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Improving Food Security in the Philippines

Food Security in the PhilippinesThe Philippines, a Southeast Asian country that is famous for its cultural richness and diverse landscape, struggles with a significant poverty rate of 18.1%. One of the factors contributing to this high percentage is the lack of food security in the Philippines. According to the UN, “the Philippines recorded the highest number of food insecure people in Southeast Asia from 2017 to 2019.” This insecurity stems from unpredictable weather patterns and social inequality.

The Role of GMOs in Improving Food Security

To combat food insecurity, various agrochemical companies have been genetically modifying crops globally since the 1990s. The Philippines has been actively involved in approving genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for commercial use, including Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn, Bt eggplant, and golden rice.

Golden Rice: A Solution to Vitamin A Deficiency

Golden rice, named for its golden-orange appearance, gained approval in 2021 due to its rich content of beta-carotene, a vital nutrient that a third of preschool-aged children are deficient in. The introduction of golden rice aims to reduce visual impairments and digestive issues that are a result of low vitamin A intake.

Positive Impacts of GM Technology

Beyond addressing nutrient deficiencies, GM technology offers various positive impacts. By utilizing GMOs, the use of chemical pesticides could be reduced by 37%, thus minimizing the environmental impact. Some reports have linked artificial pesticides to diseases and behavioral changes in animals, resulting in decreased reproduction and survival rates.

Controversy Surrounding GMOs

Despite the potential benefits, opposition to GMOs remains strong. Concerns about the sustainability of genetically modified crops have led to a recent Supreme Court writ prohibiting their commercial release.

Wilhelmina Pelegrina, the Southeast Asia strategy and analysis director for Greenpeace, stated in a press release that this decision “is a win for farmers and Filipinos who have long opposed genetically modified (GM) crops and the harm they bring to the people and the environment.”

The press release voiced the concerns of many GMO skeptics who argue that the Department of Agriculture should be prioritizing ecological agriculture in a way that equally addresses the needs of the farmers and access to nutritional food. Greenpeace suggests that the Department of Agriculture’s funding of GMOs only benefits larger corporate interests as opposed to the interests of the poor.

The Path Forward

With an anticipated surge in food demand by 2050, addressing food security becomes imperative. In Addition, the discourse between activists, lawmakers and the government could play a crucial role in determining the future approach to farming. As things stand, balancing the need for food security with concerns about GMOs remains an ongoing challenge in the Philippines.

– Christian Vince
Photo: Flickr

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Fighting Food Insecurity in Ukraine 

Food Insecurity in UkraineSince Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the country has experienced several disastrous side effects that threaten the livelihoods of its people. The most pertinent issue at hand is the dangers to food security. With intense fighting on the frontlines and a myriad of reasons not to leave their homes, many people living on the front lines now struggle against food insecurity in Ukraine. In light of this, many institutions like the World Food Programme (WFP) have dedicated their efforts to fighting against food insecurity.

How Did Things Get Here?

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been a constant in world news since 2014 when Russia forcibly annexed Crimea from Ukraine and kickstarted the Donbas War. The 2022 full-scale invasion by Russia, however, proved to be the tipping point for several problems worldwide. Food insecurity especially is a growing problem in Ukraine and around the world.

Ukraine provides up to 30% of the world’s wheat and barley supply, an industry that has now been disrupted in the wake of Russia’s attack. Many people, both in Ukraine and around the world, have resultantly struggled with attaining food, either due to struggling supply chains in Ukraine or hikes in food prices in many countries.

The front lines of the conflict especially have been at risk of food insecurity in Ukraine. An estimated 40% of people in regions affected by the war struggle to get satisfactory amounts of food. Both the conflict and insufficient food supply are likely to increase poverty in the region.

To make matters more complicated, the recent collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam on June 6, 2023, has swathed critical farmland in flooding water. Detritus from the dam has also let contaminants taint the water, stifling the distribution of seafood and fish as another food source.

Because of the war and these compounding issues, the dangers of food insecurity in Ukraine have increased. There are, however, many efforts to combat this problem.

Fighting for Food Security and The WFP

The breakout of the conflict led to one of the biggest humanitarian efforts in the world, with many countries and institutions providing different forms of aid to Ukraine. In fighting food insecurity in Ukraine, Argentina helped deliver 1,500 tons of food to Ukraine alongside other necessities such as clothes and medicine.

Perhaps the biggest organization fighting against food insecurity in Ukraine, however, is WFP; an organization dedicated to fighting world hunger in any situation. The WFP works to provide support in food and cash to 3 million people in Ukraine each month. Its efforts include delivering rations to those in high-conflict zones as well as removing mines from farm plots to increase agriculture production.

Since the beginning of 2023, the WFP has delivered over 91,869 metric tons of food and over 4 million in rations to Ukraine. The recent collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam has seen a quick response by the WFP, with 148,000 rations delivered to those affected by the flood. The WFP plans further assistance to those in need through additional means of transporting food, including boats.

In addition, the WFP has teamed up with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to establish the Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Cluster. The FSL Cluster helps to coordinate several other organizations in food security response within Ukraine, including U-Saved and the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief (SPIR). SPIR itself follows second to the WFP in terms of food distribution, bringing food to over 484,000 people near the front lines as of April of this year.

A Continuous Struggle

For now, the war continues, and food insecurity in Ukraine remains an issue. Through the efforts of groups like the WFP, however, many people within the country receive critical food assistance that saves them from hunger every day. Though the conflict may remain for the immediate future, the efforts of those fighting to keep people fed in Ukraine spell hope for those seeking a future without food insecurity.

– Kenneth Berends
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The Effect of The Russian War in Ukraine on Poverty

The Russian War in Ukraine
According to a report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Russian war in Ukraine has prompted a surge in food and energy costs, pushing approximately 71 million people into poverty worldwide. The global food crisis is among the farthest-reaching consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine, contributing to widespread starvation and poverty across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The outbreak of war in Ukraine has also caused a worldwide energy crisis. According to the World Economic Forum, global household energy costs have nearly doubled due to the rise in fuel prices.

It took within three months of the Russian invasion for 71 million people to fall into poverty, surpassing the economic impact felt during the peak of the pandemic. As of April 2023, the Russian war in Ukraine has catapulted millions into poverty worldwide, driving the global extreme poverty rate to 9.2%.

The Cause

Before the war, Russia was the world’s largest exporter of natural gas and crude oil, and Russia and Ukraine together accounted for a substantial portion of global wheat, corn and sunflower exports. Many know Ukraine as the “breadbasket of Europe” as it is among the world’s top three grain exporting countries.

Blocked ports have jeopardized low-income countries that rely on Russian and Ukrainian exports. Some of the affected countries include Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Haiti and Armenia.

Households in low-income countries allocate a significant proportion of their income (approximately 42%, according to AP News) to food expenses. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that in Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, food costs can account for up to 70% of household spending. The skyrocketing prices of wheat, sugar and cooking oil due to sanctions imposed on Russia by Western countries have caused an additional financial strain on these families.

The Russian military has destroyed Ukrainian grain storage facilities, and many Ukrainian farmers have joined the army or left their land. Russian attacks on the energy grid have shut down nitrogen fertilizer plants. Transportation costs have soared, and shipping costs have doubled. Also, due to banking limitations and insurance expenses, Russia has stopped selling fertilizers, and this continues to affect farmers around the world.

Historically, Russia has been a major exporter of natural gas to Europe, but the international sanctions targeting the Russian energy sector have led to supply limitations which have boosted prices. Moscow has limited its exports, further driving up costs elsewhere. Vulnerable households tend to rely more on purchasing energy-intensive goods and services. The rise in energy prices has made households more vulnerable to energy poverty, which is especially dangerous in winter.

The Effect

While the rise in the cost of groceries and gas can be frustrating in wealthy nations such as the U.S. and the U.K., the impact of rising food and energy prices and disrupted supplies can be life-threatening in developing nations. The rate of price increase varies across regions, ranging from 60% in the U.S. to 1900% in Sudan, with the Middle East and North Africa taking the most hit. As both Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of wheat, the war poses a serious threat to countries that heavily rely on grain from both countries for their staple foods. Some of the affected countries include Lebanon, Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Other countries, including Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka and the Kyrgyz Republic, do not have adequate resources to deal with the hunger crisis due to their debt burdens.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the price of fossil fuels sharply increased. According to the World Economic Forum, between February and September 2022, the cost of coal rose by 176%, crude oil and petroleum products increased by 51% and natural gas prices rose by 94%. This has increased global household expenditure by between 2.7% and 4.8%. Countries like Rwanda have been significantly affected, with household energy costs increasing up to three times the global average.

Russia’s military operations in Ukraine have had a major impact, causing Ukraine’s exports to go down from their average before the war of 5 million to 7 million metric tons of grains and oilseeds per month to an average of 3.5 million metric tons from March to November. Russia has blocked 7 of 13 ports that Ukraine uses, severely limiting shipping potential.

A Possible Solution

UNDP suggests that targeted cash transfers are more equitable than blanket energy subsidies, which may only provide short-term relief and reward the wealthier population. Cash transfers primarily assist the poorest 40% of the population whereas energy subsidies mainly benefit affluent individuals, with more than 50% of the benefits favoring the wealthiest 20% of the population. Additionally, a two-year debt moratorium could assist all developing countries, regardless of their GDP per capita.

What’s Next?  

The Russian war in Ukraine has catapulted millions into poverty worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for global cooperation to alleviate the horrors of war. The measures proposed by the UNDP have the potential to bring stability and improve the living conditions of millions affected by the war-induced food and energy crisis.

– Skye Connors
Photo: Flickr

Forest conservation for Food Security in West Papua

Food Security in West PapuaLand clearing for palm oil production has finally reached the pristine forests of West Papua. These forests provide a critical source of food and nutrition to local communities in the form of bush food and clearing them would threaten food security in West Papua. In response to the impending deforestation, local governments have pledged to conserve 70% of the region’s native forests.

Deforestation in Indonesia

Indonesia has historically had “the highest deforestation rates in the world.” The deforestation is largely due to land clearing to expand palm oil and other mono-crop plantations, an industry that national government policy encouraged. Despite the majority of Indonesia suffering major forest cover loss over the last two decades, the impacts of the oil palm industry have only recently reached the doorstep of Indonesia’s easternmost provinces of Papua and Papua Barat, known together as West Papua.

West Papua, which makes up the Indonesian half of the island of New Guinea, is covered in swathes of pristine and highly diverse tropical rainforests. The region has remained relatively untouched during Indonesia’s period of deforestation, with primary forests still covering 83% of West Papua’s land area. However, with available land in Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan becoming increasingly scarce, cleaning of the sections of the West Papuan forests has begun.

Changing Diets in West Papua

This land clearing is set to have an especially severe impact on West Papuan communities given the high level of poverty in the area and their reliance on the forest as a source of food. West Papua is the poorest region in Indonesia, with 28% of people living in poverty in the province of Papua and 23% in Papua Barat, as of 2018.

Forests have traditionally been an important source of food for the indigenous communities of West Papua. Traditionally, indigenous communities would forage and hunt in the forest for foods such as sago, wild bush meats and fresh legumes. These bush foods help form a diverse and micronutrient-rich diet that is high in vitamins. Bush foods like this have been shown to be a huge factor in maintaining healthy diets in countries all over the world and are a critical factor in current food security in West Papua.

Unfortunately, recent land clearing and plantation expansion in West Papua has already resulted in a shift in the diets of some local indigenous populations. Without easily accessible forests, local communities living in cleared areas have turned to more easily accessible food sources, namely store-bought goods. As a result, diets in these communities have transitioned away from traditional forest foods and towards ultra-processed foods like rice, instant noodles, tofu and biscuits. This dietary transition is now fuelling an increase in the already high rates of poverty, malnutrition and food insecurity in the region.

The Manokwari Declaration

In the fight to prevent further deforestation of West Papua’s unique and important forests, local governments have committed to large-scale conservation targets. Unfortunately, new plans to carve up the two existing provinces into five may undermine the validity of the recent Manokwari Declaration, putting the people and forests of West Papua back into jeopardy. The rationale from the government for this redrawing of boundaries is to speed up development and increase economic equality. However, some claim that previous instances of remapping have in fact served the elite rather than the poor.

In the current context of changing provinces, the local governments may need support to maintain the validity of the Declaration. However, despite the threats to its existence, the Manokwari Declaration still represents the first step in preserving West Papua’s forests, and thus protecting health, nutrition and food security in West Papua.

– Amy McAlpine
Photo: Flickr

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Agricultural Investment in Uganda

Agricultural Investment in UgandaAround 70% of people working in Uganda are in the agriculture sector. And from 2021 to 2022, agropastoral earnings accounted for 24.1% of Uganda’s GDP. High employment within the agriculture industry is a result of Uganda having a favorable climate for crop production and livestock maintenance. The country has fertile soils and reliable rainy seasons that enable agropastoral households to make a living throughout the year.

Despite the high agricultural activities in Uganda, the country uses only 35% of its arable land for cultivation. Under conditions of maximum utility, the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that Uganda’s agricultural sector could feed 200 million people.

The following are five ways that agricultural investment in Uganda is bringing about economic growth and poverty reduction.

  1. Uganda Agricultural Insurance Scheme: The Uganda Agricultural Insurance Scheme started in July 2016 and aimed to support agropastoral households by subsidizing insurance and making financial protection more widely accessible. The scheme also sought to reduce the financial losses that farmers incurred due to natural disasters. Between June 2021 and June 2022, the number of farmers receiving insurance increased from around 260,000 to more than 375,000. Accessibility to insurance has created trust within the agricultural sector and allowed many Ugandan farmers to feel confident about the safety of their money.
  2. NAADS and Church of Uganda Partnership: In June 2020, Uganda’s National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAADS) and the Church of Uganda partnered to promote food security and the modernization of commercial agriculture. Between June 2020 and August 2021, NAADS provided the Church of Uganda with seven tractors. Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the minister of agriculture, animal Industry and fisheries, stated that “agricultural mechanization is at the center of government’s program to promote food security and fight poverty.” NAADS, in March 2022, donated UGX 2 billion ($541,467) to the Church of Uganda to fund the implementation of farmer demonstrations and learning hubs for selected businesses and provide training to groups on farming practices. By supporting this initiative, NAADS aided the church’s efforts to assist 500 farmers and farming groups across five dioceses in Uganda.
  3. dfcu Bank’s Business Accelerator Programme: In February 2023, Uganda’s dfcu Bank and the Rabo Foundation’s Agribusiness Development Centre partnered with GOPA Worldwide Consultants for the implementation of two cohorts of the Business Accelerator Programme (BAP). The two-year BAP project, funded by the German Development Agency GIZ, aims to improve the competitiveness of Uganda’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative aims to support approximately 1,000 SMEs and create 3,000 jobs. It also aims to improve the employment conditions for 22,000 people. The BAP initiative demonstrates dfcu Bank’s commitment to improving the ”bankability and self-sufficiency” of the agricultural sector. Many agropastoral household incomes will increase as a result of dfcu Bank’s agricultural investment, potentially leading to national poverty reduction.
  4. Inua Impact Fund: In March 2023, the European Union allocated $2 million to Inua Impact Fund, an initiative focused on agricultural investment in Uganda. This initiative funds up to 30 investments in Ugandan agricultural enterprises and aims to support around 3,000 smallholders. Kim Kamarebe, managing director at Inua Capital, says that the fund will “catalyze and accelerate high-potential Ugandan enterprises that are providing solutions for Uganda’s most pressing needs.” The Inua Impact Fund is the first equity fund Uganda has received that focuses on investing in high-potential entrepreneurs and agropastoral SMEs needing an investment of less than $500,000. In addition, Inua Capital hopes to reduce gender inequality by increasing access to capital for Ugandan women.
  5. Parish Development Model: Since July 2021, Uganda’s Ministry of Local Government has been overseeing the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM). The PDM had an initial investment budget of almost $400 million for 10,400 parishes. The model dictates that parishes build infrastructure and systems that support the production and selling of Uganda’s agricultural products.

Looking Ahead

Agricultural investment in Uganda has become a key point of focus for the EU and U.N. and these five initiatives evidence a specific interest in maximizing Uganda’s agropastoral capabilities. Improving Uganda’s capacity to aid agropastoral households and SMEs could serve as an impactful poverty reduction measure that also stimulates economic growth and alleviates food insecurity.

– Jennifer Preece
Photo: Flickr

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Being Poor in Cuba

Being Poor in CubaDuring Fidel Castro’s leadership, which lasted from 1959 through 2008, citizens experienced the reality of being poor in Cuba. Despite improved health care and education in the country, as shown by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) recognition of near-universal nationwide literacy, the Cuban economy and people still suffered under Castro’s rule. Meanwhile, the U.S. imposed an embargo on Cuba in 1962, following Castro’s ascension to power and this presented further hardships for Cuban exporters.

The embargo served to prevent the spread of communist ideology by isolating Cuba and restricting communication with the outside world. In an April 1960 memo, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Lester D. Mallory wrote, “Every possible means should be undertaken promptly to weaken the economic life of Cuba.” The embargo is still active in 2023, with many pressuring President Biden to put an end to the repressive blockade in order to improve the quality of life for those living the reality of being poor in Cuba.

3 Facts About Being Poor in Cuba

  1. Food Scarcity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuba faced a food crisis, particularly due to a combination of diminished food imports and tightened U.S. sanctions. Meanwhile, with an inflation rate of 42% in 2023, Cubans are struggling to put food on their tables. The current food shortage and scarcity issues mean that Cubans have few affordable food options. Even the most basic food items like eggs, milk, bread and toilet paper are becoming increasingly hard to find in local supermarkets.
  2. Employment Problems. For a country with a struggling economy, Cuba has a notably low unemployment rate compared to countries with a similar economic standing. Cuba has no minimum national wage, and in 2022, a report by the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH) revealed that more than 72% of Cubans are living below the poverty line. In the same report, 30% of Cubans surveyed claimed to have full-time work, leaving the remaining 70% in precarious and unstable working conditions and heavily reliant on a small proportion of the population for financial support. With such a high number of Cubans working full-time and living in poverty, there is significant pressure on the employed to find additional ways to make ends meet.
  3. Health and Education. Even with the harsh reality of poverty in Cuba, Cubans enjoy free access to health and education. Because primary-level education is compulsory for all Cuban children, the country has a near-nationwide literacy rate. Moreover, preventative care stands as the priority of the Cuban health care system. Cuba also comes in first place in the world’s leaderboard for the number of doctors per 1,000 people at 8.4 in 2018, giving the country an exceptional reputation for an abundance of medical personnel.

CARE’s Work in Cuba

As a British charity operating internationally, CARE works to solve global poverty and eradicate all problems of inequality with a particular focus on women and girls. In 1959, CARE began working in Cuba to provide food security for those with little to no means. In 2019, CARE began making efforts to enable Cuban farmers to develop climate resiliency in the face of changing weather patterns as a means of strengthening food security. CARE also ran programs to improve quality of life, ensure access to clean water and implement sustainable agricultural methods in vulnerable communities. In terms of upholding the right to food, nutrition and water, CARE has run nine programs in Cuba. In 2022, programs of this nature benefited more than 5,500 people.

Looking Ahead

Due to its complicated history and ongoing political difficulties, a large fraction of the Cuban population lives below the poverty line. Also, the U.S. embargo currently makes it challenging for U.S.-based charities to provide aid to Cuba. This leaves the responsibility of providing aid to Cuba to countries and organizations outside the U.S. Despite these struggles, Cuba’s health and education services help to raise the quality of life in the nation.

– Genevieve Lewis
Photo: Flickr

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AGRI-Ukraine Helps Tackle Global Food Insecurity  

Tackle Global Food Insecurity  
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has hindered Ukrainian agricultural production and jeopardized the food supply to the most vulnerable parts of the world. This threatens the food security of millions of people and hinders efforts to tackle global food insecurity.

The Breadbasket of Europe

Ukraine and Russia are the world’s largest suppliers of sunflower products, barley, maize and wheat. Due to its ample agricultural land and vast production of grains, Ukraine is known as the “breadbasket of Europe.”

According to the United Nations, about 821 million people suffered from hunger in 2021. The impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on food prices and the supply of important food supplies has exacerbated hunger, especially among import-dependent developing countries in the Middle East and Africa. For instance, about half of the wheat imports in Tunisia and Lebanon come from Ukraine. Food prices are increasing, and according to the projections of the World Trade Organization, the world should expect further increases if the conflict does not resolve soon.

AGRI-Ukraine: Supporting Ukrainian Farmers

In 2022, the price of wheat increased by about 60%, largely due to the impacts of the Russian invasion, a consequence that significantly affects net food-importing countries. During these times of crisis, support for Ukrainian farmers will help to tackle global food insecurity.

In January 2023, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and German multinational biotechnology company Bayer agreed to donate “high-quality vegetable seeds to Ukrainian farmers” to “bolster Ukraine’s export and agricultural sector needs,” the USAID website explains.

Bayer has partnered with USAID’s Agriculture Resilience Initiative for Ukraine (AGRI-Ukraine). This initiative builds on the previously established partnership between AGRI-Ukraine and Bayer, launched in October 2022, to specifically aid Ukrainian farmers and tackle global food insecurity.

Bayer will provide Ukrainian farmers with carrot seeds and USAID will distribute the donation to destitute farmers, with a foremost focus on households in “newly-liberated areas.” The first batch will cover as many as 25,000 homes and smallholder farmers, and over the growing cycle, USAID and Bayer will assess the need for more seeds.

This is a notable example of what can be achieved when the U.S. government and the private sector join forces. These kinds of partnerships have a tremendous positive impact on countries in need of aid.

Bayer for Ukraine

Bayer has supported Ukraine’s agriculture sector for more than 25 years. As part of its participation in AGRI-Ukraine, Bayer is additionally committing more than $35 million to increase the capacity of its Ukraine-based seed processing facility. Furthermore, the German multinational company has contributed “more than 40,000 bags of corn seed” and additional monetary support to secure a “mechanical mine clearing machine” for 1,750 small-scale farmers, enabling them to conduct their farming activities safely with the support of the U.S. Department of State-funded demining activities.

AGRI-Ukraine supports Ukrainian farmers’ access to necessary agricultural commodities, such as fertilizers, seeds and pesticides. Such efforts substantially increase the capacity of Ukrainian businesses to process agricultural goods and export them successfully on the international market.

Restriction in world trade has a snowball effect that impacts the entire global system. An export restriction in one country might provoke export restrictions in other countries, which will cause shortages in goods that states cannot supply themselves. Likewise, the war in Ukraine disrupts food markets, mainly through increasing prices for grains and oilseeds, which has dire ramifications for developing countries in the Middle East and Africa. Bayer’s contribution to AGRI-Ukraine illustrates the benefits of government and private sector collaborations and how joint efforts can help to resolve even the most complex issues.

– Nino Basaria
Photo: Flickr

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The Inventor Who is Improving Food Safety in Ethiopia

Food Safety in Ethiopia
SafeDish is an Ethiopian company behind an award-winning, innovative product that inventor Helen Weldemichael created. Targeted toward making it easier for a local Ethiopian banana-esque plant to undergo processing for consumption, the product helps improve food safety in Ethiopia as a way of combating food insecurity and malnutrition. While doing so, Weldemichael is also empowering female entrepreneurship in Ethiopia.

Foodborne Illnesses in Ethiopia

Foodborne illnesses are of very big concern in countries like Ethiopia. As one of the poorest countries in the world, Ethiopia’s citizens are susceptible to foodborne illnesses. With an economy dependent on agriculture, foodborne illnesses are of particular concern in Ethiopia. 

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, foodborne illnesses have a greater impact in lower-income countries like Ethiopia. These types of illnesses in Ethiopia have a strong resistance to antibiotics, making it hard for people to receive treatment for them. This alone makes food safety in Ethiopia a top priority.

Also worsening the problem of food safety in Ethiopia is how food choice for some is dependent on whether or not they perceive their food sources as clean. A study of adolescent food choices in Ethiopia by CGIAR found that unaffordable, unavailable and unsanitary food choices may lead to more children eating packaged food, which is not good for their health.

The Potential of Enset

Enset is one Ethiopian plant that people use in the production of traditional foods. Dubbed the “false banana,” Enset is a solution to food insecurity in Ethiopia and the world. Merely 15 enset plants can feed one person for a year, according to Kew Gardens.

Despite this potential, harvesting enset is particularly challenging, especially in some regions of Ethiopia. USAID reports that women tasked with harvesting the plant often do so with their bare hands and feet, which is a risk factor for foodborne illnesses. Enset must also undergo fermentation to make it edible, a process that usually takes nearly a year.

Weldemichael’s Solution

Weldemichael created an enset fermentation pot and machine via her company SafeDish as a way of making the enset harvesting process easier. The product speeds up the fermentation process to allow the enset to become edible sooner. It also promotes a more hygienic fermentation process since her fermentation method uses peat, as opposed to the ground, where people often leave the enset plant to ferment.

She submitted her invention to USAID’s “Feed the Future EatSafe Innovation Challenge” with the intention of sharing her invention with people beyond her country. Her invention was successful, winning the $10,000 grand prize.

With her prize money, Weldemichael plans on expanding SafeDish and her enset product. USAID says she plans to “scale her business by seeking investors, selling other food products across Africa, and trademarking her innovation in Ethiopia and other African countries.”

Weldemichael also mentioned education as a priority, stating that people can change their communities if they receive an education. As a female inventor herself, Weldemichael emphasizes women’s empowerment in her work. Of the total of four SafeDish employees, two are women. Products like Weldemichael’s invention and companies like SafeDish continue to prove why local businesses can find some solutions to issues relating to poverty.

– Mohammad Samhouri
Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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How Precision Farming Could Feed Millions Globally

Precision Farming
Precision farming or the use of advanced technologies to improve agricultural efficiency and output is a growing industry with the potential to completely transform the farming sector worldwide. Through the use of intelligent algorithms, advanced mechanisms and fledgling inventions, precision farming has the possibility of saving time, money and resources for generations to come. In fact, for nearly 78% of impoverished citizens worldwide who rely primarily on agricultural means to sustain their lives, combined governmental investment in precision farming could mark the turning point into an exponential rise in income, quality of life and sustainability for the rest of their lives.

What is Precision Farming?

Precision farming, a subsector of the agricultural industry, is an advanced technique of utilizing novel technologies and mechanics to maximize crop output while minimizing the levels of traditional inputs needed to grow crops. The use of automated irrigation systems, drone-based planting and intelligent path-generation tools are all examples of ways to implement this approach on a large scale. In places where even the smallest savings make a huge difference, methods like these would benefit farmers by saving precious commodities like fuel, fertilizer, herbicide and water. Indeed, a 2021 study found that precision farming across the United States resulted in a 25% increase in wheat yields compared to the 1980 levels. It resulted in millions of dollars saved from a nearly 10% drop in herbicide and pesticide usage nationwide.

Vietnam

In countries like Vietnam, the practice of precision farming has already begun to yield remarkable results. For years, paddy farming has been the cornerstone of rural employment in the country. Yet, it has remained an arduous and costly process that places a heavy demand on precious water resources. However, with the introduction of the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation method, many of those hurdles were overcome. Through this technique, water requirements for farming reduced by up to 28%, while methane emissions decreased by almost 50%. Furthermore, in order to help finance and maintain these efforts, the Korea World Bank Partnership Facility funded a plan to make the irrigation process easier to access and understand for the average citizen. As a result of these initiatives, Vietnamese farmers have reduced water usage in their paddy farming operations. This has led to increased prosperity and strengthened their overall economic positions.

Brazil

Brazil stands as yet another testament to the immense potential of precision farming. Since the technology’s debut in 1980, Brazil has experienced unprecedented agronomic growth with a 206% increase in national grain yield and a 394% increase in production. With the introduction of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), advanced pesticide deployment and targeting were employed throughout the country, which proved to be much more effective than the traditional methods. Soil research and analysis also proved instrumental. Through these methods, farmers could more accurately and efficiently find the optimal sites for their crops and maximize output. As a result of these tremendous efforts, Brazil managed to lower its poverty headcount ratio by almost 94%, from 30.6% in 1983 to just 1.9% of the population in 2020.

Next Steps in Revolutionizing Agriculture

Although some nations have taken many commendable steps to incorporate precision farming into their industries, much work remains. Greater funding of government programs and increased public awareness of the benefits of precision farming are two crucial factors that can help drive progress in this area. Continued investment in precision farming and collaboration to overcome existing challenges can help create more sustainable and prosperous farming practices for all.

– Sanjith Sambath
Photo: Flickr

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USAID Programs in Yemen

Programs in Yemen
The continued civil war in Yemen, ongoing since 2014, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. The UNFPA says the conflict has displaced 4.2 million Yemenis as of 2022 and 20 million citizens are suffering from malnutrition and hunger, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). By February 2022, about 80% of the population lived in poverty. Extreme climate events have only worsened this while increasing people’s susceptibility to disease outbreaks. Since 1959, apart from a 70-year hiatus ending in 2003, USAID programs in Yemen have helped to better the quality of life in the country.

USAID Programs in Yemen

  1. Health Services. USAID’s Yemen Systems Health and Resilience Project (SHARP) aims to improve maternal and child health care in Yemen. SHARP has provided training to “210 community midwives and 413 reproductive health volunteers to improve access to services for women of reproductive age and children under five,” the USAID website states. SHARP also provided skills training to “97 health facility service providers on evidence-based reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition services to ensure the provision of quality services for mothers, pregnant and lactating women and children.” When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, USAID worked with the U.S. government to donate 319,200 COVID-19 vaccines to Yemen, provide oxygen to COVID-19 isolation units, strengthen the country’s cold storage and transport systems for vaccines, trained health workers on infection control methods and carried out awareness-raising activities, among other efforts.
  2. Sanitation and Water Management. About 50% of Yemenis report major water quality issues, making the water situation in Yemen one of the globe’s most severe water crises. In response, in 2021, USAID programs in Yemen provided more than 1.5 million disadvantaged people with access to clean water, improved sanitation and hygiene education. USAID has also brought water access and sanitation to 377,606 students at schools. USAID aligns its water and sanitation projects with the U.S. government goals laid out in the U.S. Global Water Strategy, which defines the framework and steps for the U.S. to advance global water and sanitation.
  3. Food Security. Recently, during a pledging event on June 8, 2022, the U.S. government announced an allocation of $585 million in humanitarian aid for Yemen, which includes more than $561 million from USAID for “emergency food assistance as well as prevention and treatment of severe malnutrition and humanitarian protection for vulnerable populations,” the U.S. Department of State website says. USAID in partnership with the Department of Agriculture will utilize $282 million from the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust to aid Yemen, along with five other countries, in addressing food insecurity and wheat price hikes. In November 2022, the agency partnered with Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population on a $4.8 million malnutrition prevention and recovery program to promote nutrition and open resources to families.
  4. Economy and Trade. USAID’s Economic Recovery and Livelihoods Program supports the Yemeni government in economic reform and stabilization of its trade regime by “facilitating the flow of commercial and humanitarian goods and services through Yemen’s borders and ports.” The program has also brought support to smaller enterprises within the country, such as fishing and farming, linking these smaller businesses to the international market. In 2021, USAID helped 1,200 Yemenis attain stable jobs in specific sectors, provided agricultural support to 4,000 workers and “facilitated 400 trade agreements worth $5.04 million between Yemeni producers and local and international buyers for agriculture products.” USAID also helped Yemen’s Ministry of Finance launch “a pilot e-payment system in February 2022 to pay public sector salaries and eliminate financial waste and abuse,” USAID’s website highlights.

Looking Ahead

In a world where many still require emergency humanitarian assistance, foreign aid is critical. Even though there is room for the U.S. government to do more, so far, the U.S. stands as a champion in bringing support to Yemen amid its crisis.

– Audrey Gaines
Photo: Flickr