydropower infrastructure. Thanks to its efficient dams, the country is able to produce more than it consumes. It exports the surplus to its neighboring countries Argentina and Brazil. These exports account for 7.1% of Paraguay’s net GDP, serving as a major source of public funding revenue that can be put towards social programs aimed at further reducing poverty.

However, a Berkeley study warns that the country’s climate shocks affect the success of its electricity export. A previous drought reduced export revenues by 12%, reducing the funds available for infrastructure, education and job creation, all of which are critical in reducing poverty in Paraguay.

Looking Ahead

Paraguay’s combination of education reform, innovative poverty measurement, job creation programs and climate conscious economic infrastructure shows how targeted strategies can reduce poverty in sustainable ways. The four key innovations in poverty eradication in Paraguay are key players in bringing the country forward.

– Ashley Pfeifer

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Recycling Human Waste In Biochar to Diminish Fertilizer Shortage

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

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

Human Waste and Biochar: How it’s Manufactured

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

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

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

What it Could Lead to

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

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

– Sam Barbagallo

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Tourism in Developing Nations: Which Countries Are Advancing?

Tourism in Developing NationsTourism has long been a vital source of income for many nations, supporting infrastructure, employment and development. Tourism provides a unique opportunity for developing nations facing poverty or economic instability to diversify income sources. As global travel rebounds following the pandemic, countries like Georgia, Mozambique, Kenya and Sudan stand at a crossroads, each with untapped potential and lessons from other nations where tourism has greatly benefited the economy.

Georgia: A Model of Strategic Diversification

Nestled between Europe and Asia, Georgia has emerged as a rising star in tourism by leveraging its rich cultural heritage, wine traditions and dramatic landscapes. Georgia’s Tourism Strategy 2015–2025 focuses on diversifying markets, improving service quality and creating niche experiences that appeal to high-value travelers.

The strategy has eight strategic objectives to promote tourism growth in the region. They include respecting, enhancing and protecting Georgia’s natural and cultural heritage. Also, to strengthen competitiveness, through the delivery of world-class visitor services to promote the region. Key initiatives:

  • Investment in infrastructure and hospitality training.
  • Strategic marketing to attract visitors from Russia, Turkey and the European Union.
  • Creation of unique and authentic visitor experiences of Georgian Culture.

Georgia’s success lies in its ability to package authenticity with accessibility, making it a country of economic potential to elevate its tourism profile.

Mozambique: Unlocking Coastal and Eco-Tourism Potential

Mozambique boasts more than 1,500 miles of pristine coastline, vibrant marine life and rich cultural diversity. Yet, despite welcoming around two million tourists annually, the country’s tourism sector contributes just 4% to its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024.

The Strategic Tourism Development Plan (STDP), approved in 2015, aims to change that by positioning Mozambique as a premier African destination. Core strategies of the plan include:

  • Developing eco-tourism and community-based lodges.
  • Reinforcing leisure tourism and further strengthening business tourism.
  • Enhancing infrastructure in conservation areas like Gorongosa and Quirimbas.
  • Promoting investment through incentives and public-private partnerships.

Mozambique’s challenge is balancing growth with sustainability. Focusing on low-impact, high-value tourism can protect its natural assets while boosting local economies, attracting tourists to enjoy the beautiful sights the country has to offer.

Kenya: From Safari Stronghold To Diversified Destination

Kenya has long been associated with safari tourism, attracting millions to its famous parks and reserves. However, the country’s National Tourism Strategy 2025–2030 aims to expand its appeal by investing in niche markets such as sports tourism, agri-tourism and cultural experiences.

This strategy aims to enhance the contribution of Kenya’s tourism sector to the economy through effective development, management and marketing in partnership with stakeholders. Highlights of Kenya’s National Tourism Strategy:

  • Targeting five million annual visitors by 2030.
  • 12% contribution of tourism to GDP.
  • Enhancing domestic tourism and regional connectivity.
  • Promoting sustainability and resilience through green financing and safety protocols.
  • Kenya’s strength lies in its brand reputation and biodiversity, but its future depends on regional innovation. Embracing transformation and continuous investment in the tourism sector can ensure that tourism benefits all parts of society.

Conclusion

Tourism is more than a leisurely pursuit; it’s a lifeline for transformation. Tourism becomes an engine of inclusion and innovation for developing nations confronting poverty and instability, not just lifting economies, but elevating voices. As travelers increasingly seek deeper, more immersive experiences, destinations like Georgia, Mozambique and Kenya hold the power to redefine what meaningful exploration truly means.

With long-term strategies and community-focused planning, these countries stand ready to turn landscapes into legacies and history into hope. Tourism growth here isn’t just about numbers; it’s about connection, empowerment and rewriting global narratives. And as the world watches, it may discover that the most compelling journeys enchant travelers and uplift the people who make those experiences possible.

– Dylan Fly

Dylan is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Education Reforms in Mexico

Education Reforms in MexicoIn the late ’80s and early ’90s, then-President Carlos Salinas de Gortari launched a nationwide program to modernize Mexico’s education system. He aimed to achieve this by improving textbooks and reforming the curriculum, all while continuing to work to close the equity gap. Since then, successive administrations have attempted various methods of improving educational outcomes, including the expansion of public universities and the establishment of compulsory basic education.

The current President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, took office in late 2024 and has since introduced a series of education reforms. These education reforms in Mexico fall under the Comprehensive Plan of the National Baccalaureate System, part of the New Mexican School framework originally developed by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The plan is built on three core pillars:

  1. Comprehensive strengthening
  2. Integration
  3. Expansion

Comprehensive Strengthening

Sheinbaum aims to modernize the curriculum through conversations with educators and the establishment of educational equity programs. To achieve these goals, her administration would implement two programs: the Benito Juarez Universal Scholarship and the extension of the School is Ours program.

The Benito Juarez Universal Scholarship encourages students to enroll in upper secondary school by providing financial support to more than 5.6 million secondary school students. In the same vein, Sheinbaum plans to invest around 4.6 billion pesos (about $243 million) into the School is Ours program, which will ultimately benefit more than 6,000 schools nationwide by improving educator salaries and encouraging community involvement.

Integration

In addition to providing scholarships, the plan consolidates the existing 31 systems of secondary education into two: the National General Baccalaureate and the General Technological Baccalaureate. The unification brings about various benefits, including the reduction of administrative barriers when transferring between schools, easier transfer processes for students and teachers and equity in the quality of education.

As a part of the plan, the two systems of education will be validated by the National Polytechnic Institute and the National Technological Institute of Mexico, thus simplifying the transition between secondary and higher education.

Expansion

Sheinbaum hopes to expand educational offerings throughout the nation in an effort to increase equity and access. Through the plan, her administration sets forward to create 37,500 new spaces for students in upper secondary schools. She plans to achieve this by erecting 20 new high school campuses and expanding 30 already-existent but high-in-demand campuses.

In addition, 35 secondary schools that currently only offer morning classes will be converted to afternoon and evening schools, allowing more students to attend at flexible hours. By the end of six years, Sheinbaum hopes to have created more than 100,000 high school spots and 330,000 university slots.

Final Remarks

Though Sheinbaum has only been in office for a few months, her administration has made tangible progress in expanding educational access. With her six-year plan in action, she seeks to create an education system built on unity and equity. Suppose she continues to progress as she has in these past months. In that case, Mexico is on the way to ensuring quality education for its people.

– Ariana Wang

Ariana is based in Dallas, TX, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Empowering Refugees in Kenya Amid Poverty

Empowering Refugees in KenyaKenya has launched several groundbreaking initiatives to empower refugees in Kenya and reduce long-term poverty and dependency. As of 2025, according to the Operational Data Portal, the total number of refugees and asylum-seekers in Kenya is 854,876, with the majority coming from Somalia (54%).

According to the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, economic constraints, bureaucracy, little refugee engagement and little infrastructure hinder the improvement of empowering refugees in Kenya. However, despite struggles, initiatives have continued to progress.

Transforming Camps Into Municipalities

In March 2025, according to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, President William Ruto unveiled the ambitious “Shirika Plan.” This signals a paradigm shift in empowering refugees in Kenya. Inspired by the Swahili word for “cooperation,” this 11-year initiative aims to integrate refugee camps into formal municipalities, notably Kakuma and Dadaab.

With more than 830,000 refugees across Kakuma, Dadaab and urban zones, the plan’s initiative marks a historic step toward sustainable, development-led inclusion. According to the Ministry of Interior and the National Administration, some of the key components include:

  • Ensuring refugees access national services such as education, health care and financial systems alongside Kenyans.
  • Issuing the Kenya Education Management Information System school registration and the Social Health Insurance Fund enrollment.
  • Streamlined service delivery under the Turkana and Garissa county administrations.
  • A projected budget of around $943 million, overseen by a multi-agency steering committee.

Microloans for Refugees and Hosts

In February of 2024, Equity Bank, with backing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), launched a $20 million risk-sharing facility. According to Equity Group Holdings, this is aimed at expanding unsecured microloans to refugees and host-community entrepreneurs across 14 counties, all empowering refugees in Kenya. This marks the world’s first such dedicated facility for forcibly displaced individuals.

Some of the major highlights of the facility, according to Equity Group Holdings, include:

  • Covering 50% of the risk exposure.
  • Financial literacy and agribusiness capacity-building delivered via Equity Group Foundation.
  • Projecting 25 million new jobs to empower refugees in Kenya by 2030.

Equity Group CEO James Mwangi underlined the initiative’s goal of transforming lives, dignifying refugees and fostering wealth creation.

Scaling Refugee Entrepreneurship

Rwanda-founded social enterprise Inkomoko has played a transformative role in supporting refugee and host-community entrepreneurs in Kenya. According to the organization, its support model has:

  • Served more than 12,00 clients and deployed more than $6 million in capital.
  • Helped create more than 2,500 jobs.
  • Supports more than 4,000 entrepreneurs annually, delivering business advisory, training and low-interest loans.

Examples illustrate the real impact, such as tailor Adele Mubalama, who grew her Kakuma-based business to employ 26 people and earn approximately $8,300. Similarly, according to Finance Commerce, former Ethiopian soldier Mesfin Getahun expanded his “Jesus is Lord” retail chain using a $115,00 loan from Inkomoko.

“We find that refugee business owners actually have the characteristics that make world-class entrepreneurs,” Inkomoko runner Julienne Oyler said, reporting on Finance Commerce.

Digital and Leadership Empowerment via Amahoro Coalition

Founded by Isaac Kwaku Foku, the Amahoro Coalition champions digital inclusion and leadership among refugees. Some highlights, according to the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), include:

  • 2022 partnership with Kenya’s Aijira Digital Program to enable Kakuma and Dadaab residents to work online, delivering business solutions to Kenyan companies via digital platforms.
  • Offering digital training free of charge to help transition to online jobs.

Mandating the country a “digital freelancing hub” supporting youth in accessing jobs online. Additionally, in June 2024, Amahoro launched a 12-month mentorship program for women with lived displacement experience within the Amahoro Fellowship. Amahoro is moving refugees beyond humanitarian aid toward genuine economic participation and leadership by merging digital capacity-building, mentorship and private-sector engagement.

Rights, Resources and the Road Ahead

While these strides signal hope, key challenges remain. Refugees still lack full freedom of movement and citizenship rights, limiting mobility and economic opportunity. Camp schools run at 300% capacity and water sanitation infrastructure remains inadequate.

Observers warn that prioritizing livelihoods over rights could jeopardize long-term inclusion. Broader legal protections and clear citizenship pathways are still urgently needed. 

– Clarissa Dean

Clarissa is based in Bowling Green, KY, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr