Archive for category: Food Insecurity

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Spotlighting 5 Charities in the Galapagos

Charities in the GalapagosAlthough the main focus of many charities operating throughout the Galapagos Islands is wildlife conservation-based, efforts also prioritize the residents of these islands. More than 25% of residents in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are living in poverty. Below are five charities in the Galapagos doing work in the islands to help.

1. The Charles Darwin Foundation

In 1959, a group of scientists and researchers created the Charles Darwin Foundation to preserve the communities across the Galapagos Islands. Since then, it has only grown, becoming one of the leading charities in the Galapagos.

Volunteers are able to utilize the work they are putting into the environment to better the lives of the residents. Not only do they offer a comprehensive science education program, but they have also created clubs and social groups for the children enrolled. These opportunities are not something they can find elsewhere. 

In addition to their classes and experiential learning activities, the foundation has traveling libraries to supplement the lack of them on the Floreana and Isabela islands. By providing 1,500 children with advanced education each year, it gives them additional opportunities for their future, widening what was previously available to them. 

Education resources in the Galapagos Islands are extremely limited, so these programs are valuable to children living in poverty if they hope to have ample job prospects as they approach adulthood.

2. Ecuador Volunteer Fundacion

Ecuador Volunteer Fundacion has curated a vast network of volunteers across the globe who work to aid the community in the Galapagos. It is helping to better the lives of many by flying out volunteers to help directly, taking donations to increase their assistance budget and more. Its volunteers work closely with both children and adults on the islands to help them succeed. Because of its efforts, 1,437+ families have received natural, healthy food bags. On top of this, 1,161+ children have received a strong education and benefited developmentally.

These families are reliant on this kind of charity work as food and water insecurity are prominent in the Galapagos. It primarily receives food through imports from Ecuador, which often results in a decrease in the quality and nutritional value.

3. The Intrepid Foundation: Galapagos Conservancy

The primary focus of this foundation is to raise funds to support the people of the Galapagos Islands through a donation portal. It advocates for the often less-recognized troubles these communities face.

It pushes for women to have equal access to job opportunities and supports women’s leadership throughout the islands, desiring an inclusive environment. Through this, families can better support themselves financially. In tandem with this, it advocates for women to have a part in the conservation of their home. A large part of the work that charities in the Galapagos are doing is environmental, and they push for all residents to be included in that.

As this foundation has progressed, 60 women now have steady support to pursue sustainability and nutrition based work. The grants they have received have been as much as $10,000.

4. Galapagos Conservation Trust

The Galapagos Conservation Trust is composed of volunteers, scientists, citizen scientists, supporting members and the many people who donate. All of these people work together to curate a sustainable, hospitable home for the people of the Galapagos.

It works directly with community members and scientists from the islands to empower them to sustain conservation efforts in their communities. It is ensuring the future of their children, grandchildren and more by having sustainable development.

Volunteers also provide families with food security through the Urban Family Gardening project. Starting in 2020, it has supported local families in starting their own gardens and growing their own food to ensure their well-being. This project makes it so that the children of the islands are receiving healthy food, especially as importing from the mainland has been less effective after the COVID-19 pandemic. In just its first year, it reached 525 families and 19 teachers, and only more since.

5. Heifer International

Heifer International operates in nearly 20 countries to promote food security for impoverished families across the world. Particularly, in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, it aids rural communities in connecting with larger markets to promote their farming economy. Rather than focusing solely on the short term, it works to grow the islands’ economy over time.

It has had more than 600,000 participants in its program in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands since 1993, empowering people to grow their own food and take their agricultural businesses to the next level. As residents grow their own food, access to food is inherently more stable than relying on imports from elsewhere. By 2030, it hopes to have sustainable food systems operating in 189,000 households and rural areas to help them overcome poverty, food insecurity and eventually have a stable, livable income.

Final Remarks

As more charities expand to include the Galapagos in their ventures, and new ones pop up fully devoted to the islands, the percentage of islanders living in poverty will decrease further. It is important to support these organizations to make stability for these residents a possibility.

– Megan McGrath

Megan is based in Verona, NJ, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Singapore

Charities Operating in Singapore

Singapore is one of the world’s wealthiest and most developed nations. However, despite Singapore’s economic success, income inequality and food insecurity continue to affect vulnerable populations across the country. According to local reports, some individuals struggle to meet basic necessities, such as a comfortable shelter and food.

In addition to financial limitations and the high cost of living, food insecurity remains an issue for many individuals, particularly low-income families, seniors living alone and migrant workers. The streets in Singapore are sometimes seen with people considered homeless, as they can’t afford housing, highlighting the need for charitable organizations.

While the government has contributed significantly to reducing poverty and improving the lives of the poor, gaps remain for individuals who fall below eligibility criteria or require additional assistance. As a result, charities play a vital role in supporting vulnerable communities by offering food assistance, shelter and housing, health care, counselling services and other forms of aid. The following are five charities operating in Singapore that are making a meaningful impact.

1. Willing Hearts

The first of the charities operating in Singapore is Willing Hearts. Since 2003, Willing Hearts has been supporting and improving the lives of the underprivileged and impoverished through volunteerism and teamwork. Willing Hearts has also relocated five times over the past 21 years to better reach the lives of the underprivileged and marginalized.

Established by Tony Tay and his friends, Willing Hearts is one of Singapore’s leading soup kitchens with more than 10,000 meals distributed per day to more than 70 locations in Singapore through volunteer-led kitchens. In addition to food distribution, Willing Hearts also offers a variety of services such as dental care, legal aid, bereavement and healing services.

2. Food From the Heart

Food from the Heart is an independent nonprofit food charity in Singapore that focuses on 10 initiatives that alleviate food insecurity, educate and raise funds. The community food pack program is one of the initiatives from Food from the Heart that provides seniors, low-income individuals and families with fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs and bread through a monthly distribution. Through this program, the organization supports more than 10,113 families each month.

In addition to all of the programs combined, Food from the Heart has assisted and supported more than 129,877 families and individuals, distributed 143,825 food packs and supported 63,831 beneficiaries in total as of the end of 2024.

3. HealthServe 

According to HealthServe, a large number of migrant workers holding work permits in Singapore face conflict regarding emotional distress, workplace peer pressure and injuries. While employers are legally required to pay for medical treatment, such as medical services, dental treatment and insurance, some individuals feel discouraged from seeking the help they need due to cultural and language barriers and peer pressure. HealthServe has helped and supported these workers by positively impacting more than 18,000 migrant workers by the end of 2024, which includes more than 5,300 medical and dental services, 6,000 casework and social services, 8,000 mental health and counselling services and 14,200 community services related to health education and outreach.

In 2024, HealthServe’s objective was to extend mental health support and awareness. Ever since the program started in 2022, HealthServe has trained more than 1,630 migrant workers with knowledge and skills to support overall well-being.

Looking ahead to 2025, HealthServe aims to expand dental sessions, strengthen support for chronic diseases among migrant domestic workers, enhance psychotherapy and counselling services and extend GP services to more sectors.

4. Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2)

Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), a charity in Singapore, provides direct assistance by supporting and protecting low-wage, foreign and migrant workers through food programs, medical emergency funds, social work and shelter.

One of its initiatives, The Cuff Road Project, supports workers in need by providing a free breakfast and a fulfilling dinner every weekday for each worker. On Saturdays, TWC2 provides lunch.

One of TWC2’s services is casework, which provides support and assistance to individuals to help them navigate complex social, legal and government systems. Caseworkers in TWC2 assess and evaluate the client’s needs while ensuring a suitable solution and support. TWC2 has logged about 13,630 conversations of support in 2024, including 100,887 inbound and 68,329 outbound messages.

Beyond direct assistance, TWC2 engages with policymakers, like the Ministry of Manpower. They also propose solutions, conduct research on migrant worker issues and engage with employers and businesses.

5. SPD (Society for the Physically Disabled)

Set up in 1964, SPD is a nonprofit charity that focuses on helping individuals with disabilities and those with developing disabilities. SPD provides 20 programs, offering therapy, community rehabilitation, early intervention, job placement and support.

In 2024-2025, SPD assisted more than 13,200 people with disabilities. This included 1,659 children who received early intervention, 7,940 individuals who received support with rehabilitation community programs, and 3,900 individuals who gained awareness and education from talks, events and training.

Looking Ahead

Although Singapore is widely recognized for its economic success and high standard of living, vulnerable communities continue to face social and economic challenges. These five charities operating in Singapore, play a crucial role in addressing these issues by providing food security, health care, advocacy and rehabilitation support. Together, these organizations demonstrate the importance of compassion, volunteerism and community support in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society in Singapore.

– Bianca P. Gunawan

Bianca is based in Jakarta, Indonesia and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Face of Hunger in Lebanon

Hunger in LebanonHunger in Lebanon is a complex and unstable matter. The food crisis has been evolving from year to year as more and more citizens suffer. There are multiple causes and consequences associated with this situation, although there is no doubt about the potential for improvement. 

The issue of hunger in Lebanon is multifaceted and a variety of factors influence it. According to the World Bank, hunger in Lebanon has begun to worsen, dating back to the severe economic crisis in 2019. During this crisis, the Lebanese pound lost around 90% of its value. Another impactful event was the devastating Beirut Port explosion on August 4, 2020. Reports have shown that 17% of the Lebanese population struggles with food insecurity. Here are five factors that lead to excess hunger.

What are 5 Factors Leading To Excess Hunger?

  1. The continuous increase in living costs is a crucial issue. With the instability of the economic state of Lebanon, food prices continue to rise. This leads to fewer citizens acquiring access to nutritious food.
  2. Displacement is a significant factor in Lebanon. Due to the situation in the southern areas, some people have lost the privilege of owning a habitable house. Therefore, displaced families struggle to acquire access to clean water and housing resources. In addition, this coincides with the economic conflicts, making living costs out of reach due to rising prices.
  3. Despite the ceasefire, the recovery process in agriculture has been slow. Damage to some crops has limited the production of farms. Especially in the south of Lebanon, the high expenses that are required for effective agricultural development led to a decline in the lives of citizens living in rural regions.
  4. The labor market in Lebanon is a complicated matter. Neither the employed nor the unemployed are protected from economic instability. Due to the currency problem, wages are not the most reliable leading to further food insecurity.
  5. The decrease in Humanitarian Food Security Assistance (HFSA) intensified the food security problems. Humanitarian Food Security Assistance played an important role in preserving food security. However, in the past year, the amount of coverage was reduced, which has made the situation worse for Lebanese households.

How are Lebanese People Dealing With Hunger? 

This situation has resulted in fragile households. The vulnerability of food insecurity is prominent due to the multiple factors that have contributed to this increase. In these circumstances, residents had no choice but to reduce the size of their meals or skip meals altogether. Moreover, with the economic collapse, farmers have been greatly affected. They had to decrease their harvest, which caused less production, revenue and ultimately, less food security.

What are Some Organizations That Can Help Improve the Situation? 

Despite the circumstances surrounding hunger in Lebanon, it is not a hopeless matter by any means. On the contrary, there are programs that are providing effective help.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is an organization that has proven useful. In 2024, it provided food supplies and shelter with special attention on displaced people. The World Food Programme (WFP) does this through donations and fundraising efforts. The organization also has future plans to help Lebanese citizens who are victims of conflicts.

Another program is the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which Lebanon joined in 1945. FAO and WFP worked together to create the most recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). With IPC’s results, FAO realized the instability of the rural regions in Lebanon and worked on advancing the situation. FAO, WFP and the Ministry of Agriculture are focusing on new recovery programs to improve the infrastructure of agriculture. FAO aims to raise its emergency as well as resilience assistance in order to support citizens in rural areas.

Looking Ahead

Many factors contribute to the situation of hunger in Lebanon. From the economic issue to the circumstances of displaced people, Lebanon has suffered from food insecurity. Despite these negative conditions, the state of Lebanon is capable of improvement. With the help of impactful organizations such as WFP and FAO, the struggles and challenges associated with hunger are on the road to getting better. 

– Lara Ibrahim

Lara is based in Créteil, France and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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From Food Insecurity in Eswatini to Maternal and Child Health

Food Insecurity in EswatiniIn Eswatini, food insecurity erodes maternal and child nutrition, undermines healthy growth and increases the risk of malnutrition and chronic disease for thousands of mothers and children.

The Population Impact of Food Insecurity in Eswatini

In Eswatini, food insecurity has become a persistent challenge affecting the country’s economy and rural livelihoods. According to the IPC Acute Food Insecurity Analysis, 243,483 people, about one in five citizens, faced Crisis-level hunger between June and September 2024. By October 2024, projections indicated that the number could rise to 304,000 people, or about 25% of the population.

Although mid-2025 figures show temporary improvement, food insecurity remains cyclical. Between June and September 2025, 193,000 people (16%) remained in Crisis or worse, and forecasts project that 259,000 people, more than one in five, will face severe food insecurity between October 2025 and March 2026. These recurring increases indicate ongoing structural challenges.

Climate variability continues to affect food security in Eswatini, as prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall disrupt agricultural production in a country where nearly 75% of the population depends on subsistence farming. The hardest-hit areas, the Lowveld Cattle and Maize zone, the Dry Middleveld and the Lubombo Plateau, reflect this geographic concentration of vulnerability. In the Lowveld Cattle and Maize zone alone, more than 72,000 people face Crisis-level hunger, the highest burden nationwide. Nearly 30,000 people in the Dry Middleveld and more than 9,400 in the Lubombo Plateau face similar conditions.

Consequences of Food Insecurity in Eswatini

The consequences of food insecurity in Eswatini extend beyond hunger and affect maternal health outcomes, infant development and child growth indicators. Stunting, a key indicator of chronic malnutrition, affects approximately 25% of children under 5, about 60,257 children nationwide. The highest rates occur in Lubombo and Shiselweni, where prevalence reaches 28% and peaks at 35% among children ages 18 to 23 months. Although national stunting rates declined from 30.9% in 2010 to 23% in 2017, disparities persist. Children in the poorest households experience stunting at rates above 30%, compared to fewer than 10% in the wealthiest households. Rural areas continue to face higher burdens, reflecting structural inequality.

Maternal undernutrition increases health risks. Limited dietary diversity raises the likelihood of iron, iodine and folate deficiencies, which are common in food-insecure settings. Inadequate folate intake during pregnancy contributes to anemia, low birth weight and neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Iodine deficiency can impair fetal brain development and contribute to long-term cognitive delays. When pregnant and lactating women lack access to diverse, nutrient-rich foods, health risks can extend to children.

Climate shocks further affect nutritional stability. Drought reduces crop production, livestock numbers and household food access, lowering dietary diversity. More than half of children ages 6 to 23 months do not meet the minimum acceptable diet, and exclusive breastfeeding rates have declined, increasing infant health risks. Acute malnutrition also remains a concern. An estimated 8,460 children ages 6 to 59 months experience acute malnutrition, including severe cases that require therapeutic treatment.

Initiatives To Address Food Insecurity in Eswatini

In response to prolonged El Niño-induced drought conditions that began in 2014, the Government of Swaziland, now Eswatini, declared a national disaster on February 18, 2016, and launched the $80.5 million National Emergency Response and Adaptation Plan (NERMAP) 2016 to 2022 to address food insecurity and its effects on maternal and child health.

As maize production declined and water shortages intensified, more than 300,000 people required urgent food assistance. The National Disaster Management Agency partnered with the World Food Programme and other United Nations (U.N.) agencies to distribute emergency food aid and support school feeding programs, helping stabilize nutrition for children in drought-affected communities.

Despite recent economic growth, food insecurity in Eswatini persists, with nearly 29% of the population facing acute food shortages and 26% of children under 5 affected by stunting. The Government of Eswatini has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to implement the 2022 to 2025 Country Programming Framework, which aims to mobilize $68 million to strengthen agricultural productivity, climate resilience and sustainable food systems.

Looking Ahead

Addressing food insecurity in Eswatini requires sustained action beyond emergency relief. Long-term progress depends on investment in climate-resilient agriculture, stronger rural livelihoods and nutrition-sensitive social protection systems. With national frameworks and international partnerships in place, efforts such as expanding irrigation, supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening maternal nutrition programs can help reduce vulnerability to future shocks. Strengthening food security policy with a focus on maternal and child health may support long-term resilience.

– Yuhan Rong

Yuhan is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Cowpeas and Food Insecurity in West Africa

Food Insecurity in West AfricaAfrican farmers and consumers alike rely on a food you might never have heard of: cowpea. You may know it by one of its many other names, such as the Black-Eyed Pea, the Field Pea, the Southern Pea, the Catjang or the Yardlong Bean. Regardless of what it’s called, it’s a truly remarkable food that is helping to reduce food insecurity in West Africa

Its significance is vital when examining poverty and food insecurity in Nigeria. This country is crucial to understanding cowpea’s importance, as Nigeria alone produces 45-58% of all cowpeas worldwide. That’s about 3.6 million tons every year.

Cowpea

Cowpea is a grain legume, similar to pinto beans, chickpeas and regular green peas. It’s often dried and is a staple food in many rural recipes across sub-Saharan Africa. It is incredibly rich in protein (25%) and carbohydrates (53%) and very low in fats (2%).

It has many vitamins and minerals. Even the stalks and flowers are edible and the plant can be used in fields for grazing animals to forage and can be turned into hay for long-term feeding. It has an extensive root system that helps prevent erosion and it also grows well as ground cover under trees.

It’s also very important for the health of the soil for planting other crops, as its roots harbor nodules that soil bacteria use to fix nitrogen for the plant and, subsequently, for the soil. Most importantly, the crop helps prevent millions of people from going hungry each year. It grows easily in the tall grasses of northern Nigeria’s savannas, making it cheaper and more accessible for nearby communities.

Because it matures quickly, reaching full maturity in about 55-70 days, it provides a fast and reliable source of much-needed protein. Studies also show that cowpeas grown in West Africa have played a major role in reducing food insecurity and chronic malnutrition among women and children in countries such as Burkina Faso.

Challenges

The main drawback of cowpea is its short shelf life. Many farmers lack adequate storage facilities, which reduces the market value and nutritional quality of both seeds and leaves. Another challenge is limited access to the best farming practices.

Some farmers do not know the most effective ways to plant and harvest cowpeas, which lowers yields without them knowing it.

FarmSahel works with rural women farmers in Burkina Faso by providing equipment and training to help increase crop yields. The organization supplies pesticides and sprayers, as well as tools for drying and long-term storage of cowpeas. The most valuable support was the one ton of dried cowpeas.

These were ready for planting and were also used to demonstrate proper packaging techniques to keep crops fresh. The women also received training on harvesting cowpeas more effectively to improve yields.

– Eddie Hofmann

Eddie is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Addressing Hunger in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Hunger in the Democratic Republic of CongoRepercussions of the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reached critical levels. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that for nearly 27 million Congolese, access to food has become urgently restricted. 

The most recent violence in the eastern region reignited in early 2025, by the M23 rebel group, has roots in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. History between the DRC and Rwanda is long and fraught, punctuated with political violence, rebel insurgence and ethnic genocides. Alongside terrifying figures of M23’s ongoing civilian executions, equally concerning are the statistics that track hunger and poverty in the region, both of which are now rising. Research that the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner (UNHCR) conducted determined that war and conflict in developing regions has direct repercussions for rates of famine and further entrenching poverty. Here is more information about hunger in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

About Hunger in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The DRC currently ranks 121st of 123 in the Global Hunger Index, with more than a third of the population experiencing hunger directly related to undernourishment, stunted growth and child mortality. The World Food Programme deems food insecurity as acute and a threat to life and livelihood. Rates had fallen between 2008 and 2016, but have since increased and continue to rise compared to other countries in the region, which have either maintained or improved on previous years’ data.

More than 6 million Congolese are currently displaced within the country’s borders, meaning they have had to flee their homes due to violence and food insecurity. Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) mapping shows that the situation in 10 separate regions of the DRC has reached critical levels. The north and south-eastern corners of the country are only a few percentage points away from famine. The U.K. National Institute for Health (NIH) says that hunger in developing nations and displacement are directly linked because pre-existing access to food becomes more restricted and increased pressure on food in host regions causes inadequate resource distribution.

At the end of 2025, the Red Cross estimated that hunger levels for as many as 14 million children were critical, and for a further two million, levels were at an emergency status. Hunger in children is among the more dangerous chronic illnesses with potentially life-long repercussions ranging from stunted growth in infancy and childhood to delayed developmental achievement. Data from the NIH suggests that moderately malnourished children may have upper-arm circumferences no larger than that of a small apple whereas those with acute malnutrition can have even smaller upper-arm circumferences. With an additional three months of conflict and displacement, millions more children could be facing “acute malnutrition and a heightened risk of hunger-related death.”

The Impact of Conflict and Weather Changes

Conflict has a disproportionate impact on women and children, for whom consequences are often systemically-entrenched and abiding. According to the UN, social and political decision-making in the region, which has restricted two-thirds of Congolese women from accessing prenatal and postnatal care and vaccinations, compounds such violence. As a result in February 2025, the Women’s International Peace Centre projected that close to four million Congolese women and children would suffer violations of their human rights for as long as peace remains unchartered.

Recent weather events in the region have also impacted reliable access to food for Congolese people. Specifically, conflict in the otherwise arable region of the north-east corner of the DRC have compounded oscillating drought and flooding, creating food insecurity for millions which will likely grow with weather developments. The Norwegian Institute of International Affairs published data in 2023 which confirmed that the pre-existing impact of temperature rises, insufficient preparedness to deal with volatile weather patterns and the pressures of internal displacement had collapsed the agricultural capabilities of the DRC, leaving its citizens hungrier than since records began in the 1990s.

Actions Addressing Hunger in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Congolese government officials and M23 representatives signed a treaty to work towards peace near the Rwandan and Burundi borders in November 2025 in Qatar. The purpose of the Doha Agreement was to establish guidelines for ceasefire commitments, political dialogue and allow humanitarian access under international observation. While the situation in the DRC remains volatile and M23 have yet to meet the agreements in the treaty, one can find some hope in the presence of such multilateral structures that the U.S., French and Qatari governments, as well as the African Union, employs.

Further to ongoing written resolutions, the UN Security Council announced at the end of December 2025 that it would extend its peacekeeping presence in eastern DRC until at least the end of 2026, in what is the third such mission to the DRC in more than 60 years. This includes intervention from the specially trained ‘Force Intervention Brigade’ which specializes in military stabilization. Also, in 2025, the UN Development Program revealed a five-year project to provide institutional and infrastructure support to communities in the DRC’s hungriest regions, undertaken in accordance with five of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Entering their seventh year of presence in the eastern region and 32nd in the DRC, Médecins du Monde have been providing urgent health care interventions to those who conflict and its consequences impacted. This intervention has included more than 11,000 sexual health lessons, food aid to treat malnutrition, especially for children and infants, as well as monitoring widespread measles, cholera and mpox epidemics with the refurbishment of four health care centers in the region. 

Hosting more than 500,000 volunteers across the DRC, in 2026, the Red Cross announced that societies from several European countries would use a combined €8 million in pledged funding to prioritize climate recovery and disaster relief. In 2025 alone, the Red Cross delivered food, shelter and clean water aid to 475,000 people in the DRC, showing that such efforts can substantially alleviate suffering, particularly among vulnerable populations if implemented consistently and at scale. 

Looking Ahead

The NGO Explorer database suggests that as of February 2026, 229 of the 600 U.K.-based humanitarian groups active in the region are explicitly dedicated to combatting hunger in the DRC, more than any other mission. Humanitarian intervention is a lucrative source of change in developing countries because they allow for swift, apolitical and targeted action following crises and disasters in order to promote human rights across the globe. With sustained humanitarian access and coordinated intervention, it is possible that the DRC could make significant progress, provided political and armed actors allow for stability and unimpeded aid delivery to those most in need.

– Hannah Michie

Hannah is based in France and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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From Scholar to Baker: Gaza’s Education System

Gaza’s education systemYears of war and restricted access to humanitarian aid have disrupted food systems and education across the Gaza Strip, forcing residents to rely on informal survival strategies as basic services collapse. As bakeries shut down and supply routes falter, families increasingly depend on community-level solutions. One such effort comes from Bader Slaih, a Palestinian academic who now bakes bread to help feed his family and neighbors.

Gaza’s Education System Disrupted by Conflict

Before the current war, Bader Slaih earned master’s and doctoral degrees in education while studying in Egypt. He returned to Gaza, intending to teach at local universities, according to an Al Jazeera report published in January 2026. Fighting interrupted those plans.

Airstrikes and ground operations forced Slaih and his family to flee their home in the Bureij refugee camp multiple times, the report said. The destruction of Gaza’s education system has been extensive. According to Save the Children, nearly 90% of school buildings in Gaza have sustained damage, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without access to formal education.

UNICEF also reported that all universities in Gaza suffered damage during the conflict, halting higher education for students and faculty. Despite these conditions, Slaih has continued to express a commitment to education. He told Al Jazeera that he intends to teach whenever possible, even in informal or temporary learning spaces.

Turning to Bread for Survival

As food supplies declined, Slaih and his relatives built a small brick oven using salvaged materials to bake bread for their children and nearby families, Al Jazeera reported. Food insecurity across Gaza has intensified as fuel shortages and access restrictions disrupt production and distribution. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported repeated interruptions to food supply routes throughout 2025.

During periods when flour and cooking gas ran out, all subsidized bakeries in Gaza closed temporarily, OCHA reported. The World Food Program (WFP) previously supported dozens of bakeries producing hundreds of thousands of loaves daily. However, those operations depended on consistent fuel deliveries, according to U.N. humanitarian updates.

As bakery closures increased, families turned to community kitchens and shared ovens. OCHA reported that community kitchens provided close to one million cooked meals per day during periods of severe aid disruption. Slaih’s oven became part of that informal food network, supplying bread when commercial options disappeared.

Feeding the Present While Preserving the Future

Although baking bread now occupies his daily routine, Bader Slaih continues to view education as central to recovery. He told Al Jazeera that meeting children’s nutritional needs supports their ability to learn when schooling resumes. UNICEF has linked hunger directly to learning outcomes, reporting that malnutrition undermines concentration, memory and school attendance.

Across Gaza, professionals from various fields have taken on emergency roles as institutions collapse. The U.N. has noted that community-driven responses often provide the most immediate relief during prolonged crises. Slaih’s experience reflects that shift.

Baking bread does not replace humanitarian assistance or rebuild schools, but it helps sustain families while broader recovery remains uncertain. In Gaza, survival increasingly depends on adaptation. For one academic turned baker, feeding his community now remains closely tied to the goal of returning to education when conditions allow.

– Angela ‘Phoenix’ Garrett

Angela is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How LEAF is Addressing Malnutrition in Kenya

Malnutrition in KenyaKenya lies in East Africa and borders the Indian Ocean. It is best known for its diversity, its wildlife conservation efforts, and producing some of the most globally recognizable long-distance runners.

Despite its rich history and diverse population, Kenya faces persistent food insecurity and inadequate access to health care, which disproportionately affect their children. LEAF is addressing malnutrition in Kenya through targeted health and agricultural interventions.

According to UNICEF, more than 25% of children under the age of 5 experience stunted growth. Food insecurity and chronic undernourishment commonly cause this condition. An additional 11% of children are underweight and 4% suffer from severe wasting. These problems lead to an increased prevalence and likelihood of death among the Kenyan children.

Root Causes of the Crisis

Many of these issues are a result of a lack of support in education for families and farmers on malnutrition, and farmers’ limited ability to adapt to natural disasters. Without the necessary support, poverty cycles from one generation to the next, preventing households from reaching their full potential.

To break this cycle, the organization Concern began working with government officials and community leaders to design potential solutions. The organization focused its efforts on Tana River County, Kenya.

Agriculture and pastoralism dominate the region, but extreme weather patterns have severely disrupted livelihoods. Hotter days and less rainfall caused animals and crops to suffer. Clinics reported a sharp rise in child malnutrition, prompting the need for immediate intervention.

The LEAF Initiative

The Lifesaving Education and Assistance to Farmers (LEAF) had two main goals: to ensure pregnant women and malnourished children receive lifesaving treatment in a timely manner and to create systematic change in the livelihoods of people living in poverty to prevent future cases of malnutrition

The LEAF initiative began its approach by prioritizing community outreach to reduce acute malnutrition. Through the funding of the Illinois-based food ingredients company Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), they supported the local health department conducting malnutrition screenings.

The organization used monthly house visits to households with pregnant women and/or children where they referred anyone showing signs of malnutrition to local clinics and educated families on nutritional and health topics. LEAF is addressing malnutrition in Kenya, as it estimated that 82% of the families living in the region in 2021 were able to get monthly screenings by the conclusion of the program.

Building Long-Term Resilience

To ensure the screenings did not remain a temporary solution, Concern implemented the second phase of the program. This phase focused on creating systemic change across multiple villages in Kenya. Concern worked with local farmers to reshape their agricultural methods to adapt to extreme climate conditions. Concern provided drought-tolerant seeds to prevent crop loss and irrigation canals to improve village access to affordable water.

These changes proved life-changing. Halim Diramu Jilu, a farmer in Tana River County, praised the program, saying, “Our lives have changed. We have enough water now.” The program reached 39,704 people. Furthermore, crop loss fell from 60% to less than 20%, reinforcing how LEAF is addressing malnutrition in Kenya by strengthening food security at the community level.

The LEAF initiative offers a strong model for how targeted health interventions can combine with grounded community-level agricultural support to tackle poverty and malnutrition. By combining climate education with immediate nutritional support, Concern helped families build independence and improve long-term outcomes for future generations.

– Sachin Kapoor

Sachin is based in Atlanta, GA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women’s Cooperative Farming Combating Poverty in The Gambia

Poverty in The GambiaWomen play a key role in agriculture in The Gambia, especially in rural communities where poverty remains a day-to-day issue. More than 60% of Gambians depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Women make up more than half of the agricultural labor force and produce around 40% of total output.

Agriculture contributes about 20% of the country’s GDP. Approximately 74% of rural residents live below the poverty line, which increases vulnerability for farming households. Many women rely on small-scale farming for food and income; however, limited access to land, resources and markets often restricts their economic opportunities.

Barriers Faced by Women Farmers

There are unspoken barriers that Gambian women face, limiting their ability to increase income and reduce poverty. They have limited opportunities for education, land ownership or access to productive inputs, reducing both productivity and household income. Limited access to seeds, tools, fertilizers and financial services further slows agricultural productivity for women farmers.

These obstacles contribute to persistent poverty and food insecurity among women and their households.

Women’s Cooperative Farming Projects as a Solution

Women’s cooperative farming has become an effective solution to the economic challenges faced by women farmers in The Gambia. Cooperatives are the means by which women have accessed resources, such as seeds, tools and fertilizers. These collective structures allow them to sell their produce in local and regional markets and negotiate fairer prices.

For example, a program aims to reach about 40,000 households (more than 10% of the population). Women account for about 80% of participants, boosting productivity, food availability, market access and income stability. Women’s cooperatives have become a key asset in improving household livelihoods and reducing poverty in rural Gambian communities.

FAO Climate-Smart Agriculture Programs

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) strengthens the resilience of women farmers through sustainable, climate-smart agriculture. Through these initiatives, training is provided in sustainable farming techniques and soil management. This helps women gain the knowledge and support to increase productivity while adapting to climate challenges.

Hands-on workshops are key to improving practical skills and food security. Women who participate in these programs receive education and guidance on generating a stable income and reducing poverty.

IFAD-Supported Women’s Cooperatives

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) supports women’s cooperative farming in The Gambia by helping create community gardens, develop value chains and provide inclusive access to microloans. IFAD programs help women secure better prices for their products in the market. Through these initiatives, participating communities experience increased household income and a sustainable reduction of poverty.

To help protect rural households, IFAD has been funding the National Agricultural Land and Water Management Development (NEMA) project through its Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Program (ASAP). It aims to increase the climate resilience of smallholder farmers and improve local climate emergency management.

NEMA has increased agricultural productivity and household income by improving access to irrigation, land and markets. Also, FAO-supported horticulture projects provide training, tools and seeds, strengthening food security and income generation for rural communities.

ActionAid SAPOF Project

ActionAid International The Gambia, has a project named Strengthening Civil Society Organizations Support and Advocacy for Sustainable Production (SAPOF), funded by the European Union. SAPOF has established women’s vegetable gardens in several communities. It has trained more than 100 women, youth and persons with disabilities in organic/compost fertilizer production and sustainable farming practices.

Thanks to these gardens, many women farmers benefit from agricultural production and training in climate-resilient practices. Participants from across the nation have reported that gardens have improved their quality of life and household nutrition and have helped reduce economic dependency and food insecurity.

Impact on Women, Households and Communities

These farming initiatives have a huge impact on poverty reduction in The Gambia by increasing women’s economic participation in the household income. Women involved in such initiatives report improved nutrition, stable income and even greater decision-making power within their communities. This is a way of strengthening women’s role in farming projects, which also contributes to the local food supply chain and benefits households where poverty and food insecurity remain highest.

Why Women’s Cooperative Farming Matters

Women’s cooperative farming projects in The Gambia play a key role in addressing poverty and food insecurity. Supporting women farmers is essential to improve households’ well-being, nutrition and sustainable development and to reduce poverty across rural regions of The Gambia. All of this is possible with access to resources, markets and land.

– Numahaiseta Sillah

Numahaiseta is based in Duisburg, Germany and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Nutrition Policy Shapes Health Equity in South Africa

Health Equity in South AfricaIn South Africa, gaps in nutrition and food environment policies drive the double burden of malnutrition, including hunger, micronutrient deficiencies and rising obesity, despite sufficient food production. These policy gaps highlight the central role nutrition systems play in shaping health equity in South Africa.

How Economic Pressure Fuels Food Insecurity in South Africa

Economic pressures, rather than food availability, drive food insecurity in South Africa, pushing many families to struggle to access nutritious diets. Low-income individuals and households often choose cheaper, energy-dense alternatives that provide calories but few essential nutrients. High unemployment, structural poverty and rising living costs have made food increasingly inaccessible across South Africa.

The national energy crisis, particularly in Johannesburg and Cape Town, has further driven widespread hunger. In 2021, roughly 80% of South African households had adequate access to food, 15% had inadequate access and 6% had severe food insecurity. Food insecurity was more prevalent in urban areas, with the highest concentrations in Cape Town (241,000 households) and Johannesburg (239,000 households).

Households with young children are disproportionately affected. An estimated 683,221 households with children under age 5 experienced hunger and malnutrition. This has contributed to higher rates of stunting and impaired physical and cognitive development.

The highest prevalence is found in KwaZulu-Natal (20.1%), Johannesburg (13.6%) and Cape Town (12.4%). Since April 2021, 323 child deaths linked to malnutrition and hunger have been reported in the Eastern Cape.

Unequal Cities, Unequal Health: The Cost of Urban Planning Failures

As South Africa rapidly urbanizes, with more than 72% of the population projected to live in cities by 2030, food security policies remain inadequate. Low-income households in informal settlements and townships often lack access to affordable supermarkets. This forces them to rely on higher-priced spaza shops with limited access to fresh produce, directly deepening nutrition-related health inequities.

These failures in the urban food environment directly undermine health equity in South Africa. Energy and infrastructure instability disrupt cooking, refrigeration and food storage. This reduces households’ ability to consume fresh foods, increasing reliance on processed and street foods.

Despite social grants such as the Child Support Grant and the Social Relief of Distress (SRD), many households earn too much to qualify for assistance yet too little to afford adequate food. Even among households that do qualify, grant amounts are insufficient to cover the cost of a nutritious diet, particularly amid rising food inflation in South Africa. The criminalization of street vendors and restrictions on trading spaces undermine the informal food system.

In turn, this reduces access to affordable food for low-income households and pushes many into more severe food insecurity.

National and International Initiative To Improve Health Equity in South Africa

To address persistent nutrition-related health inequalities, the South African government uses initiatives such as the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan (NFNSP). It also implements the National School Nutrition Program (NSNP) to improve food security and child nutrition among disadvantaged populations. In 2018, South Africa introduced the NFNSP (2018–2023) to address nutrition-related health inequities by strengthening food security for low-income and vulnerable populations.

The plan aims to reduce childhood obesity and cut adult obesity by 15% by 2023. Similarly, in October 2023, the Department of Basic Education reaffirmed its commitment to the NSNP. The program feeds more than nine million learners annually and reduces child hunger.

Beyond national initiatives, the United Nations (U.N.) Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty) underscores the urgency of addressing child poverty, as many children continue to experience deprivation despite broader social assistance programs. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also supports South Africa by strengthening child poverty measurement. It also helps guide policies that direct government spending toward services benefiting the most impoverished children.

Additionally, in 2025, World Health Organization Member States extended the Global Nutrition Targets to 2030 and aligned them with the Sustainable Development Goals. The updated framework maintains targets to reduce stunting, anemia, low birth weight and wasting, while strengthening goals to reduce childhood overweight and increase exclusive breastfeeding. This extension reinforces global commitment to accelerating action on maternal and child nutrition and reducing nutrition-related health inequities.

Final Thoughts

Addressing health equity in South Africa requires coordinated action on the social and structural drivers of health, including poverty, inequality, limited access to primary health care and food insecurity. Strengthening primary health care, expanding universal health coverage and sustaining programs such as NSNP and NFNSP are essential to protecting vulnerable populations and reducing nutrition-related health disparities.

– Yuhan Rong

Yuhan is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash