Archive for category: Development

Information and stories on development news.

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Higher Education in the DRC

Higher Education in the DRCHistorically, political turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has contributed to the country’s higher education gap, which persists today. Militant activity connected to the rebel group M23 has resurged since November 2021. Efforts to meet the urgent needs of the 1.2 million people displaced by violence in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu alone have taken the place of addressing disparities in higher education.

Despite recent efforts to make education equally available, bridging this gap for rural populations, low-income families and disabled and female students remains largely on the back burner. Here’s a look at the complex factors influencing higher education as a goal for all Congolese students and the path forward to make this a reality.

The DRC’s Educational Landscape

Barriers to higher education can be traced back to the DRC’s colonial period, when education was distributed exclusively to the elite class. Today, this trend manifests as an educational gender gap. In 2020, for instance, only 8% of Congolese men enrolled in tertiary education, while this figure was a mere 5% for Congolese women. Meanwhile, the DRC has one of the youngest populations, with more than 60% of people younger than 25.

The country’s lack of educational resources poses the risks associated with an under-skilled workforce, such as high youth unemployment and economic instability. Still, from 2010 to 2024, the number of Congolese children enrolled in secondary education increased from 2.3 million to 7.5 million. With such demographics, demand for education in the DRC is predictably high, yet enrollment in higher education doesn’t reflect this.

While overall enrollment in schooling for Congolese children has shown progress, the marginal number of students able to afford higher education reveals a systematic disparity between educational demand and resource availability. As a result, future adults with less education will become vulnerable to the same financial instability that withheld them from pursuing higher education.

Factors Affecting Higher Education in the DRC

A significant correlation exists between the quality of health and the attained level of education. UNESCO considers the expected health and the attained schooling that Congolese children will receive in their lifetimes and currently estimates these children will only achieve 37% of their full potential. The DRC’s low yield in tertiary school enrollment is reflected in its low funding for educational resources, with only 2.3% of the country’s GDP invested in the education sector.

Additionally, as civil unrest displaces families, funds once set aside for higher education are instead diverted to cover food, shelter and other basic needs. Rural communities, already lacking infrastructure, remain cut off from adequate educational services, widening the resource gap between urban and rural students. In these same areas, violence often disrupts schooling, while the limited educational materials the Congolese government can distribute are stretched especially thin.

In 2019, the DRC attempted an educational reform to make free schooling equally accessible nationwide. However, many parents continued paying teacher salaries themselves. Particularly in large cities, families have struggled to sustain education through out-of-pocket payments. In contrast, higher education often remains under-resourced and staffed by undertrained teachers. Congolese teachers have gone unpaid, raising concerns that federal funds meant to improve educational quality are not reaching students as intended.

Who Is Without Access to Educational Opportunity?

While the DRC’s poor infrastructure affects all students, higher education remains disproportionately inaccessible for women because of deep-rooted cultural and social barriers. The gender gap in higher education enrollment is narrowing, yet high fertility rates and cultural pressure for early marriage compound disadvantages for women. For those who do not complete secondary school, the likelihood of marrying young and bearing children is nearly twice as high as that of their peers.

Driving Access to Higher Education

While solutions like free education can be achieved, a community-based approach is necessary to compensate for the gaps preventing Congolese youth from pursuing higher education. On a structural level, reforming the education system could produce a more relevant curriculum to better equip Congolese students for success in the workforce. Still, the need remains to eliminate social, financial and political barriers deterring students from higher education.

The DRC’s government institutions must also do their part to distribute educational resources equitably. In the meantime, the World Bank is one organization spearheading educational funding in the DRC. In 2024, the World Bank helped channel $67 million from the Global Partnership for Education to the DRC to stock classrooms, support disabled students and advance girls’ secondary education.

While external funding doesn’t promise a permanent solution for higher education in the DRC, it does set an agenda as the country continues to navigate systemic reform on behalf of its current and future students.

– Isla Hansen

Isla is based in Spokane, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Renewable Energy in Armenia

Renewable Energy in ArmeniaRenewable energy in Armenia is transforming the nation’s energy landscape. The government is ramping up solar, hydro and wind power investments to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. After long dependence on natural gas and oil from neighboring Russia and Iran, Armenia is shifting toward clean energy. This is marked by large-scale solar developments that signal a rapid change in the nation’s energy output.

Armenia’s Energy Dependency and National Goals

For decades, Armenia’s energy supply relied heavily on imports, with natural gas accounting for more than 80% of the country’s fuel mix. This dependency left the nation vulnerable to fluctuating prices and geopolitical instability.

In response, the government has adopted ambitious renewable energy targets to generate 66% of electricity from clean sources by 2036. By 2030, solar energy alone is expected to make up 15% of total production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and strengthening energy security.

Masrik-1: Armenia’s Landmark Solar Project

One of the most significant milestones in Armenia’s clean energy shift is the Masrik-1 solar power plant, the country’s largest renewable energy project. Located in the Gegharkunik region, the 55-megawatt facility produces around 128,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually to power 21,600 homes.

Developed with support from the World Bank and the European Investment Bank, Masrik-1 also cuts carbon emissions by an estimated 40,000 metric tons yearly. As the first large-scale solar plant in Armenia, Masrik-1 demonstrates the country’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix and achieving long-term energy independence.

Diversifying Armenia’s Renewable Energy Mix

Beyond solar power, Armenia is working to develop a broader portfolio of renewable resources. Hydropower currently provides around 30% of the country’s electricity, making it the largest contributor to renewable energy.

A key component of this is the Vorotan Cascade, located in the country’s Syunik region, which currently contributes 13-15% toward Armenia’s total power generation. This development was purchased by a U.S company, ContourGlobal, in 2015 for $180 million. It later attracted another $70 million in investment to modernize the project further.

Wind energy remains limited, contributing less than 1% of total generation. However, Armenia’s theoretical wind potential is estimated at 450 megawatts, with projects such as Qarahach-1, a 20 megawatt development, already in planning. Indeed, the Lusakert Biogas Plant near Yerevan generates approximately seven gigawatt-hours annually, helping reduce emissions from livestock waste.

International Investment Driving Change

Armenia’s renewable energy expansion has been made possible by significant global partnerships. The European Investment Bank and the European Union (EU) have committed more than $35 million to energy efficiency initiatives, including modernizing public buildings in Yerevan. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Green Climate Fund have provided a $15 million loan to support green small and medium-sized enterprises.

Additionally, the World Bank is funding upgrades to Armenia’s power transmission grid, enabling integration of up to 1.1 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2032. Private-sector investment is also growing, with firms like Amber Capital Armenia developing new solar plants in partnership with international lenders. Together, these efforts accelerate the country’s transition toward a cleaner, more resilient energy system.

A Sustainable Future for Armenia

Renewable energy in Armenia represents more than a technological shift; it reshapes the country’s economic and environmental future. With large-scale solar projects, expanding hydropower capacity and growing international investment, Armenia is moving closer to energy independence while reducing its carbon footprint.

Continued collaboration between government, industry and global partners will be vital to achieving the nation’s ambitious renewable energy goals and ensuring a sustainable path forward.

– George Horberry

George is based in York, Yorkshire, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics 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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A New Era Begins: Google’s $37 Million AI Fund to Africa

A New Era Begins: Google’s $37 Million AI Fund to AfricaArtificial Intelligence (AI) has skyrocketed throughout the world in recent years. AI focuses on completing tasks with human-like intelligence, such as reasoning, problem-solving, and language understanding. AI can also use its problem-solving skills to help communities around the world tackle their biggest challenges. Google has recently approved a $37 million AI fund for Africa to aid the fight against poverty. 

Food Security Initiative

Out of the $37 million, Google committed $25 million to the AI Collaborative: Food Security Initiative. The AI collaborative funds will support AI tools designed to improve hunger forecasting, support smallholder farmers and strengthen crop resilience. In many countries, the population depends on farming to survive. This initiative will develop tools that will predict hunger, enhance cropping systems, climate-related crop threats and help address farming inefficiencies. This AI fund for Africa aims to strengthen food systems and improve the livelihood of farmers in the face of worsening economic and environmental shocks. With the AI Collaborative initiative, communities and farmers can have an increased income and malnutrition reduction.

AI Education and Safety Programs

Google is also committing $7 million toward AI education and safety programs across Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. AI education for young people could prepare them for higher-paying jobs. Not only is Google donating to AI education, but it is also offering 100,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for students. The program expands access for Africans to participate in the digital economy. 

Masakhane African Languages AI Hub

The Masakhane African Languages AI Hub is receiving $3 million for enhancement. The AI Hub will use the funding to create databases, translation models and voice technologies to ensure that AI systems represent African languages in the digital world. This new processing tool will support more than 40 African languages. Language barriers are a challenge for some African communities and often exclude them from opportunities. This translation method will allow for better communication for Africans looking into education, health care and finance. 

AI Research

Google is also giving $1 million each to two institutions for AI research. The University of Pretoria’s AfriDSAI and Wits MIND Institute in South Africa will receive funding for advanced AI studies. The grants to the institutes will support graduate students and researchers in contributing to shaping global AI development. The initiative positions Africa to play a greater role in the global AI conversation.

Road Ahead

Google’s recent donation expands the tools available to address poverty in Africa. This technological advancement provides a road to systematic change. The use of AI could help address some of Africa’s biggest issues, like food insecurity, unemployment and underrepresentation. While poverty remains a significant challenge, AI initiatives supported by Google represent a step toward long-term solutions.

– Emily Herlehy

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

Photo: Pixabay

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Unlocking the Future of Renewable Energy in Cuba

Renewable Energy in CubaThe island nation of Cuba, located in the Caribbean, is at a critical juncture in its energy development. Cuba has considerable renewable energy resources, including sunlight, wind and biomass. However, its energy grid relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, especially from Venezuela, making it vulnerable to price volatility, geopolitical changes and concerns over energy security.

Renewable energy in Cuba has the potential to be about more than just technology; it can offer economic independence, a climate-resilient future and sustainable development opportunities in a country where energy development has long been constrained by existing energy infrastructure and a lack of foreign investment options.

Renewable Energy in Cuba

Currently, renewable energy sources contribute to less than 5% of Cuba’s total electricity generation. This is incredibly low compared to the government’s target of 24% renewable energy generation by 2030. Cuba’s energy infrastructure remains outdated, inefficient and frequently experiences breakdowns. The result is regular blackouts and, in rural areas particularly, energy poverty complicating any efforts for economic activity and the modernization of living standards.

Notably, Cuba has significant untapped solar capacity, receiving an average of 5.4 kWh/m2 per day and significant capability in wind, biomass and small hydro. The potential for real transformation is incredible. However, the challenge is fostering the conditions to attract investment, skills, capabilities and partnerships to harness that potential.

For investors, Cuba’s renewable energy sector is a largely untapped multibillion-dollar market that could encourage local job development, reduce carbon emissions and modernize the energy grid. If successful, Cuba could gain some degree of economic sovereignty through a low-carbon energy project.

However, foreign investors face numerous complications and sometimes, impenetrable obstacles, including red tape, legal uncertainty and financing. Furthermore, U.S. sanctions present an additional layer of difficulty in exploring partnership possibilities, which, in many cases, innovative financing and creative partnerships can help to advance projects.

Public-Private Partnerships Gaining Traction

In light of these challenges, there are hopeful signs on the horizon. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are starting to emerge. These partnerships allow foreign firms to contribute equity and technology as partners with the Cuban state-owned enterprise. New financing options, including green bonds and blended finance models, may provide a pathway to mitigate the risks of investing in Cuba’s renewable energy market.

Cross-border projects, particularly with European countries and Latin American neighbors, demonstrated a potential for scaling renewable projects. For example, Spanish and Chinese firms have engaged in various levels of partnership with Cuba, committing to constructing solar parks and wind farms. These cross-border collaborations have revived the feasibility of industrial-scale renewable energy projects across the Cuban landscape.

What Cuba Needs for a Successful Energy Transition

Interviews with Cuban engineers and energy policy specialists suggest that Cuba’s transformation to renewable energy will depend on three factors. The first is regulatory reform, which could streamline the approval of renewable energy projects by dealing with the current layers of licensing and approval that can be cumbersome.

The second relates to financing mechanisms, which may require the government to establish ways to de-risk investments for foreign entities interested in participating in the energy transformation. Third is capacity building, which includes developing a local skilled workforce.

There are lessons that Cuba can learn from other emerging economies, such as Costa Rica’s remarkable transition to renewables to achieve 99% of its electricity from renewables and Uruguay’s successful public-private partnerships.

Socioeconomic Benefits of a Greener Grid

Cuba’s renewable energy implications extend beyond electricity. From a microeconomic perspective, a greener grid could mean lower household costs. This could have a ripple effect in reducing risk from air pollution-related health outcomes, creating thousands of new jobs in installation, maintenance and manufacturing.

From a macroeconomic perspective, decentralized power using solar and biomass could facilitate reliable access to power in rural regions. It could unlock local economic development through agricultural growth, small and micro-enterprises development and improve educational delivery.

In urban agglomerations like Havana and Santiago de Cuba, renewable-powered public transit, such as electric vehicles or other clean energy systems, offers a promising shift in urban mobility. Paired with new energy-efficient infrastructure designed to meet local environmental conditions, these developments could significantly transform both the economy and the environment in these regions.

Yet, any sustained progress will rely on long-term commitments and funding. Most of Cuba’s renewable energy projects are funded through one-off grants, pilot programs or developmental loans and lack funding to assist with continued operational costs. Cuba could struggle to reach its renewable energy commitments and aims without stable policy frameworks and continued periodic financial assistance from rich states and multilateral institutions.

Conclusion

Cuba’s renewable energy sector may be nascent, but the possibilities are considerable. Through the appropriate policy alterations, financial instruments and international arrangements, Cuba may become a model of clean energy development in the Caribbean. The opportunities remain largely unrealized, coolly waiting for much political, economic and technological convergence, potentially to reshape Cuba’s energy future.

– Sophia Scelza

Sophia is based in Lindenhurst, NY, USA and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pxhere

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Seed Ball Technology Reforestation in the Sahel is Restoring Land

Seed Ball TechnologyCommunities across the Sahel face desertification, declining soil fertility and disappearing livelihoods. Seed ball technology in the Sahel offers a low-cost, scalable solution that combines local knowledge with nature-based restoration. This method delivers native seeds embedded in clay and compost directly to degraded terrain, encouraging plant growth and supporting communities in rebuilding land and livelihoods.

How Seed Ball Technology in the Sahel Works

Seed ball technology involves encasing seeds in clay, compost and sometimes natural fertilizers. These balls protect seeds from pests, birds and harsh environmental conditions until they germinate. When scattered on land, seed balls absorb rainwater, enabling seeds to sprout without intensive farming or irrigation.

Locals mix native seeds, such as pearl millet or sorghum, with clay and compost to form seed balls. They scatter these balls across barren land during the rainy season. The seed ball protects seeds and retains moisture long enough for germination. Researchers in Senegal reported more than 95% emergence rates in on-station trials for pearl millet seed balls.

Supporting Smallholder Farmers and Boosting Yields

Development projects in the Niger Republic use seed ball technology to help subsistence farmers. Programs reduce crop failure risk by improving seedling survival with minimal seed use. Trials revealed that mineral-enhanced seed balls boosted root growth by 227%. It also increased shoot biomass, laying the foundation for improved panicle yield in staple crops.

Partnerships Driving Adoption and Scaling

Organizations such as farmer federations, like the Gaskiya Federation of Maradi Farmers Unions in the Niger Republic, help disseminate seed ball technology, supported by research teams funded by groups like the McKnight Foundation. The approach relies on simple local inputs, making it affordable and appropriate for remote areas.

The Great Green Wall initiative aims to restore millions of hectares across the Sahara-Sahel. While large-scale tree planting faces logistical hurdles, seed ball methods offer a complementary and rapid restoration option. The technology helps deliver vegetation in tough terrain and reinforce ecosystem resilience.

Empowering Youth and Community Engagement

In Ethiopia, social enterprises led by young innovators apply seed ball dispersal methods to restore degraded lands and promote sustainable agriculture. These efforts engage local communities, boost vegetation cover and create green livelihoods in arid zones.

Seeding Hope Across the Sahel

The success of seed ball technology in the Sahel is not only about germinating plants but about shifting what’s possible for communities living on the edge of the desert. Turning degraded land into productive fields helps farmers secure food, preserve biodiversity and reduce migration pressures.

Its simplicity allows it to spread quickly without heavy machinery or expensive inputs, making it a practical tool in the fight against desertification. Governments, NGOs and research teams are investing in scaling this approach. Seed balls could become a cornerstone for ecological resilience and economic stability across the Sahel’s most vulnerable regions.

– Hayden Chedid

Hayden is based in Parker, CO, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Increasing Access to Electricity in Ethiopia

Access to Electricity in EthiopiaThe continent of Africa has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world, making life more difficult for millions of people. Africa is home to 19% of the world’s population, yet many—mostly in sub-Saharan Africa—are living without electricity. Those who do have access often rely on power sources that are unreliable and unsustainable. Electricity demand has continued to grow over time, especially in Ethiopia, but the World Bank has been making moves to change that.

The ELEAP Program

The Ethiopia Electrification Program (ELEAP) is under the leadership of the World Bank Group. Its main goal is to reach complete electrification in Ethiopia by the end of 2025 and to support the rollout of new electrification systems. The plan is to expand electricity through solar mini-grids, with some grid (65%) and some off-grid (35%) energy systems.

So far, the results have been positive. As of 2025, the program has made strong progress. From March 1, 2018, to June 4, 2024, 6.3 million people gained access to on-grid electricity sources. Solar energy is the most viable option for renewable energy and the most reliable source, as it has already been a major part of Ethiopia’s electrical landscape. The implementation of solar energy fits easily with the systems already in place, which allows them to work together effectively. Because of these systems, more than 19,000 public facilities have gained access to electricity, including health clinics and schools. Forecasts suggest that by 2026, 10 million more people in Ethiopia will have access to electricity.

The Burden of Limited Electricity Access

Ethiopia is one of the most populous countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with more than 100 million people. The country is experiencing rapid population growth, which has contributed to challenges such as food insecurity, environmental strain and low electricity access. Even though Ethiopia has substantial renewable energy resources, most of the population still relies on traditional biomass energy such as firewood and coal.

Even when households have access to power, financial constraints often prevent them from using it. Most electricity needs are for cooking, but the existing systems are not large-scale enough to provide the energy required for all Ethiopians to prepare their meals. As electricity reaches more areas, household chores have become easier since many families can now use electric stoves instead of fire-burning stoves, saving time and benefiting the environment. Solar-powered water pumps have also been introduced to provide clean water to rural communities. 

Before the introduction of new energy systems, women and children had to go outside and search for wood to use as fuel and poor households had to devote all their income to energy. With expanded access, energy is now reaching both large infrastructure projects and poor urban communities.

Looking Ahead

Access to electricity in Ethiopia has risen to 55.4% and continues to grow rapidly. ELEAP has made significant progress in electrifying the country within just a few years. The outlook for Ethiopia and ELEAP remains positive, with sustainable energy sources supporting growth and improving the lives of many.

– Bowie Aldrich

Bowie is based in North Syracuse, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Planting Prosperity: The Green Wall of China Combats Poverty

Green Wall of China Combats PovertyIn the Taklimakan Desert of Xinjiang, China, dunes shift as much as 20 meters each year due to powerful and relentless winds. The dunes creep across the land, consuming the environment and deepening the struggles of those living in poverty. But China is fighting back. The Green Wall of China combats poverty by pushing back the desert and restoring both land and livelihoods.

On November 28, 2024, the final stretch of the desert met its match. The last 100 meters of shifting sand along the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert was planted with various seedlings like red willows, saxaul and desert poplar, sealing the gap in what is now a 3,046-kilometer-long green barrier. With that, the Green Wall stands as a living shield against desertification and poverty.

Drivers of Desertification in China

Desertification is “the transformation of fertile land into desert or arid waste” due to a combination of natural and human factors. Shifting climatic and weather patterns can intensify wind speeds and soil erosion, accelerating the spread of desertification. Human-driven climate change has intensified the problem. Specifically, China’s rapidly growing population has placed immense pressure on natural resources, with rising consumption leading to land degradation and creating conditions that allow desertification to swiftly creep up.

The Three North Shelterbelt System

Otherwise known as the Green Wall of China, the Three North Shelterbelt System is one of China’s most significant ecological and economic initiatives. The project carries calculated responsibilities such as improving the ecological environment, mitigating natural disasters and expanding habitable and arable land. These activities have led to its recognition as a key national project. 

Beyond environmental goals, it also plays a role in enhancing production conditions, reducing regional disparities and fostering shared prosperity among all ethnic groups. Additionally, the Green Wall of China combats poverty by supporting the restructuring of rural industries, accelerates poverty alleviation among farmers and contributes to long-term sustainable economic and social development.

After generations of sustained effort, the Three North Shelterbelt System has completed afforestation and conservation work across 31.7429 million hectares. As a result, forest coverage in the project area increased from 5.05% in 1977 to 13.84% by 2020. 

The initiative created the “Great Green Wall” along China’s northern frontier— serving as a barrier against wind and sand, conserving water and soil, protecting agriculture and supporting animal husbandry and has achieved ecological, economic and social benefits.

Protecting the People and Lands

According to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Forestry and Grassland Bureau, the successful completion of the Green Wall along the Taklimakan Desert will enhance the region’s ecological barrier, stabilize agricultural production, improve urban living conditions and support both economic and social development.

Expanding tree cover helps stabilize water supplies, absorb carbon dioxide and offer communities sustainable access to resources like timber and other forest products. China has adopted scientific sand control technologies, including engineering sand fixation, biological sand control and photovoltaic sand control. While stabilizing and preventing the spread of sand, these efforts have also supported the development of local, sand-based industries– helping to improve lives and boost regional economies.

Looking ahead, Xinjiang plans to further build upon and strengthen the “edge-locking” efforts, contributing to the construction of a robust ecological security barrier in northern China.

How The Green Wall of China Combats Poverty

Along with the hardships of desertification, farmers were uneasy about losing their sole source of income and falling into poverty as the desert expanded. Their fears have been eased through local government subsidies and additional employment opportunities.

The Chinese government launched the “Returning Farmland to Forest Program,” also known as “Grain for Green.” This initiative provided financial incentives to farmers to cease cultivation on vulnerable land and instead plant trees. The program has a dual purpose: first, to reduce soil erosion and prevent further flooding; and second, to ensure that farmers’ quality of life continues to improve, even with the loss of arable farmland. In return for the protection of the newly planted trees, farmers received subsidies, as well as land rights to the fields and terraces that they managed.

The amount of compensation varies based on location and the type of land cultivated; however, according to the State Forestry Administration, the average household receives no less than 9,000 yuan, or $1,253. Households engaged in the program receive payments directly to their bank accounts after forestry officers conduct annual inspections of their forest plots.

Employment Diversification

In addition to providing subsidies, the Returning Farmland to Forest Program has helped diversify employment opportunities and broaden the industrial base in impoverished areas. A study conducted by four Chinese universities examining the program’s long-term impact on rural economic development found that there was a 10.9% increase in the value generated by local primary sectors, compared to similar counties that did not participate. Furthermore, rural employment in agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fishing rose by 8.2%.

The Three-North Shelterbelt System holds the title of the Green Wall of China and with it, the aid for poverty. The project has enhanced the region’s ecological environment, boosted grain production and achieved progress in developing forest product bases. Through the growth of forest and fruit-related industries, the project has helped lift tens of millions of local residents out of poverty.

The project has generated a wide range of job opportunities in areas such as tree planting and land maintenance, offering stable sources of income for local communities. This rise in employment has elevated living standards and stimulated economic growth in rural and impoverished regions.

The restoration of arable land has revitalized agriculture, allowing farmers to improve crop yields and diversify their production. The benefits of the Green Wall are evident in the rise of agricultural productivity, which has bolstered food security and aid for poverty. In 2023 alone, forest-related industries in China generated an annual output of 8.04 trillion yuan, exceeded $180 billion in forest product trade and directly employed 60 million people across the country.

Other Poverty Alleviation Initiatives

The Green Wall of China was among the first large-scale projects to link environmental restoration with poverty reduction, but it is not the only one. The following are other poverty alleviation initiatives: 

  • The Natural Forest Protection Project (1998). Aims to protect natural forests by stopping commercial logging to preserve ecological balance and biodiversity. To offset income loss, farmers and communities receive subsidies, while funds support forest conservation, habitat restoration and wildlife protection for long-term sustainability.
  • The South China Slopes Land Conversion Program (2002). Targets soil erosion on steep slopes in southern China by promoting the restoration of forests and grassland. Goals to reduce landslide risk, improve water retention, enhance ecosystem resilience and encourage sustainable land management for ecological stability.
  • The Ant-Forest Program (2011). Created by Ant Financial and the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP), the app is connected to Alipay and rewards users with “green energy points” for eco-friendly actions. These points lead to the planting of virtual and real trees in degraded areas of China. The app encourages user engagement through tracking, competition and sharing, making environmental conservation interactive and rewarding.

Looking Ahead

The Green Wall of China shows how large-scale environmental projects can restore fragile ecosystems while improving livelihoods. By combining ecological restoration with poverty alleviation, China’s afforestation programs have created jobs, strengthened food security and offered long-term stability to millions. As these efforts expand, the Green Wall stands as a model of how investment in nature can build resilience against both environmental and economic challenges.

– Gabriella Luneau

Gabriella is based in Raleigh, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How African Countries Combat Poverty by Banning Mineral Exports

Mineral ExportsRare minerals and metals are in high demand nowadays for several products; they are key to making rechargeable batteries in laptops, mobile phones and other devices. According to a report from Thomson Reuters, they’re also used for rechargeable batteries in electric cars, which could make up all new cars sold by the year 2040. According to Precedence Research, the rare earth metal market is worth about $3.75 billion and could rise to as high as $9.91 billion by 2034.

Africa’s Ban on Mineral Exports

These minerals have been growing in demand in recent years, according to the World Trade Organization:

  • Lithium
  • Cobalt
  • Nickel
  • Copper
  • Aluminum
  • Palladium

Many of these minerals are mined in Africa, though unfortunately, much of the populations in those countries live in poverty. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, supplies 57% of the world’s cobalt, 70% of the world’s coltan and 20% of the world’s diamonds. However, nearly 72% of the population lives in poverty.

African nations want to refine the rare minerals and metals they mine domestically to better capitalize on their natural resources and fight poverty. They hope refining these resources, which is primarily done overseas, can bring economic development. To accomplish this, many African nations ban mineral exports to pressure mining companies to build domestic mineral processing plants.

For those 54 countries, it could bring economic development and jobs to Africa. Zimbabwe’s mines ministry, for example, is pressuring foreign investors to increase spending from $70 million to $600 million; the Sinomine Resource Group, a Chinese mining company, is already investing $300 million in a lithium-processing plant there.

These policies in other countries have had similar success in banning mineral exports. In 2020, for example, Indonesia banned the exportation of unprocessed nickel. Now, after securing significant investments from China, it dominates nickel production.

African Nations Banning Mineral Exports

  • Guinea
  • Uganda
  • Namibia
  • Gabon

Potential Impacts

Currently, most jobs in Africa’s rare minerals and metals sector are in mining, a field known for its hazards. In Nigeria, lithium mines employ children as young as 6 years, where they are exposed to dangerous dust that can cause asthma. If rare mineral processing were to stay in the continent, African countries could use the revenues to ensure safe mining practices.

This increase in foreign investment can also strengthen the workforce of African countries. About 80% of young Africans aspire to have high-skilled jobs. However, only 8% can get them due to a lack of such jobs and training to prepare workers for these jobs.

Conclusion

If African nations secure foreign investment in mineral refinement, citizens can gain access to better-paying, skilled jobs. By capitalizing on their massive deposits of natural resources, which are becoming increasingly valuable with time, African countries can further reduce poverty for their citizens.

– Seth Pintar

Seth is based in La Jolla, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Debt Restructuring in Ghana Creates Room for Development

Debt Restructuring in GhanaGhana has dealt with a debt crisis since the early 2000s, originating from a long history of colonialism. Although it was one of the first African countries to gain independence in 1957, Ghana continues to depend on the export of raw materials such as gold, oil and cocoa. When global commodity prices declined in the ’80s and ’90s, countries in the Global South relied on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank’s advice to expand production to pay debts. As a result, the price of commodities remained low for 20 years.

The HIPC Initiative and Debt Relief Successes

In 2002, the Ghanaian government granted the central bank autonomy to use monetary policy as a tool to promote economic growth and deal with inflation. Falling from 30% to 10% by 2007, fiscal policy enacted under the joint IMF-World Bank debt relief program, the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC), was key in taming the country’s economic problems.

After part of the country’s debt was cancelled during the program’s implementation, Ghana’s external debt fell by $4.3 billion between 2006 and 2003, from $6.6 billion to $2.3 billion. Debt relief proved to be a successful means of fighting poverty and increasing the potential for development. Improvements in health care and education followed, with money being invested in social services for Ghanaian citizens.

One of the most important features of the government’s budgetary operations under the HIPC Initiative was its positive impact on poverty reduction. The Ghana poverty reduction strategy document emphasized integrated rural development, economic growth, expanded employment opportunities and improved access to public services. To achieve these goals, the government would have to implement sound monetary and fiscal policies made possible through debt relief.

New Debt Restructuring Framework in Ghana

However, the country’s continued reliance on the export of commodities has led it into another debt crisis. When the price of raw materials rose in the 2010s, more countries became willing to lend to Ghana. However, after another fall in the cost of commodities in 2013, the African country became unable to repay loans and started accumulating debt. Debt now places a new, significant burden on Ghana’s economy and society, which could lead to stagnation and higher poverty rates.

Recently, Ghana’s parliament approved a $2.8 billion debt restructuring framework for 25 creditor countries. Although the deal is not yet final, debt relief would again allow the country to invest in social services instead of using its revenues to pay off lender countries. In the 2000s, debt restructuring was critical in restoring macroeconomic stability; by rescheduling debt payments due between 2022 and 2026 to 2039 – 2043, there is hope that the country can break its cycle of debt.

The newly created Agenda for Jobs II (2022–2025) aims to develop further Ghanaian life’s economic, social and environmental dimensions. It focuses on expanding education and health care initiatives. The agenda also seeks to broaden the coverage of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Program.

Conclusion

In collaboration with international partners, new debt restructuring efforts in Ghana have opened a new chapter in the country’s economic development. The potential ratification of these new agreements will free up significant public funds that can be invested in public sectors such as health care, education and infrastructure, contributing to the country’s fight against poverty. Debt restructuring allows for future economic growth, catalyzing social progress.

– Rafaela Paquet

Rafaela is based in Montreal, Canada and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons