Archive for category: Food Insecurity

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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

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Nicaragua

Poverty Eradication in NicaraguaIn 2006, Nicaragua had 50% of its population living in poverty. The Latin American country is one of the poorest in the region, characterized by low income and a substantial food deficit. The country is susceptible to natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and droughts, which significantly impact the primary livelihood of the population working in agriculture. These disasters corrupt crops and restrict access to food, creating a recurrent cycle of poverty. Here is information about poverty and poverty eradication in Nicaragua.

Energy Crisis in Nicaragua

Between 2005 and 2006, Nicaragua experienced an energy crisis that resulted in repeated electricity supply interruptions lasting 8 to 12 hours. This crisis was primarily due to a deficit in generation capacity, which stemmed from limited growth in installed capacity, the long-term unavailability of existing large power plants due to extended maintenance periods and dry winters that reduced output from hydropower plants. Rising oil prices worsened the situation, which in turn increased the costs of oil derivatives, including transportation fuels and fuels used for electricity generation, such as fuel oil and diesel. As a consequence, electricity prices also rose significantly. The energy distribution company incurred substantial transmission and distribution losses but was unable to pass these costs on to customers, resulting in a severe liquidity issue for the company.

Food Insecurity in Nicaragua

With approximately 45% of its population living on less than $1 per day, aid organizations have identified food insecurity as a critical development issue in the country. This challenge is primarily due to limited access to affordable food rather than an actual shortage of food supply. During the Global Food Crisis from 2006 to 2008 and in light of ongoing fluctuations in global markets, the prices of essential food items in Nicaragua have increased considerably, resulting in heightened price instability. Consequently, it is estimated that nearly 30% of the Nicaraguan population suffers from undernourishment, with women and children being particularly vulnerable to the impacts of food insecurity and undernutrition.

The Nicaraguan people elected the Sandinista National Liberation Front, whose priorities included reducing poverty, focusing on education, providing free health care and improving community infrastructure. The party addressed these goals with government programs and global organizational support.

Sustainable Electrification and Renewable Energy

Since 2007, the government has focused its attention on poverty eradication in Nicaragua through national development. In 2010, the SNLF launched the National Program for Sustainable Electrification and Renewable Energy (PENSER) framework, aiming to provide access to modern and endurable electricity services.

The project received funding from the OPEC Fund for International Development and various development finance institutions. The funds strived to improve existing power structures through repairs and upgrades, enhancing energy access. The project’s extended purpose included providing employment opportunities and ensuring stable electricity access to households in rural communities. Furthermore, the scheme aimed to reduce energy costs for goods and people, thereby improving access to essential services, including health, education and social welfare.

The World Food Programme

A fifth of Nicaraguan households live in poverty, and nearly 7% of residents live in extreme poverty. The World Food Programme (WFP) has been working in Nicaragua since 1971, supporting projects that promote food protection, nutrition, livelihood repair and sustainable market access. The WFP provides hot meals for more than 180,000 students through the National School Feeding Program of the Ministry of Education, as well as ready-to-eat food kits during disasters. The organization supports the development of smallholder farmers through sustainable food systems. It helps farmers improve their economic resilience through crop diversification and increase access to insurance, which in turn enhances their climate resilience. 

A lack of food stability is linked to the growing climate disasters plaguing Nicaragua, including droughts, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods. Therefore, the WFP’s continued contribution to the country, which relies heavily on agriculture, provides support and funds to key social and health services.

Looking Forward

According to the World Food Programme, poverty eradication efforts in Nicaragua have decreased poverty by 25.1% in 2023. Since the implementation of the PENSAR and WFP contribution, the country has the best roads and hospitals in the region, a 70% reduction in maternal mortality rates, and ranks number one in the world in educational attainment for women and girls, as well as sixth for overall gender equality. The project’s growth continues to improve the lives of the Nicaraguan people and the communities in which they reside.

– Phoebe Guildford

Phoebe is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Vocational Education Training Centers in The Bahamas

Vocational Education Training Centers in the BahamasThe One Eleuthera Foundation is a nonprofit organization that funds vocational education training centers in The Bahamas, in both Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Its technical programs provide hands-on training for a number of different careers, in order to promote “sustainable social and economic empowerment and development” within its community.

Poverty and Food Insecurity in The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a fairly wealthy country, with a GDP of $13.2 billion USD. However, this outward facing wealth masks “important structural, social, and economic challenges” that require attention. Issues like poor infrastructure, marked income inequality and vulnerability to natural disasters deeply affect the population of The Bahamas and contribute to the relatively high rate of poverty.

The percentage of people living below the poverty line rose from 9.3% in 2001 to 12.8% in 2013, the last time the Household Expenditure Survey was conducted. In addition, the rate of poverty is almost double the average in households where the head does not possess any sort of formal schooling, sitting at 25%.

Many families in The Bahamas are also dealing with issues of food insecurity. The lack of infrastructure makes it difficult to monitor this issue. However, it is apparent through the fact that many people, especially children in school, have considerable difficulty accessing nutritious food. Because The Bahamas has a small landmass and does not possess an ideal geography for agriculture, they are heavily dependent on food that is imported from other countries. This makes healthy, high quality food more expensive and less accessible for the population. 

Providing Sustainable Solutions

Combatting both issues of poverty and food insecurity is the One Eleuthera Foundation, which is focused on sustainable community improvement. Its two Centers for Training and Innovation (CTI) provide education for a wide variety of careers, including courses in carpentry, culinary arts, sewing, housekeeping, electrical installation, plumbing, nail technology and many others. Its mission is to provide quality education to Bahamians, in order to allow them more and better employment opportunities to provide for themselves and their families. In June 2024, they had 63 students graduate from both of its vocational education training centers in The Bahamas, in Harbour Island and South Eleuthera.

However, what makes the CTI stand out from other vocational education training centers in The Bahamas (such as the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute) is its Training Farm. The goal of this farm is to educate farmers on sustainable and advanced growing techniques, and increase the amount of food grown locally. The facilities of the solar powered farm include a one acre greenhouse, a hydroponic pond, raised soil beds and a honey processing facility for local beekeepers to name a few. It also offers a variety of classes and workshops for local farmers year-round, either free of charge or at a very low cost.

Another element of its Training Farm is the Farmer’s Fresh Market, where residents can come and purchase fresh produce from the farm, as well as other local goods and specialty items. This is an incredible initiative that makes local, high quality fruits and vegetables more easily accessible to the population.

Looking Ahead

Poverty and food insecurity are still issues that impact the quality of life of Bahamians. However, through its CTI, the One Eleuthera Foundation is helping to build a community of people who are able to produce more food, as well as support both themselves and its economy. It is making a tangible positive impact, one student at a time.

– Delaney Gouveia

Delaney is based in Newport, RI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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The Price of Rice: Rising Rice Prices in the Philippines

Rising Rice Prices in the Philippines Rice is more than just a staple food in the Philippines, it is also a cornerstone of daily life, culture and survival for millions. Not only is rice a core nutritional component to the Filipino diet, but it is also a major source of income for millions of Filipino farmers, so much so that rice is the single most important agricultural crop in the Philippines. Unfortunately, in recent years, rising rice prices in the Philippines have put enormous pressure on Filipino households, worsening a poverty crisis that has long plagued the country.

A Surge in Prices

In 2024, the country experienced one of the worst rice price hikes in decades due to the Russia-Ukraine war and the export restrictions that India imposed. By March 2024, rice inflation soared to 24.4%, a staggering increase that has greatly affected the people of the Philippines. The Philippines, which heavily relies on rice imports to stabilize its supply, was caught between global price fluctuations, local supply chain issues and climate-related production setbacks. As prices climbed, families that spent a significant portion of their income on food found themselves choosing between meals and other essentials.

Poverty statistics have illustrated the direct result of this inflation. By the end of 2024, 63% of Filipino families considered themselves poor, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. That figure marked a 17% increase from just nine months prior and represented the highest self-rated poverty level in over 20 years.

Many respondents attributed their worsening condition to the surge in food prices, especially rice. This increase hit the poorest Filipinos—often small-scale farmers, informal workers and residents of rural areas—the hardest.

Government Response

Recognizing the urgency of the crisis, the Philippine government implemented several key measures, including an executive order No. 62 (July 2024), which reduced rice import tariffs to bring in cheaper foreign rice and curb inflation. This helped minimize rice inflation from 19.6% in December 2023 to 0.8% by December 2024.

To further aid in the rising rice prices, the Department of Social Welfare and Development launched a subsidized rice initiative, selling rice at 29 pesos per kilo to poor households. This program reportedly helped feed more than 35 million Filipinos.

By March 2025, inflation had slowed to 1.8%, its lowest in nearly five years, driven in part by a 7.7% drop in rice prices. Despite short-term progress, experts warn that the Philippines remains vulnerable to recurring food crises. The agricultural sector suffers from underinvestment, outdated farming practices, climate risks and logistical inefficiencies. More than 10 million Filipino rice farmers still struggle with low productivity and limited government support. In the long run, solving the rice crisis is not just about lowering prices, it is about transforming the system.

Final Remarks 

The recent rising rice prices in the Philippines revealed how tightly the issues of food and poverty correlate in the Philippines. While emergency responses have provided a degree of relief, long-term solutions will require structural reforms and sustained political will. Experts and officials aiming to boost domestic rice production and reduce import dependence are pushing long-term agriculture reforms. The continued push of agricultural reforms is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and building a more equitable future for the Philippine people.

– Meagan Beaver

Meagan Beaver is based in Zephyrhills, FL, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Fragility and Rule of Law in Sudan

Rule of Law in SudanThe civil war has impacted fragility and the rule of law in Sudan, and the safety of 50 million people. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), a total of 24.6 million people are acutely food insecure, while 637,000 face catastrophic levels of hunger. Meanwhile, Sudan is in the top four countries in the world for the highest prevalence of global acute malnutrition, at an estimated 13.6%. Sudan has also lost an estimated 5.2 million jobs, and economic activity in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, has plummeted.

The conflict has weakened central governance and key infrastructure, requiring humanitarian efforts from the international community. However, armed clashes, widespread insecurity and lack of funding has made it increasingly difficult for aid agencies to reach affected communities.

About the Recent Civil War

The current Sudanese civil war began on April 15 2023, during Ramadan, when Rapid Support Force (RSF) members were deployed across the country, a move which the Sudanese armed forces saw as a threat. Before this, Political disagreements increased tensions between Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the de facto president and head of Sudan’s armed forces, and his deputy, Gen. Mohamed ‘Hamedti’ Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the RSF. The two rose to power after the 2019 coup of dictator Omar al-Bashir, as well as subsequent coups of the transitional government.

Disagreements centered on the increase of Hamedti’s power in government, the integration of the RSF into the Sudanese army, and the multiple delays in establishing a democratic government. Bouts of conflict have wracked the rule of law in Sudan since its independence in 1956, when it was already embroiled in the first Sudanese civil war.

Sudan’s History

Before independence, Sudan was part of the Anglo-Egyptian condominium. Although both the U.K. and Egypt administered the region, the U.K. held more authority. In 1954, both countries signed a treaty which would grant sovereignty to the new Republic of Sudan in 1956. Despite this, war gripped the country when the first Sudanese civil war began in 1955 as a result of cultural divides and political and economic inequality in the region.

Britain governed the Sudanese north and south as different entities. The north comprised wealthier, more educated Arab and Muslim populations, whereas the south comprised poorer Christian or pagan peoples who were less politically conscious. Due to its wealth, the north leveraged more political power from both colonial and post-colonial administrations, thereby driving further inequality between the regions. Discontent between the North and South grew after the 1947 Juba conference, where both the North and South would be subsumed into one government, further dissipating southern autonomy. In addition, northern Islamization and Arabization of the south heightened even further animosity between the two. The aftermath of the war and continuation of North/South inequalities would lay the groundwork for the second Sudanese civil war in 1983, and would also lead to the succession of South Sudan in 2011.

The Dictatorship of Omar Al-Bashir

In 1989, during the second Sudanese civil war, Brigadier General Omar Al-Bashir ousted the democratically elected government in a military coup and became head of state. Accusations of electoral fraud and corruption marred his dictatorship of the country, which incited numerous protests. Furthermore, his governance focused heavily on strict Sharia law interpretations, with many rights taken away through morality policing and persecution of religious minorities and Sunni apostates.

In 2009, the International Criminal Court (ICC) indicted him for five counts of crimes against humanity and two counts of war crimes. Then, in 2010, the ICC added three additional counts of Genocide to his indictment. These charges related to the treatment of ethnic minorities, including the Fur, Zaghawa and Masalit, during the Darfur war.

 In 2019, a military coup that the SAF and RSF jointly carried out overthrew him. The aftermath left a power vacuum, impacting the rule of law in Sudan and the fragility of the government.

A New Government

On March 4, 2025, the RSF and allied groups signed a transitional constitution for a parallel government in regions under their military control. The new government aims to gain diplomatic legitimacy from opposing forces and establish more access to advanced weaponry.

In a UN Security Council meeting, U.S. Representative John Kelley stated, “Attempts by the RSF and aligned actors to establish a government in RSF-controlled territory in Sudan are unhelpful for the cause of peace and security in Sudan, and risk a de facto partition of the country.”

The 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan

In December 2024, the U.N.’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) developed the 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. It aimed to provide humanitarian assistance to 21 million people and reduce mortality in areas with a risk of further deterioration of rule of law in Sudan.

Recently as part of the response plan, between May 4th and 8th, the World Food Programme distributed food to more than 335,000 people in Tawila in response to worsening conditions. This program has raised $600 million, however, this falls woefully short of the much-needed total requirement of $4.1 billion.

Because of global funding shortfalls, the Emergency Relief Coordinator asked humanitarian teams to ensure that the most life-saving assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations.

It has shortened its target to 17.3 million people, for which $2.4 billion is needed to provide. This amounts to $0.38 per person per day over one year.

On March 10th, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, commented on the funding shortfalls in a press release. She stated that “The abrupt funding cuts and suspensions will end life-saving humanitarian assistance for millions of women, children and other vulnerable groups across the country. Without urgent funding, famine is likely to spread in the coming months. This is a time when every lifeline must flow to save lives. I call on all our major donors to reconsider their decisions to reduce funding for life-saving humanitarian assistance in Sudan. I also urge other governments, donors, foundations, charities, faith-based networks, the private sector and individuals to urgently step up to help fill the gaps left by these devastating reductions.”

–  Samuel Devine

Samuel is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Being Poor in Nicaragua: Life on the Edge of Survival

Being Poor in NicaraguaPoverty in Nicaragua is not just a number. It is a daily struggle for families who face limited opportunities, unpredictable income and fragile public services. Even with modest economic growth on paper, everyday life for many remains uncertain. When disaster hits—be it a drought, job loss or storm—there is often little room to recover.

A Nation of Beauty and Inequality

Nicaragua, bordered by Honduras and Costa Rica, is known for its volcanoes, lakes and vibrant culture. Yet for many of its citizens—especially in rural areas— economic fragility overshadows these scenic images. According to the World Bank, approximately 12.5% of the population lived below the international poverty line of $3.65 per day in 2023.

This figure masks deeper inequalities. About 73% of the rural population depends on agriculture, where work is seasonal and wages are low. Failed harvests are not only financial setbacks—they often mean food insecurity for entire families, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).

Adding to the challenge, remittances made up 26% of Nicaragua’s GDP in 2023, according to the World Bank. This reliance on income from abroad highlights the painful fact that many families survive only because loved ones have left home.

The Human Face of Poverty

Being poor in Nicaragua means limited access to clean water, health care and education. In rural communities, homes are often built with scrap materials and lack proper toilets or plumbing. Children face high rates of malnutrition and many families struggle to meet even the most basic dietary needs.

Environmental disasters only make things worse. Hurricanes, flooding and droughts are common and can wipe out crops, damage homes and isolate villages. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that extreme weather events often reverse development gains, keeping families trapped in poverty.

Political and Economic Tensions

Politics in Nicaragua remain tense. The government, led by President Daniel Ortega, has received criticism for stifling opposition and limiting freedoms. These issues have led to international sanctions and reduced foreign investment, which affects funding for public services and development programs.

Although the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected Nicaragua’s economy would grow by 3.6% in 2024, many of the country’s poorest people are not feeling the impact. Growth often benefits urban centers or large businesses, leaving rural communities behind.

Solutions

Despite these challenges, local and international organizations are working to make a difference. Opportunity International has been active in Nicaragua for nearly 20 years, partnering with micro-entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses that help families lift themselves out of poverty.

Support also comes from other NGOs. The Fabretto Foundation is improving education in under-resourced areas by training teachers and equipping rural classrooms. Meanwhile, Catholic Relief Services helps farmers manage climate risks through sustainable practices such as soil conservation and drought-resistant crops, building long-term resilience in vulnerable communities.

Final Thoughts

Being poor in Nicaragua means living with uncertainty, but it does not have to stay that way. With targeted policies, community-driven efforts and international support, progress is possible. Each step forward—whether it is a harvest that survives the season, a child finishing school or a family opening a small shop—brings hope that poverty in Nicaragua can be challenged and one day, overcome.

– Charlie Baker

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

Photo: Unsplash