Archive for category: Food Insecurity

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A Nation in Poverty: An Analysis of Being Poor in Syria 

Being Poor in SyriaSyria has been engulfed in a civil war since the Arab Spring of 2011, eventually culminating in the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024; however, despite the collapse of the dictatorship, conflict has labored on, and the poverty rate refuses to budge. As it currently stands, 90% of Syrians are impoverished, surviving on less than $2.15 a day, according to the World Food Program (WFP); this level of destitution is primarily reliant on water scarcity, food shortages, disheveled health care infrastructure, lack of education and insufficient energy production.  Here is more information about being poor in Syria.

Water Scarcity 

Today, 14.6 million Syrians do not have regular access to clean drinking water, according to UNICEF. The year 2021 marked the beginning of the most severe drought Syria has seen since 1997, with the first quarter of 2025 producing only 94.9 millimeters of rainfall compared to the average of 165.4mm, according to Syria Direct. 

As a consequence of burning fossil fuels, from 2020-2023, temperatures in Syria increased by an average of 1.2 degrees Celsius, taking this level of drought from a one in 250-year event, down to one in 10, according to World Weather Attribution.

In 2010, Syria’s water pumps produced around 1.7 billion cubic meters of water; in 2022, that number had dwindled down to a mere 600 million cubic meters, according to The Century Foundation. The Century Foundation also reports that between 800,000-1.2 million Syrians access water from the Euphrates. However, between the drought depleting the supply and Turkey not allowing the allotted share of water to pass through to Syria, there has been a significant deficit in what the river can provide.

Water Treatment in Syria

Even then, nearly two-thirds of water treatment facilities, half of all pumping stations, and one-third of water towers have suffered catastrophic damage as a result of the ongoing conflict. Almost half of all Syrians are dependent on unsafe drinking sources, and 70% of the nation’s sewage goes untreated, according to UNICEF.

Furthermore, in the governorates of Raqqa and Deir al-Zour, virtually all of the untreated sewage goes directly into the Euphrates, supplementing the ever-growing sanitation dilemma, according to The Century Foundation. The combination of low water levels and destitute sewer infrastructure has become a breeding ground for disease, with 60,000 people suspected of contracting cholera between August 2022 and January 2023, according to The Century Foundation. 

By October 2023, suspected cases of watery diarrhea had increased to more than 215,000, according to Relief Web. While this affliction may sound generally harmless to those in the Western world, if left untreated, patients may die from fluid loss within a matter of hours. However, Syria has made monumental advancements in water infrastructure in recent months.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Emergency Children’s Help Organization and the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development, in late July, Aleppo saw the rehabilitation of three water systems, which had previously become inoperable due to earthquake-sustained damage. These facilities have now guaranteed access to free water for thousands of Syrians, according to Relief Web. However, the remaining exhausted water sources have taken a heavy toll on farmers and, in turn, the overall domestic food supply. One of the contributing factors for this strain has been that the methods Syria uses in cultivation require more water than the climate was capable of producing, even prior to the drought. Frankly, groundwater cannot even sustain these methods.  

Food Shortages

Food shortages are a significant part of being poor in Syria. In Daraa’s 2025 harvest alone, farmers lost 50% of irrigated wheat, but it pales in comparison to the near 100% of rainwater-fed crops that became defunct. For context, this equates to a measly 14% of 2024’s crop, according to Syria Direct. Additionally, the wheat that Daraa has maintained is suffering from increased competition and the possibility of subsidies being removed.  

Syria’s interim government has lifted customs duties and restrictions on Turkish imports. Since the beginning of 2025, these imports have increased by 47%, and the powers that be are also mulling over the alienation of wheat subsidies, according to the Tahir Institute. 

Bread subsidies are already on the sidelines. On top of that, gas canisters used to cook sextupled in price by January 2025, according to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. That being said, nearly 13 million Syrians are at risk of extreme hunger, with an additional 2.6 million at risk, according to Relief Web. As a result, UNICEF has said that more than 3.5 million children have become victims of stunting, wasting and micronutrient deficiencies. However, earlier in August 2025, UNICEF announced that it had deployed 14 mobile health and nutrition teams throughout southern Syria, claiming that supplies would be allocated to an estimated 4,000 women and children in need.  

Looking Ahead

While it may seem like a drop in the bucket, efforts like this begin to compound in addressing being poor in Syria. With the help of like-minded organizations, it’s only a matter of time before the situation improves. Even if it’s little by little, these initiatives are saving lives. 

– Owen Armentrout

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

Photo: Pexels

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Greening the Desert: Updates on SDG 2 in Egypt

SDG 2 in EgyptIn 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 goals. Among them is SDG 2, which aims to create a world free of hunger by 2030. Nations around the globe have already started to take steps towards achieving SDG 2 and Egypt is among them. Here are some updates on SDG 2 in Egypt.

Updates on SDG 2 in Egypt

One of the significant projects that aligns with the UN’s SDG 2 is the Egypt’s Future project, which promotes sustainable agriculture, which President Abd El-Fatah El-Sisi inaugurated on May 21, 2022. This project is a vital step towards achieving SDG 2 in Egypt. According to 2022 Global Hunger Index, Egypt ranks 57 out of 121 countries, which means it is at a moderate level. However, its dependence on global markets in more than half of its staples makes food affordability and quality very challenging.

Project Overview

Egypt’s Future project is the first phase of the New Delta Project, a mega project in the Western Desert of the Nile, which aims to achieve self-sufficiency. The project focuses on providing citizens with high-quality products at affordable prices, boosting exports and reducing imports. It costs 8 billion EGP and targets the reclamation of 1,050,000 feddans of the total 2.2 million feddans that the New Delta project covered. 

The project land depends on treated wastewater and three groundwater reservoirs. The implementation process includes paving roads, digging wells, building two power stations and an internal electricity network. Additionally, the project provides lots of job opportunities and improves the economy. Here is a brief list of the project’s major accomplishments. The project:

  • reclaimed and cultivated 350,000 feddans during the period 2021 to 2022.
  • built 2,600 pivot irrigation systems across the 350,000 feddans.
  • cultivated 70,000 feddans during the period 2024-2025.
  • implemented 1,800 Spanish greenhouses covering an area of 16,000 feddans. 
  • built two electric power stations and an internal electricity network.
  • completed phase 1 of an industrial city on May 21, 2025. The city includes grain storage silos, cooling and packaging stations, dehydrated product factories and an animal feed factory.

The Impact of the Project on Citizens

According to the State Information System, the project provides nearly 10,000 direct job opportunities and 360,000 indirect ones. Despite the huge progress made in this project, the country is still encountering food insecurity issues. According to a study published in 2024, Egypt’s food insecurity level remains unaltered as the country encounters major threats, including severe changing weather patterns, poor quality agricultural land and rising global food prices. According to Trading Economics, in June 2025, food prices increased 6.90%, compared to the same month in the previous year.

Enhancing Collaboration and Future Recommendations

International collaboration is crucial to strengthening the impact and longevity of the project. In 2022, Egypt built the MisrSat -2 satellite, using China’s $92 million grant. This satellite supports Egypt’s objective for sustainable development by employing space technology in different areas, including agriculture, searching for mineral resources and exploring of surface water sources.

In 2023, with cooperation with the World Bank,  the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) conducted a study that shows several climate-smart policy actions at COP28. Similar partnerships could enhance the agricultural land quality under Egypt’s Future project.

– Eiman Elsawy

Eiman is based in Kirkland, WA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Top 10 Facts About Poverty in Zimbabwe

Poverty in ZimbabweZimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordering Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia. Despite its high literacy rates and abundant natural resources, Zimbabwe continues to grapple with chronic poverty, hyperinflation, unemployment and food insecurity.

The 2024 El Niño-induced drought further pushed the country into a dire humanitarian crisis. However, a favorable 2025 harvest has offered some respite, improving livelihoods and food security for millions. Despite these recent positive developments, underlying issues remain, underscoring the need for sustained support and long-term solutions.

Facts About Poverty in Zimbabwe

  1. Extreme Poverty. As of April 2025, approximately 60% of Zimbabwe’s population lived on less than $3.65 a day, placing the country among the most impoverished in Southern Africa.
  2. Food Insecurity. Poverty in Zimbabwe is closely intertwined with food instability, as most households depend on agriculture. Zimbabwe’s fragile economy, marked by hyperinflation and reduced purchasing power, coupled with the El Niño drought, left more than seven million people facing food shortages during the 2024-2025 lean season. Despite improved harvests in mid-2025, food security remains fragile, underscoring the vulnerability of Zimbabwe to economic and climate shocks.
  3. Food Price Inflation. Persistent currency instability has made necessities unaffordable for many households. By July 2025, the year-on-year rate soared to a staggering 120.70%.
  4. Severe Child Malnutrition. About 24% of children aged less than 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition, with merely 10% of babies aged 6 to 23 months receiving an adequate minimum diet. Rising waste rates in both rural and urban areas highlight the widespread nature of Zimbabwe’s poverty.
  5. Rural Poverty. Rural communities, containing about 67% of Zimbabwe’s population, are the most vulnerable to drought and food insecurity, as their livelihoods depend mainly on rain-fed agriculture. However, economic shocks in recent years have started to narrow the rural-urban gap, with poverty also affecting urban areas.
  6. Water Scarcity and Disease. More than four million people lack access to safe water, a critical situation exacerbated by the El Niño drought. Dependence on unsafe sources has led to outbreaks of waterborne diseases, including cholera. Children aged 5 and below are the most vulnerable.
  7. A Fragile Health Care System. Zimbabwe’s public health care system faces critical challenges. About 87% of Zimbabweans lack medical aid coverage. The sector struggles with shortages of medicines, medical personnel, high costs and a significant “brain drain” of health professionals.
  8. Limited Social Safety Nets. While the government provides some grain and cash transfers, social protection coverage remains low. This leaves the most vulnerable citizens dependent on humanitarian aid from NGOs and international organizations. The halt in U.S. funding for HIV/AIDS programs, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, has disrupted the provision of life-saving antiretroviral medication to more than a million Zimbabweans dependent on it. This disruption has raised fears of a potential resurgence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the future.
  9. Unsustainable Public Debt. Zimbabwe’s public debt reached $21.2 billion in 2023, representing 96,6% of its gross domestic product (GDP). This high debt burden limits the country’s access to international financing, further hampering economic recovery.
  10. Women’s Increased Vulnerability. Women bear the hardest consequences of poverty and climate shocks. Many work in the informal sector, lack social protection and live in precarious conditions. The drought has exacerbated their vulnerability, leading to a surge in child and school dropouts among girls. Dependence on their husbands for subsistence increases the risk of women becoming victims of gender-based violence.

Organizations Providing Aid

Despite these challenges, organizations like Action Against Hunger (ACF) and the World Food Program (WFP) are stepping up their efforts to meet the urgent needs of vulnerable Zimbabweans.

ACF provides cash transfers to farmers and households with malnourished children, while ensuring these children receive the necessary medical referrals. Its actions benefited a total of 8,000 people. The organization has also prioritized access to clean water, constructing and refurbishing boreholes and mini water systems that now serve water to more than 19,000 individuals.

Meanwhile, WFP strengthens rural farming communities by training farmers on climate-smart farming techniques, encouraging traditional small grain cultivation, diverse horticulture and animal farming. WFP also introduces agricultural risk insurance, alongside savings and credit products.

Final Remarks

While the successful 2025 harvest has provided a temporary relief, it highlights Zimbabwe’s acute vulnerability to climate shocks. Continued funding and collaboration between the government and international partners are critical for building long-term resilience, ensuring sustainable development and preparing for future crises linked to climate instability.

– Juliette Delbarre

Juliette is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tackling Food Waste In Indonesia

Food Waste In IndonesiaAccording to the 2025 International Database Census, Indonesia has the fourth-largest population globally, with more than 283 million people living in the lush “Emerald of the Equator.” Compared to other populated nations in Asia, like India or Bangladesh, Indonesia has a relatively low population density—aside from the island of Java—with civilians spread across the different provinces of the archipelago. That said, Indonesia still has the highest population among the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), creating both challenges and opportunities for sustainable living.

Historically, Indonesia has had difficulty maintaining a sustainable relationship with food consumption, as well as with lumber, fossil fuels, land use and water. Even though Indonesia may appear to have enough resources to provide for everyone, more than 8% of its population—about 24 million people—lives in poverty. While facing numerous ecological issues and overconsumption, Indonesian federal policymakers have attempted to address these problems while managing other environmental challenges that have arisen in recent years.

Causes of Food Waste in Indonesia

On the surface, food waste may seem like an issue that can be tackled easily. However, many developed nations, especially the most populated ones, have had continuous trouble adapting to cultural factors, logistical issues and faulty manufacturing. For Indonesia specifically, these issues, along with harvest losses and the country’s climate, speed up the process of food waste compared to other nations.

Harvest loss is a detrimental issue for Indonesian produce farmers because significant amounts of their crops are lost before reaching the market due to a lack of access to modern technologies for harvesting, processing and storing crops. When these crops face exposure to Indonesia’s constant humid climate, the conditions quickly cause spoilage, either before or after they reach a retailer.

When citizens of Indonesia search for produce at vendors or markets, perceptions of food quality often influence high food waste. Much of consumer behavior has progressively been influenced by Western consumption patterns that suggest a lack of interest in food that may not appear aesthetically pleasing, leading to the discarding of large amounts of food. Unfortunately, this cultural phenomenon of waste does not only reside on the individual level.

According to information reported by news portal Tempo, the biggest contribution to wasted food comes from hotels, restaurants, catering, supermarkets and the behavior of people who like to leave their food. Aksamala Foundation research results in 2016 showed that 35% of restaurants in Jakarta throw away excess unsold food per day, with an average of 2-3 kilograms per restaurant. 

Consequences of Food Waste

Plenty of consequences have emerged from overconsumption, most notably food insecurity. When retailers have limited access to fresh produce or when produce spoils quickly, prices can rise due to supply issues. Although Indonesia may remain one of the world’s largest food producers, the amount of waste, if managed properly, can meet the food needs of more than 3 billion people; it still faces challenges within its supply chain when delivering food to those in impoverished areas who require immediate access to quality nourishment. Environmental and economic impacts are the two other major consequences of food waste.

The World Bank assessed in 2019 that Indonesia lost $29 billion in one year due to food waste. Furthermore, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has conducted a study that food waste accounts for 8% of greenhouse gas emissions, not to mention the amount of natural resources that go to waste when growing produce that immediately gets thrown out.

Spearheading a Sustainable Change

As of 2024, Indonesia has lowered its food waste per capita to 51.95 kg, compared to 2021 when the waste per capita was 75.66 kg. When tackling these issues, Indonesia relied on technological and digitalization methods, including artificial intelligence (AI) networks that can identify patterns, predict the molecular structure of bioactive compounds and predict the expiration of a commodity.

Other methods, such as data systems, have proven useful when tracking produce in transport from rural to urban areas, ensuring appropriate preservation. If an issue arises in the supply chain, it becomes easier to isolate and resolve. Many other traditional strategies carried out among the public consist of encouraging community efforts toward upcycling organic and non-organic waste through individual efforts or organizations like Waste4Change, supporting the country’s goals for a more sustainable future.

– Sam Barbagallo

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

Photo: Flickr

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Climate-Smart Agriculture in Jordan Offers Hope

Climate-Smart Agriculture in JordanJordan has long been thirsty as the world’s second most water-scarce country. This scarcity affects more than just drinking water. It severely threatens agriculture, the industry that feeds the entire nation. Facing limited resources, Jordan is pioneering innovative, environmentally friendly farming solutions. Climate-smart agriculture in Jordan is a triple win: fighting food insecurity, protecting the planet and promoting long-term economic resilience by helping the country grow sustainably.

Agriculture’s Water Dilemma

The average Jordanian has access to less than 60 cubic meters of water per year, less than one-fifth of the U.N.’s 500 cubic meter threshold for absolute water scarcity. The problem continues to worsen. The climate crisis is causing reduced precipitation, rising temperatures and more frequent droughts, all exacerbating water scarcity.

Agriculture in Jordan faces a major challenge due to limited water resources. While the sector depends heavily on a steady water supply to grow food, it contributes significantly to the country’s water scarcity. Despite accounting for only about 5.6% of Jordan’s gross domestic product (GDP), agriculture consumes more than 50% of the nation’s freshwater. This imbalance has left many farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods struggling to afford the water needed to sustain their crops.

Farming for the Future

Climate-smart farming in Jordan promises not only to address water scarcity but also to prevent it from intensifying. Using effective water management techniques, Jordan can better nourish its population and support agricultural livelihoods. This approach can potentially boost the country’s economy, benefit the 24.1% of impoverished citizens and help protect the environment.

In 2023, the World Bank launched “My Land,” officially known as the Agriculture, Resilience, Value Chain Development and Innovation (ARDI) project. Aiming to provide funding to 30,000 farming households and create 12,000 new jobs, particularly for women and youth, My Land is a shining example of the potential of climate-smart agriculture in Jordan to stimulate growth beyond crop production. The project also hopes to see benefits from one generation to the next by teaching farmers water-conservation techniques and helping them plant drought-resistant crops.

Complementing the World Bank’s work, the Jordan Hydroponics Agriculture and Employment Development Project (HAED-Jo), funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, seeks to develop a more efficient and eco-friendly agriculture sector. At farms like Abu Sido and Al-Jabaly, HAED-Jo has introduced a hydroponic system that enables crops to be grown in a water-based medium instead of soil. This technology can potentially reduce water consumption by up to 80%.

A Path Toward Prosperity

As global temperatures rise, Jordan will continue to confront severe water scarcity. Yet, initiatives like My Land and HAED-Jo demonstrate that the country is rising to the challenge with innovation and resilience. This progress matters beyond the environment, as agriculture has two to three times more impact on reducing poverty than other industries. Thus, climate-smart agriculture in Jordan is sowing the seeds of a more food-secure and prosperous future.

– Caroline Clark

Caroline is based in Needham, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything To Know About Hunger in Dominican Republic

Hunger in Dominican RepublicDespite decades of stable economic growth, hunger in the Dominican Republic remains an issue. Almost 5% of the population experiences undernourishment (ranking 92nd), and approximately 35% of the population faces moderate food insecurity. However, the rate of undernourishment has been on a steady decline for decades falling from 23% in 2004.

The Facts

In 2024, the Dominican Republic ranked 41st out of 127 countries on the Global Hunger Index. The index gave the Dominican Republic a score of 7.8 which they consider to be a “low” ranking. The hunger index is calculated using a weighted score of four categories: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality. The Dominican Republic has steadily decreased their Global Hunger Index score falling from a “moderate” hunger score of 15 in the year 2000.

The percentage of undernourished increases among those under the age of 5 to 7%. Anemia affects 61% of children aged between 6 and 11 months. Children have a higher health risk when exposed to the dangers of malnutrition. It can have many long-term effects on developing children, and in severe cases even cause death.

The World Food Programme (WFP) estimated that one out of three households in the Dominican Republic lacked access to a nutritious diet. However, food insecurity is most intense among those households facing extreme poverty, or the immediate fallout of a natural disaster.

The Why

Poverty, a weak agricultural structure, and natural disasters are the driving factors of hunger in the Dominican Republic. There is a strong correlation between poverty and food insecurity. Impoverished individuals often forgo meals in order to provide for children, pay bills or simply due to a lack of access. Natural disasters disrupt an already tenuous food system on the Caribbean island by destroying crops, flooding agricultural lands and drought.

Facts About Poverty in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is an upper-middle-income country and ranks 98 out of 189 countries on the Human Development Index. About 23% of the population lives on less than $6.85 USD per day. Approximately 3% of the population is living in extreme poverty. The financial strain of poverty exacerbates the difficulties of food insecurity by reducing purchasing power.

Natural Disasters

The Dominican Republic has experienced extreme storms and hurricanes, sometimes followed by intense droughts. This extreme weather destroys crops, and disrupts their food system. The global Climate Risk Index ranked the Dominican Republic number eight out of the 10 countries most at risk of extreme climatic events.

The country’s poor are the most vulnerable to these extreme weather events because they rely on small-scale agriculture for their livelihoods and sustenance. For example 90% of the direct-victims of storms Olga and Noel were under the poverty line.

The Good News

The Dominican Republic has experienced significant economic development in recent years averaging 5% growth in the last five years. This has lifted almost 3 million people out of poverty within the country.

The World Bank expected the Dominican Republic’s economy to grow by 4% in 2025. This economic growth is going to be key in the country’s financial ability to ameliorate the effects of increasing extreme weather events, and continuing to reduce poverty.

Solutions

Hunger in the Dominican Republic has been on the decline in recent decades. This is due, in no small part, to the work of NGOs like the World Food Programme (WFP). The WFP has a strategy of investing in the country to improve in three key sectors. It is:

  • Improving the quality of basic public services such as energy, water, social protection and health.
  • Increasing the number of high-quality jobs.
  • Increasing climate resilience.

The entire WFP budget for Dominican Republic programs it implements amounts to $1.89 billion. This funding has had a massive impact on hunger in the Dominican Republic by alleviating poverty and providing basic services. Since 2017, 1.3 million households have received cash assistance for health care, cement has replaced 9,000 dirt floors and 27,000 Dominicans have received job/business training.

Foreign aid, and the work of NGOs, are essential to the continued economic growth of the Dominican Republic. Sustaining a growing economy within the Dominican Republic is the key to eliminating hunger in the Dominican Republic.  

– Justin Doyle

Justin is based in Kamloops, BC, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing Food Insecurity in Honduras: The CELAC 2030 Plan

Addressing Food Insecurity in Honduras Under the CELAC 2030 Plan The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) launched the Plan for Food Security, Nutrition and the Eradication of Hunger 2030 in 2024. With 33 countries participating, the project aims to tackle food insecurity and reinforce commitment to ending hunger.

As 43 million people—approximately 7% of the population—are still malnourished in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region, CELAC emphasizes the right to food as a priority. Accordingly, the CELAC 2030 plan encourages governments to implement national policies that legally recognize the right to food as a human right. The plan is to further drive policies that allow sustainable food growth, access to adequate nutrition and support for local family farming. 

In March 2025, 26 countries met in Honduras to assess progress on the CELAC 2030 plan and launch the Food Security and Nutrition Platform to strengthen commitment. With the support of the FAO, World Food Programme and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the platform is expected to hold states accountable more effectively. With these continuous efforts, food insecurity has decreased over the past two years despite challenges from extreme weather. In line with this global movement and the CELAC 2023 plan framework, Honduras, one of the poorest countries on the continent, has also taken notable steps.

Efforts to Combat Food Insecurity in Honduras

With the national poverty rate at 64% and more than half of the population living in extreme poverty, 1.5 million people in Honduras suffer from food insecurity. Frequent climate shocks such as drought, flood and hurricane have also contributed to Honduras experiencing the highest increase in food insecurity in the LAC region over the past decade.

Another contributing factor is the structure of the agricultural sector. Only a small number of large-scale farmers grow competitive crops that dominate exports, while most farms are small-scale, producing primarily for personal consumption. As an example, 95% of coffee farms in Honduras practise family farming, with many struggling to access broader markets to earn sustainable incomes. In response, the Honduran Minister of Agriculture held the first CELAC coffee summit in 2024. This helped small-scale farmers gain access to bigger markets as it improved the local economy and expanded market opportunities. Honduras has also invested in agricultural research and technology to increase productivity and encourage sustainable farming.

Supporting Organizations

The World Food Programme (WFP) has supported these efforts by training smallholder farmers on how to access bigger markets and promoting local and sustainable food businesses. Additionally, it has assisted in disaster risk management, providing resources to prevent and respond to extreme weather. According to the WFP’s latest annual report, this support has directly benefited 1.4 million people and an additional 2.2 million people indirectly.

The Parliamentary Front Against Hunger has also played a role in addressing food insecurity. It has been involved in meetings regarding the CELAC 2030 plan, where it promoted stronger legislation and monitoring mechanisms and ways to improve resource allocation. Specifically in Honduras, its regional Parliamentary Front Against Hunger has supported various legislation to legally recognize and protect the right to food.

Looking Ahead

The CELAC 2030 Plan has set a clear roadmap to combat hunger and improve nutrition across the LAC region. This framework has also helped address food insecurity in Honduras through efforts such as supporting smallholder farmers, improving responses to climate-related challenges and introducing right-to-food legislation. While challenges remain, coordinated regional efforts like CELAC and the ongoing efforts of the Honduran government can potentially drive progress toward a more food-secure future.

– Lucy Cho

Lucy is based in Edinburgh, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Everything to Know About Hunger in the Czech Republic 

Hunger in the Czech RepublicAfter decades of food insecurity, the Czech Republic underwent a remarkable transformation. Today, Czechia ranks among the nations with lowest levels of hunger worldwide – reporting 2.5% food insecurity and a poverty rate of 0.3% as of 2020. Everything to know about hunger in the Czech Republic begins with understanding how its past shaped its present. 

A Great Leap Backward 

The Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ) assumed power in February 1948. KSČ  nationalized private enterprises, prioritized heavy industry and reoriented trade. The Soviet model of central planning went hand in hand with limited innovation and perverse incentives.

Over the next 40 years, Czechoslovakia experienced a rare phenomenon of de-development. The 1961-65 period witnessed virtual economic stagnation and food shortages, as output for beef, pork and meat struggled to meet plan targets. Agriculture recorded poor performance between 1975 and 1980. A world recession, high input prices and restrictive domestic policies led to stagnation by the mid 1980s.

Unrest over economic growth and material conditions pushed out Communist regimes across East and Central Europe in 1989. Late to jump onto the bandwagon, Czechoslovak planners managed to keep food supplies in stores, delaying and defusing public discontent. The KSČ often compared Czechoslovak living standards to Poland and Hungary, where citizens stood in long lines for simple groceries, to dismiss demands for regime change.

A Return to Europe

The velvet revolution hit Czechoslovakia in November 1989, ushering in a liberal government. After implementing reforms for a market economy and parliamentary democracy, Czechoslovakia pursued a “return to Europe.” The President Václav Havel not only emphasized the benefits of European integration for Czechoslovakia, but demonstrated an impulse to join the EU to lend a hand to global security: “We can approach the richer nations of Western Europe, not as poor failures or helpless, recently amnestied prisoners, but as countries that can make a genuine contribution.” Czechia achieved membership of NATO in 1999 and the European Union (EU) in 2004.

Everything to know about hunger in the Czech Republic includes understanding how EU membership drove economic improvement and food security. The EU’s Cohesion Policy directed European funds to help Czechia’s development needs in four main areas: entrepreneurship and employment, research and education, the environment and transport. From 2014 to 2020, Czechia distributed funding across 10 operational programs. It invested 10% in the Rural Development Programme (RDP), 18% in Enterprise and Innovation, 12% in OP Research, Development and Education and 9% in OP Employment.

The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) directed European funds to encourage a sustainable, resilient and diversified agricultural sector. Around 78% of the Czech population live in rural areas. The European Commission approved a CAP Strategic Plan for Czechia in November 2022. The Plan seeks to support Czech farmers and raise rural living standards. For the 2023-2027 period, Czechia can invest CZK 200 billion in direct payments, rural development and common market organization.

National Policies and Reforms

The Czech Ministry of Agriculture seeks to maintain normal levels of agricultural and food production. The Ministry petitioned the Czech government to increase funds for the Support and Guarantee Agricultural and Forestry Fund (PGRLF) and the RDP in March 2020. The PGRLF will receive CZK 1 billion and the RDP will get CZK 3.3 billion.

Czechia’s RDP focuses on sustainable farming practices and the management of natural resources. The second priority is increasing the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry as well as the food industry. It provides investment support to farms and creates new jobs to boost the rural economy.

The Ministry collaborates with the State Agricultural Intervention Fund (SZIF) to administer CAP’s direct payments, rural development and common market organization measures. The SZIF also manages national agricultural subsidies, OP Fisheries and food quality labels. The latter aims to promote organic farming products and improve the overall standard of food on shelves.

Global Anti-Hunger Effort

Along with 184 countries, Czechia committed to eliminating hunger and achieving food security at the World Food Summit in 1996. Minister for Agriculture Jan Fencl organized a follow-up meeting in 2002 to affirm the key objective to end extreme hunger and poverty. Fencl emphasized the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) as mediator and coordinator of mutual cooperation between countries. He also endorsed the concept of a global Alliance Against Hunger.

After 20+ years of democratic and economic development, Czechia now provides official development assistance (ODA) to a host of countries. Afghanistan, Moldova, Mongolia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ethiopia are the largest recipients of Czech ODA in 2012. Czechia allocated 19% of its bilateral ODA to agriculture and water supply. This helps ensure access to quality and basic food and water.

With Prosperity Comes Responsibility

Czechia recently achieved a high Global Food Security Index (GFSI). After analyzing food availability, quality and safety in 113 countries, the Economist Impact Report ranked Czechia 16th in GFSI in 2022 with 77.7 points. 

The work is not done. While the Czech government accomplished great strides domestically, its contribution toward global food security is underdeveloped. A step in the right direction, Czechia joined the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty in February 2025. The Alliance aims to accelerate efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger).

Everything to know about hunger in the Czech Republic extends beyond its borders. While Czechia’s commitment to the Alliance demonstrates its recognition of the value of food security and nutrition, it can do more to align with international goals on hunger. 

– Alessandra Lewis

Alessandra is based in Westport, CT, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Foreign Aid to Cuba: Supporting Recovery and Reducing Poverty

Foreign Aid to Cuba: Supporting Recovery and Reducing Poverty In recent years, foreign aid to Cuba has played a critical role in addressing poverty, economic instability and humanitarian need. Despite long-standing tensions with the United States (U.S.), international donors continue to support the Cuban people through targeted assistance in health, food security and disaster preparedness.

Cuba’s Economic Crisis

Cuba has a reputation for strong public services, especially in health care and education, but the country’s economic situation has sharply deteriorated. The pandemic, combined with tightened U.S. sanctions and a drop in tourism, has left millions struggling to access food, medicine and basic goods. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), about 4 million Cubans are food insecure and per forecasts, this number could rise without consistent aid.

The Role of Foreign Aid to Cuba

Although the U.S. does not provide direct bilateral aid, many countries and organizations continue to fund humanitarian programs aimed at reaching Cuba’s most vulnerable populations. Key contributors include the European Union (EU), Japan, Canada and multilateral agencies such as the United Nations (U.N.) and the Global Fund. Food insecurity remains a major concern. In recent years, the WFP distributed rice, beans and cooking oil to schoolchildren, elderly people and pregnant women in food-insecure regions. The organization’s work helps maintain basic nutrition during a time of severe economic stress.

Health care is another critical area. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the Global Fund support Cuba in its efforts to manage Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), tuberculosis and other diseases, as well as improve child health outcomes through access to prenatal care and vaccines. Cuba is also one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the Caribbean. Frequent hurricanes and coastal flooding displace thousands every year. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) projects focus on climate resilience, including reforestation, flood protection and renewable energy infrastructure.

Technical cooperation plays a quieter but important role. Japan, for instance, has funded solar panel projects and provided medical equipment, while Canadian aid supports small farming cooperatives and rural development. These efforts help build Cuba’s self-sufficiency.

Success Stories and Ongoing Challenges

Programs like the WFP’s school meal distribution have tangible results. More than 800,000 Cuban students receive daily meals that help improve both nutrition and classroom attendance. The integration of aid into public services allows for efficient delivery despite Cuba’s logistical challenges. Cuba’s centralized government, tight control over data and restrictions on nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) present obstacles. Aid agencies often face delays or limitations on how funding can be used. Additionally, shifting diplomatic relations, particularly with Western nations, sometimes disrupt long-term support.

The Path Forward

Cuba’s gradual economic reforms and ongoing engagement with international partners open up opportunities for more effective, community-led development. Continued investment in health, education, food security and climate resilience, delivered through international collaboration, offers a path forward. With sustained support from global partners and a focus on long-term development, Cuba can build greater resilience, reduce poverty and improve the well-being of its people in the years to come.

– Charlie Baker

Charlie is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Growing Mangoes Helps Reduce Poverty

growing mangoes helps reduce povertySlicing into a mango reveals a decadent treat bursting with flavor. More surprisingly, however, growing mangoes helps reduce poverty, as planting mango trees alleviates financial and food insecurity in developing nations. This innovative solution offers hope for progressing toward achieving the United Nations’ first two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030: No Poverty and Zero Hunger.

Why Mangoes?

Mangoes thrive in hot, humid climates and are relatively easy to cultivate, particularly across regions of Asia, Latin America and parts of Africa. Their global popularity has surged recently, with widespread consumption and high demand in international markets. In addition to being a valuable cash crop, mangoes are highly nutritious and rich in essential vitamins.

A Source of Income in India

Unlike many crops grown on large commercial farms, mangoes are often cultivated on small-scale farms. Growing mangoes can significantly reduce poverty by providing families with an additional income of up to $2,700 per hectare of mango trees, helping to lift entire communities out of poverty.

Recognizing this potential, nonprofit organizations like TechnoServe have developed programs to train farmers in India more efficiently to cultivate their mangoes and resist common diseases afflicting mango trees, like dieback. It has also worked to support water-related infrastructure in the local communities. TechnoServe’s program has helped more than 1,000 thousand smallholder farmers in India.

Fighting Hunger in Uganda

Extreme hunger remains a serious issue in Uganda. Malnutrition directly causes nearly one-third of deaths among children aged below 5. One initiative, The Mango Project, donates mangoes to schools, health care clinics and individuals facing food insecurity. The program also trains Ugandan farmers in improved techniques for cultivating hardier mango trees that can survive the region’s six-month dry season.

While Uganda produces hundreds of thousands of tons of mangoes annually, about 40% spoil due to limited access to refrigeration and preservation methods. The Mango Project addressed this by teaching local farmers jarring, which involves boiling small portions of mango to preserve them without requiring specialized supplies like jars. It also teaches local Ugandans general cooking techniques and other necessary health education.

Boosting Health in Haiti

Haiti suffers from one of the highest poverty rates globally, as well as a weak economy. According to agricultural and economic expert Gergens Polynice, growing mangoes helps reduce poverty by strengthening Haiti’s economy. Haiti is already a major supplier of mangoes to the U.S. However, it exports a relatively small fraction of its production. This means there is a significant economic growth opportunity in the mango industry.

Empowering Communities in the Philippines and Indonesia

The Preda Fair Trade Project, operating in the Philippines, supports mango farmers in several ways. It buys unmarketable mangoes to be sold as other mango products. Also, it encourages growing practices that improve quality to be sold on the market.

The Australian Center for International Agricultural Research sponsored a project that teaches farmers in the Philippines and Indonesia organic farming methods to increase mango profits. By improving their livelihoods, these initiatives empower local communities economically and promote long-term sustainability.

– Klara Jones

Klara is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels