Archive for category: Food Security

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Africa’s Leadership in the High Seas Treaty: Securing Food Futures

HIGH SEAS TREATYIn September 2025, the High Seas Treaty, officially termed the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), achieved the threshold required for entry into force, a pivotal milestone in protecting the world’s oceans and strengthening Africa’s role in global ocean governance.

The treaty introduces the first global, legally binding framework to conserve marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Although global attention centers on the treaty’s environmental impact, Africa highlights a human dimension safeguarding livelihoods, food and survival for millions of individuals who depend on the sea. This moment also cements Africa’s role in global ocean governance, showing how the continent aligns environmental governance with development goals.

Oceans and Africa’s Fight for Food Security

In many African nations, the ocean forms the backbone for daily survival, feeding families and supporting trade and employment. For Africa, protecting the oceans is directly linked to protecting people’s jobs and food sources. A World Bank report highlighted the key contribution of fisheries to food availability across the continent: “The sector presents a key social safety net… on average, fish and fish products account for 18% of animal protein intake by African consumers, and the sector provides employment to over 12 million people.” Greenpeace Africa noted that “Over 200 million Africans depend on fish as a primary source of protein.” However, years of unsustainable fishing practices and climate change have severely reduced fish populations and threatened food security across Africa.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the High Seas Treaty seeks to tackle these challenges through a global framework aimed at conserving marine life, governing activities on the high seas and ensuring the fair sharing of ocean resources.

For coastal African states that rely heavily on the migration of fish species, stronger high-seas governance offers a pathway to improve food security and sustain employment for millions.
 Khan stated that “diets of fish and aquatic foods provide animal-source protein, omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients, including both vitamins and minerals, necessary for both the ill and the healthy,” reinforcing the importance of aquatic foods as a cornerstone of nutrition in Africa.

Africa’s Ocean Diplomacy

Africa’s role in global ocean governance has expanded significantly in recent years, with the continent taking on a central role in shaping international marine policy. Throughout the High Seas Treaty negotiations, the African group pushed for fairer systems of benefit-sharing and greater technical support for developing nations. Their advocacy helped secure provisions linking ocean conservation with fairer access to the sustainable use of ocean life for developing states. The treaty establishes practical tools to safeguard marine ecosystems.

Blue Diplomacy

For Africa, the High Seas Treaty marks a pivotal shift in its participation within global frameworks for ocean protection and environmental cooperation. Ambassador Michael Kanu, Sierra Leone’s lead negotiator, explained that by acting collectively, African countries ensured their interests were built into the framework shaping how the world manages the high seas. Naidoo described this proactive diplomacy as demonstrating “the continent’s ability to shape global norms, rather than merely adapt to them,” reflecting an emerging form of blue diplomacy. By signing on to the treaty, South Africa reinforced the message that caring for shared oceans is essential not just for the planet’s health but for Africa’s future prosperity.

Oceans and Survival

Senegal’s story highlights that ocean policy in Africa is not only about making agreements but about protecting lives. The decline of local fish stocks has forced many to leave in search of work elsewhere. The Environmental Justice Foundation reported that over half of Senegal’s fisheries are now depleted, while almost half of the boats allowed to fish there belong to foreign companies. As a result, large vessels have emptied the seas and ruined habitats, reducing the incomes of small local fishers.

The decline in fish availability has pushed many coastal workers to migrate irregularly toward the Canary Islands, a journey known for its high death toll.

Each year, West African nations lose an estimated $9.4 billion to illegal fishing operations, which account for around a third of the total fish caught across West African waters, according to the Stimson Center. But the damage goes beyond money, as illegal fishing undermines local governance and destroys jobs, threatening millions across the region.

A Humanitarian Frontier

As the High Seas Treaty comes into force, African nations are emerging as central players in shaping how the world governs the oceans. Their engagement goes beyond diplomacy and reflects a matter of survival. Africa’s role in global ocean governance will be crucial in defining how shared marine resources are protected and managed. For countless African communities, this effort is not just about safeguarding the environment but about keeping the ocean as a reliable source of food on their tables.

– Ciara Moore

Ciarais based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Data Harvest: Predictive Famine Modeling

Predictive famine modelingFamine rarely arrives without warning. Yet in many cases, the signs go unnoticed until people are already on the brink. A new wave of data-driven tools and predictive famine modeling seeks to change that. Satellites, mobile surveys, artificial intelligence (AI) and harmonized datasets are being used to forecast hunger months in advance—and whether those predictions can be turned into action.

The Urgency: Hunger on the Rise

Globally, more than 343 million people face severe food insecurity, a surge driven by climate shocks, conflict and economic instability. Behind those numbers are families skipping meals, parents who go hungry so their children can eat and communities forced to make impossible choices. In 2025, the World Food Program (WFP) warned that 58 million people risk losing food assistance unless emergency funding is secured.

For those on the ground, this doesn’t just mean smaller rations—it can mean no rations. In places already strained by drought or conflict, the absence of aid can tip households from hardship into catastrophe. Donor contributions have dropped by 40% compared to the previous year, leaving many relief programs strained and at risk of collapse.

This funding shortfall comes at the worst possible time: wars and weather extremes are multiplying, food prices are volatile and the world’s most vulnerable are bearing the brunt. The humanitarian community has described it as a “perfect storm,” where shrinking resources collide with rising needs.

In this context, predictive famine modeling is of critical importance. If the world cannot guarantee more food aid today, it can at least sharpen its ability to see where tomorrow’s hunger will strike. The question is whether we can turn foresight into action—moving from a cycle of crisis response to one of prevention.

The Data Revolution

Researchers are combining data streams that once seemed unrelated to forecast hunger more effectively. Every signal tells part of the story, from satellites watching rainfall and crop growth to mobile phone surveys capturing what families eat each week. Remote sensing provides a broad view of land and weather patterns that hint at failing harvests. At the same time, phone interviews and household surveys show how people cope—whether meals are being skipped or diets are being cut back.

To bring this information together, new tools such as the Harmonized Food Insecurity Dataset (HFID) now integrate multiple indicators into one monthly, subnational series. It gives analysts a clearer picture of when and where food stress worsens. Even unconventional sources are being tapped: the AI model HungerGist, for example, scans thousands of news reports to detect signals of looming food crises that traditional surveys may miss.

The result is a new way of seeing hunger. Instead of reacting once famine takes hold, analysts can detect trouble months in advance and pinpoint specific regions at risk. By weaving together these diverse sources, predictive famine modeling moves humanitarian response from hindsight to foresight.

Case Study: Zimbabwe’s Survey Fusion

One of the most promising real-world examples comes from Zimbabwe. Researchers developed a joint Multilevel Regression & Poststratification (jMRP) model that fuses high-frequency mobile survey data from WFP’s mVAM with annual face-to-face surveys conducted by ZimVAC. Mobile phone data alone is fast but imprecise, while in-person surveys are accurate but slow. The fused model corrects for bias, narrows uncertainty and produces monthly, district-level estimates of food insecurity.

It allowed agencies to detect worsening conditions in specific regions before new survey rounds arrived—a major step toward real-time hunger monitoring. This illustrates how predictive famine modeling can combine imperfect but frequent data with slower, more accurate surveys to produce actionable insights.

Challenges and Blind Spots

However, predictive famine modeling is not a silver bullet. Conflict zones and remote areas often remain invisible because reliable surveys cannot be conducted there. Bias is another issue: phone surveys exclude people without access to mobile technology and news-based models can be distorted by unequal media coverage.

Proxy data also have limitations—crop stress or rainfall deficits do not always translate into hunger if aid, markets or remittances intervene. And even the best predictions cannot guarantee action: humanitarian actors face funding shortfalls, logistics challenges and political barriers that can prevent aid from reaching people on time.

Looking Ahead: From Bytes To Bites

Despite these challenges, the potential of predictive models is clear. With climate shocks, conflict and economic crises overlapping, early warnings are more necessary than ever. Experts argue three steps are critical: expanding data coverage through community surveys, integrating forecasts directly into aid planning to trigger cash transfers or prepositioned supplies and securing reliable funding so warnings are acted upon rather than ignored.

Ultimately, the goal is to turn “bytes into bites.” Predictive famine modeling is not the same as preventing hunger. However, with better data and stronger response systems, famine need not arrive silently. If early warnings can be matched with early action, the world could finally begin to stop famine before it strikes.

– Diane Dunlop

Diane is based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Fighting Poverty in Timor-Leste

timor-leste povertyTimor-Leste, a small island north of Australia, continues to battle widespread poverty. For decades, the coastal communities of Timor-Leste have struggled with the dependency of crops and farming, but they have figured a new way, and it all starts with the sea.

The Numbers

More than half of Timor-Leste’s population is multidimensionally poor, and an additional 26.8% is on the cusp of extreme poverty. Despite the country’s past efforts to ameliorate conflict within communities, Timor-Leste ranks 104th out of 124 countries on the Global Hunger Index. 

Childhood stunting is an unfortunate commonality among the families and children of Timor-Leste; more than half of the children under 5 struggle with stunting. Along with this, one in 24 children will die before the age of 5, and 38% of children under 5 are underweight, according to UNICEF.

In Timor-Leste, the most popular occupations that also generate the most income are crop farming, livestock rearing, fishing, formal employment and small scale businesses. Eighty-four percent of households rely on these occupations as a source of income and 63% of households rely solely on natural resource based livelihoods as a main source of income, making fisheries an important part of how Timor-Leste fights poverty.

How WorldFish is Making a Difference

WorldFish is a key component in helping the country of Timor-Leste fight poverty. WorldFish uses science to prioritize aquatic foods as a main source of nutrition. It aims to end hunger by 2030, and advance sustainable living for the whole planet. Timor-Leste’s WorldFish program is utilizing aquatic foods to change the trajectory of Timor’s food systems, in hopes to meet the nutritional needs of the country. WorldFish is currently working on two initiatives that rely on the sea to transform food systems.

Developed in 1988 as a part of a breeding program to create adaptable food sources, Genetically Improved Farm Tilapia (GIFT) has been wildly successful in its intention of increasing income and feeding local businesses, with Timor-Leste now cultivating its 14th generation of GIFT.

The second initiative is the development of Peskas, a digital monitoring platform. There was a lack of necessary information about where coastal fishers went and what they caught, and this led to government officials and policy change makers not knowing how to improve food insecurity in Timor-Leste.

Peskas uses GPS trackers to capture data about where fishers go, and document all that happened on their journey. That data is then seen on a public online dashboard, and this helps policymakers make more effective decisions about sustainability management. Peskas is not only the official fisheries monitoring system but Timor-Leste is being praised as an example in many other countries around the world.

Along these two, the Fish in Schools Meals pilot program from July 2023 aims to improve the consumption of fish in communities that are predominantly rural. The government has concentrated on developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture sectors, which have successfully contributed to the influx of nutrition security.

Moving Forward

Since Timor-Leste’s independence in 2002, the country has seen extreme progress in maintaining stability as the youngest nation in Asia. As a country that is coming out of a recent conflict, they have managed to strengthen institutions and has benefited from economic growth.

This research highlights that the fisheries sector remains the most promising solution for how Timor-Leste fights poverty and could boost the well-being for the rural poor who live near the coast.

– Arielle Telfort

Arielle is based in Purchase, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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FH Cambodia: Combatting Malnutrition

fh cambodiaCambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent countries in the region for culture and tourism. However, life for its citizens is shaped by many struggles. Scarce resources have limited opportunity for development and sustainability. As of 2025, 22% of the children under 5 struggle with malnourishment, with 16% of families unable to afford meals.

Furthermore, assistance to combat hunger is disproportionate, with urban areas improving significantly faster than rural areas, creating greater inequality. Food for the Hungry Cambodia (FH Cambodia) is one of the leading organizations working to bridge the gap and create communities that are sustainable and resilient.

FH Cambodia

FH’s initial mission was relief: aiding refugees and providing immediate support during civil unrest after the Vietnam war. By 1992, FH Cambodia shifted strategy: from temporary relief to partnering with marginalized communities in southern Cambodia (Kampot Province) to improve living conditions over the long term. Over time, FH expanded north, adopting decade-long community development models that address education, health, economic security, and leadership.

In 2024, FH Cambodia reached more than 211 communities and served 188,925 individuals. Out of the individuals, 66,472 were children. Young children, from 6-23 months, have a minimum dietary diversity, minimizing the risk that they are malnourished. FH was successful in combating malnutrition by partnering with local health care centers that measure the health status of the child.

Improving Education

In addition to combating malnutrition by aiding children and starving households, the organization created long term benefits, such as mobilizing churches and providing educational resources to schools. Specifically, the education program brought 625 children, 285 of which are girls, into primary education. Furthermore, FH Cambodia assisted in renovating five digital libraries in a district, allowing for interactive online learning. As a result, school absences of children aged 7–15 decreased by 17.9%, and 86.4% of children the same age are proficient in reading.

Pregnancy

FH Cambodia’s aggregate impact demonstrates the effectiveness of community-based programs focusing on long-term sustainability. However, the improvement in individual lives can be best seen through the stories of those directly aided. Mrs Khuon Sinan is a 27-year-old woman who lost three pregnancies, suffering miscarriages.

With help from community health workers partnered with FH Cambodia, Mrs Sinan received the care and observation of a midwife at a health center. There, Mrs Sinan changed her diet to have more diverse foods such as local greens and fruit, to satisfy nutritional requirements for a healthy pregnancy.

In addition, she also attended community health awareness programs and support groups to better understand how to take care of one’s wellbeing. At the end of the pregnancy, Mrs Sinan successfully gave birth to a healthy girl, and is able to provide for her newborn by breastfeeding and learning to cook nutritious meals.

The Future

Mrs Sinan’s story, after numerous tragic failures, is a testament to the impact FH Cambodia’s program on individuals. Even though hunger and poverty remain great problems in Cambodia, combating malnutrition and hunger as a whole is imperative. The work of organizations such as FH Cambodia ensures that communities cannot face the same devastation as decades prior and that everyone is on the path to a sustainable future.

– Owen Wu

Owen is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty, Fragility and the Rule of Law in Cuba

The Rule of Law in CubaPeople have always seen Cuba putting the most vulnerable first. Cuba aimed to achieve a state with no poverty, no unemployment, full literacy, strong education and strong health care. In other words, Cuba aims to be a successful socialist state. However, the socio-economic situation in Cuba today presents an entirely different picture. Today, Cuba is one of the poorest countries in the world with only 1.5% GDP growth between 2016-18, well below the 5% growth needed for sustainable development. The social services system has deteriorated and the employed are not working jobs where they could be most efficient. These factors have all contributed to increased levels of poverty in Cuba. Here is information about fragility and the rule of law in Cuba and how it relates to poverty.

Fragile Rule of Law in Cuba

Fragility of law has contributed significantly to poverty in Cuba. Cuba has high levels of corruption. Systemic failures in enforcing laws ensure that essential resources never reach the people. A lack of transparency has led to people not having any legal recourse to ensure better living and working conditions. The Cuban government also requires any aid coming from international organizations to go through the state agency in charge and work with local actors connected to the state. Therefore, in actuality, international organizations have very little control over how the aid provided is utilized or even where it is allocated. Weak rule of law and limited institutional capacity mean that vulnerable groups (women, people with HIV and the elderly) continue to face stigma and lack equal access to services

Poor Governance and Food Security in Cuba

However, a more pressing issue is bad governance. Poor fiscal policies have led to anemic economic growth and in the last two years the economy contracted from 1.8% in 2022 to -1.9% in 2023.

This contraction is far below the 5% needed for sustainable growth and to create the income needed for the government to provide basic services to the people. Cuba, according to the World Food Program (WHO), spends at least $1.7 billion annually on food imports. This is an increase from $1 billion of food imports in 2017. Weak enforcement of agricultural policies and poor incentives for producers contribute to persistent shortages. It is clear that the needs of the people are not being met. Severe food shortages have led people to rely more on income from outside sources other than the government such as dealing and working on the black market, remittances from outside aid or community networks.

Efforts To Address Poverty

However, there is some hope. Despite restrictions from the Cuban government, organizations such as the World Food Program (WFP) are having some success in providing aid to fight poverty. The WFP has implemented food security programs such as school feeding programs, nutrition education and training for farmers. It also collaborated with local authorities to enhance food systems and social protection mechanisms. These programs have had a noticeable impact on food security in Cuba. The WFP has managed to provide aid to more than 1.3 million people in Cuba through such programs.

Looking Ahead

According to a report by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, more than 89% of the Cuban population live in extreme poverty. There is severe inequality, corruption and a lack of basic services that not only increase poverty but sustain it. While there has been some success, without a strong change in policies and an increase in effective governance, the situation is not likely to change. In the end, addressing fragility and the rule of law in Cuba is essential for reducing poverty and ensuring a more equitable future for its citizens.

– Akash Ramaswamy

Akash is based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Nutrition and Poverty in Delhi: The Role of Education and NGOs

Nutrition in DelhiDelhi, the capital of India, is considered a culturally rich and diverse city. A beautiful city, vibrant with people, an amalgamation of culture and a kaleidoscope of colors. It holds a fine balance between traditional and modern values. With its blend of ancient heritage and traditional modern life, the city attracts people from across the country. However, beneath the vibrant image lies a stark contrast, where nutrition and poverty in Delhi continue to disproportionately impact underprivileged children, limiting their access to basic resources, education and opportunity.

According to the NITI Aayog Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report 2023, the share of the population living in multidimensional poverty declined from 4.43% in 2016 to 3.43% in 2021. However, this decline hides the reality in certain districts, especially in north and west Delhi, where poverty persists at troubling rates.

Education Inequality

While the country has seen overall improvement, education gaps remain a major issue in Delhi. A 2023 report by ThePrint indicated that “school attendance deprivation” increased from 31% in 2016 to 38% by 2021 in several districts of the city. This increase affects underprivileged children the most, often limiting their long-term prospects and trapping them in cycles of poverty. The situation is bleaker in rural parts of the nation.

According to the National Statistical Office (NSO), more than 20% of children between the ages of 6 and 14 in rural parts of India are out of school, compared to just 6% in urban counterparts. This reflects how nutrition and poverty in Delhi and beyond create long-term barriers to consistent school attendance and academic success.

Gender and Nutrition

Cultural biases and gender further deepen inequality in the country. An article by The Wire discussed how girls face a deficit in access to nutritional food sources because of the deep-rooted belief that boys will be the future providers in the family. Such beliefs amount to health issues for female children, including stunted growth and anemia.

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) pointed out that “54-59% of girls within the age group of 15-19 years are anemic as opposed to 29-31% boys in the same group” in India. Poor nutrition affects their ability to attend and succeed in school, reinforcing both gender and economic inequality.

Pehchaan the Street School

Many NGOs in the city are working to change this trajectory by providing essential resources to underprivileged children. One such example is Pehchaan the Street School in the Delhi-NCR region. As the name suggests, the organization focuses on providing a “Pehchaan, an identity to underprivileged children by providing them with education.” The nonprofit has worked tirelessly for more than 10 years to provide free education to children in the rural and slum areas of the city, aiming to make each child self-sufficient and independent.

Beyond the classroom, the organization also conducts free health check-up camps and menstrual health seminars. It provides legal and financial aid and vocational training courses for its students, ensuring they receive comprehensive support and are well-equipped to pursue their dreams confidently. The organization has supported more than 5,000 underprivileged children in the city over the last decade, achieving a passing rate of 94%. It works to address issues of nutrition and poverty in Delhi, creating support systems where the government infrastructure often falls short.

As one student shared, “In my 10-year journey, it has become a very important part of my life. I attend school regularly and this is where I received a lot of love, care and guidance.” This heartfelt reflection underscores the transformative role that the organization has played in the lives of many children.

The Red Foundation

The Red Foundatiom was founded in 2022 in the capital. The NGO aims to improve nutrition and support the right to education for underprivileged and marginalized communities. The institution operates on four pillars: education, better livelihood, skill development and empowerment and awareness. These pillars form the foundation for the nonprofit’s various programs and initiatives. One such program, “Pathshala,” provides academic education and life skills to disadvantaged children. Another, “Swasth Bharat,” proactively brings medical services to underserved areas.

Final Remarks

The work of grassroots organizations like Pehchaan-the Street School and Red Foundation demonstrates that meaningful change is both possible and already in motion. These efforts have brought education, health care and nutrition to many children who might have otherwise been left behind.

However, nutrition and poverty in Delhi remain pressing challenges that require continued, coordinated action from both public and private sectors. The journey toward equity and empowerment is far from over, but it is well underway.

– Vasudhaa Shakdher

Vasudhaa is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Food Security with Solar Cold Storage in Africa

Solar-Powered Cold Storage in AfricaIn sub-Saharan Africa, limited access to properly refrigerated goods means that as much as 50% of perishable produce never reaches the market, most prominently dairy, fish, fruits, and vegetables, items that are extremely valuable in this region. The continent loses $1.2 billion annually due to poor refrigeration and infrastructure, with 600 million people living without consistent access to electricity, affecting their ability to properly store food. These losses undermine hunger relief efforts and therefore hold farmers in a repetitive cycle of low income, affecting their ability to produce quality goods.

Solar Refrigeration Steps In

Companies like Sokofresh are utilizing solar-powered cold storage in Africa which is a clean, off-grid alternative to diesel-based systems. This enables farmers to preserve their perishable goods for up to 21 extra days, extending selling windows and increasing revenue potential.

Based in Nigeria, ColdHubs provides 100% solar-powered, walk-in cold rooms at rural hubs to combat post-harvest food waste for farmers. These units can store up to three tonnes and serve numerous small-scale farmers and fishers. This has ultimately reduced spoilage during transportation by up to 80%.

At the same time, Koolboks delivers solar-powered refrigeration and freezers to the Nigerian market traders to aid their protection of stock during frequent outages.

In Kenya, Sokofresh’s model helps farmers band together to access and share storage, helping them significantly cutting waste. ColdHubs’ network across 54 sites provides accessible refrigeration while generating local jobs and improving produce value.

As well as this, Uganda is implementing innovative strategies to empower female farmers, extend the shelf life of harvests, and strengthen local markets. This approach maximises available resources and serves as a model for reducing food waste and providing relief across Africa.

Barriers to Scaling Solar Cold Storage in Africa

However, there continues to be barriers as in Tanzania, up to 50% of tomato harvests spoil before reaching consumers due to a scarcity of cold storage. Significant obstacles are preventing Tanzania from introducing solar-powered storage, including institutional and technological barriers, foreign investment and aid to electrification project that require reshaping.

From the strides Nigeria has made in improving their food storage, this has awoken Rwanda’s eyes in attempting to reduce its food wastage by utilizing solar-powered storage. The model uses solar energy to complement Rwanda’s initiatives to reduce their post-harvest loss whilst increasing their green energy and cutting carbon emissions.

Cooling Towards Prosperity

Solar-powered cold storage has made significant differences in a multitude of countries all around Africa. Protecting the post-harvest quality, reducing waste and helping preserve farmers’ goods, this innovation supports food security, gender equity, and sustainable rural economies. This solar-powered solution can significantly reduce the $1.2 billion annual waste of improperly stored food and help provide wider access to food for those without consistent electrical connections.

– Carise Wallbank

Carise is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Insecurity and Poverty in Jordan

poverty in jordanFood security and poverty alleviation in Jordan are closely linked, with limited access to nutritious food deepening economic hardship. Addressing this cycle requires strategies that improve nutrition, strengthen food security, and create sustainable opportunities for vulnerable communities.

Poverty and Food Insecurity in Jordan

According to new data, the percentage of registered refugees living in poverty has increased significantly in Jordan’s refugee camps, rising from 45% in 2021 to 67% now. Food insecurity has increased and household spending has decreased as a result. The employment rate among camp-dwelling refugees has also decreased since 2021. According to the survey, many women are unable to look for work due to hold/hold duties, and those who can find employment are frequently more susceptible to risks at work.

Experts globally recognize that to transform food security and eradicate poverty, it is essential to develop safe, sustainable, and healthy diets that are accessible to all. As the United Nations Food Systems Summit approached in 2021, the national food systems highlighted the great importance of transformation and suggested ways to lower the cost of nutritious foods and make healthy diets more accessible for the country, which launched the National Food Security Strategy in 2021.

Creating Sustainable Economic Opportunities

A significant progress is happening in Jordan. Officials are saying the move from an economy that focuses on resource extraction to a circular nation is opening opportunities for the country to not only achieve sustainable and inclusive development but to boost the economy to grow, along with the creation of new jobs that will increase the local production of goods. While highlighting the country’s environmental benefits the Ministry of Environment has made the circular economy a top priority.  This will include recycling and cutting down on waste, trimming down on gas emissions and taking on resource use to encourage sustainable consumption and production.

Ensuring Food Availability

Funded in 2003 by Princess Haya bint Al Hussin, Um Ali gives out sustainable food support and essential assistance to support food security and poverty eradication in Jordan that are in deep need across the country. The mission of the food bank still continues to push through occasional charitable food distributions. In 2020 and 2022 wage based employment and self employment aims to help those who participated in the employment program develop technical skills, self- reliance, and strengthen their goal of long-term food for security for the poor.

Final Thoughts

Jordan faces significant challenges in food security due to the resource shortages, poverty and limited job opportunities. Transforming the nation’s food systems and promoting sustainable, healthy diets is essential. Through initiatives like the 2021 National Food Security, the circular economy, and programs by Tkiyet Um Ali, Jordan is making progress by creating jobs, boosting local production and providing sustainable food support to vulnerable communities, ultimately strengthening self-reliance and long term food security.

– Joshua Pettis

Joshua is based in Houston, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fighting Malnutrition in the Philippines with Biofortified Rice

Malnutrition in the PhilippinesIn the Philippines, where rice is a staple food eaten daily by most households, Vitamin A deficiency continues to affect children’s health. This deficiency can lead to blindness, stunted growth and higher rates of illness. To combat this, researchers and development partners are fighting malnutrition in the Philippines with biofortified rice. Also known as Golden Rice, this biofortified variety is rich with Vitamin A. By adding vital nutrients directly into the staple diet, Golden Rice has the potential to improve nutrition for millions of low-income families.

Partnerships Bringing Nutrition to Families

The Philippine Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) leads the rollout of biofortified rice and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), which is based in Los Baños, Laguna [3]. Together, these organisations have spent over a decade developing a variety of rice that not only grows well in local conditions but also delivers meaningful levels of Vitamin A.

Support has also come from global initiatives such as HarvestPlus, part of the CGIAR research partnership, which specialises in promoting biofortified crops [4]. Through training, seed distribution and farmer support, HarvestPlus and its partners are ensuring that Golden Rice reaches the communities most at risk of malnutrition.

Reaching Communities in Need

The first planting of biofortified rice in the Philippines began in 2022 in provinces with the highest rates of Vitamin A deficiency. PhilRice has distributed seed to local farmers and provided training on cultivation, while IRRI has worked alongside government agencies to monitor yields and nutritional outcomes, Reuters reports. The Department of Agriculture has committed to scaling up production nationwide, aiming to integrate Golden Rice into school feeding programmes and rural markets.

For families who cannot afford vegetables, meat or dairy on a regular basis, Golden Rice provides a low-cost way to improve diets and reduce poverty-linked illness. Studies show that just one cup of cooked Golden Rice can provide up to 30–50% of a child’s daily Vitamin A requirement.

A Model for Future Biofortification

Golden Rice is part of a broader movement to use biofortification to combat “hidden hunger.” Alongside Vitamin A-enriched rice, IRRI and HarvestPlus are supporting the development of zinc-biofortified rice and iron-rich crops for the region, Science reports. These innovations aim to strengthen food security and health without requiring major changes to eating habits. The hope is that biofortified crops could quickly become a trusted part of the Filipino diet, helping to reduce child malnutrition across the country.

A Brighter Future for Children

Fighting malnutrition in the Philippines with biofortified rice demonstrates how science and partnerships can deliver solutions to some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. By working together, PhilRice, IRRI, HarvestPlus and the Department of Agriculture are transforming a staple food into a life-saving tool.

As the program expands, millions of Filipino children stand to gain stronger immune systems, better vision and healthier growth. For families living in poverty, biofortified rice in the Philippines represents hope for a healthier future.

– Robert Darke

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

Photo: Flickr

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International Community’s Reaction to Famine in Gaza

famine in gazaOn August 22, 2025, the war in Gaza reached a sobering milestone when the U.N.-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared a famine in the Gaza Governorate. In a speech by the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, he called this the world’s famine, underscoring what he saw as the abject failure of the international community to prevent Gaza’s suffering.

Just weeks later, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel found that Israel had committed four of the five genocidal acts defined in the 1948 Genocide Convention. Pedro Sanchez called the declaration of famine a “shame for all of humanity.” Such words of shame have ramped up as nations across the world call for an end to the suffering of Gazans, the release of hostages and a ceasefire to allow aid to reach the Gaza Strip unencumbered.

IPC Classifications

The IPC has individually assessed four of the five governorates in the Gaza Strip, according to the 2025 report. This has been evaluated on the Acute Famine Index and the Acute Malnutrition Index, each with five stages. The Famine Review Committee, which operates within the IPC, concluded that a Phase 5 famine was affecting the Gaza Governorate. This represents the most catastrophic classification and requires “extreme critical levels of acute malnutrition and mortality.”

North Gaza faced similar or worse conditions, but evidence was insufficient for an official Phase 5 classification. Both the Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis Governorates face a Phase 4 emergency, which the IPC projects will imminently rise to Phase 5 by September 30, according to the August 2025 review. While these classifications provide vital structure, it is crucial to recognise the lived realities they represent.

As of September 25, 2025 Israeli forces have killed almost 65,000 Palestinians, according to BBC, and have damaged or destroyed an estimated 90% of homes. Each of these fatalities is a life, each fatality has a story, and each fatality has a family that will be mourning their death. The human aspect of this conflict must always remain its primary framing.

Previous Warnings

Even before the official declaration of famine in Gaza, the IPC had been warning that the humanitarian crisis was reaching catastrophic levels. As early as March 2024, the IPC warned that “Famine is now projected and imminent in the North Gaza and Gaza Governorates.” Just a week before the official declaration of famine in Gaza, more than 100 organizations signed a statement calling on Israel to stop the “Weaponization of aid.”

Furthermore, in a statement on September 17, 2025, the leaders of more than 20 aid agencies called on world leaders to intervene after the declaration of genocide by a U.N. Commission. They called the situation on the ground “unconscionable” and recounted meeting Palestinians who had lost limbs and even children who wished for death to join their parents in heaven. Amnesty International echoed these appeals with a statement on the 25th September, asserting that “Words alone will not stop the atrocities.”

They called for all states to use every diplomatic, economic and political tool to exert influence over Israel to secure a ceasefire. These escalating appeals highlight a growing agreement among humanitarian groups that action on an international level is desperately needed.

The International Community

The realities of geopolitics in the region make it difficult for international actors outside of the U.S. to make decisions that could decisively end the war. In recent months, many of Israel’s allies, frustrated with the continuing conflict, have recognized Palestine in an attempt to revive the two-state solution that Netanyahu has said he will strongly oppose. However, some are calling for European states, particularly, to go further.

At the recent U.K. Labour Party conference, members of the governing party backed a non-binding motion calling for the full suspension of arms trade with Israel. This follows the Spanish government, which had already announced a full arms embargo on Israel in response to what Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called a genocide. The European Commission has also announced plans to restrict trade with Israel and impose sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers.

Israel’s number one trading partner is the EU, and it accounted for 32% of Israel’s trade in 2024, positioning the EU well to apply meaningful pressure. However, experts predict the impact to be somewhat limited, with trade commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, estimating the effect to be just €227 million a year, if the measure passes at all, which currently looks doubtful.

President Trump has also proposed peace with the backing of Netanyahu, which would see the demilitarisation of Gaza, the release of prisoners by both Israel and Hamas, a surge of aid into the strip and the creation of a temporary committee tasked with the transitional governance of Gaza. The success of this deal in the long term remains uncertain; however, leaders in the Middle East and Europe have signalled support for the plan.

Final Thoughts

International agencies described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as unprecedented in scale and severity. In September 2024, a U.N. commission declared that acts committed by Israel in Gaza met the legal definition of genocide, a finding that has intensified appeals for urgent international intervention.

Reports from the IPC, U.N. bodies, and humanitarian organizations continue to highlight widespread food insecurity, mass displacement, and the near-total collapse of essential services. Aid groups warn that without immediate and sustained access to food, water, and medical supplies, famine will deepen.

While long-term political solutions remain uncertain, humanitarian actors stress that the immediate priority is securing life-saving assistance for civilians. These repeated calls from agencies, governments, and human rights organizations are part of a growing international consensus that words of shame are insufficient without tangible measures to prevent further civilian suffering and loss of life.

– Adam Walsh

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

Photo: Flickr