Archive for category: Food & Hunger

Information and stories on food.

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Forest Sustainability and Poverty Reduction

Forest Sustainability and Poverty Reduction Forests cover nearly one-third of the world’s land mass and serve as an economic lifeline for impoverished and Indigenous communities in developing countries, many of whom live directly in forests. Yet mass deforestation threatens both these communities and the economic sustainability of the land. Recognizing the link between forest sustainability and poverty reduction, the United Nations (U.N.), the World Bank and other organizations have launched revitalization efforts using a “one health” approach.

Forest Dependency

Approximately 40% of the world’s rural poor in developing nations, about 3.27 billion people, live in or within one kilometer of a forest. When the range is expanded to five kilometers, the number rises to 4.17 billion, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). With 80% of the world’s most impoverished people living in rural areas, mostly concentrated in the Global South, the importance of forests to their subsistence is clear, further underscoring the connection between forest sustainability and poverty reduction.

Those who rely on forests in whole or in part to survive via employment or source of income, but most importantly as a food source, are classified as Forest Dependent People (FDP). The majority of FDP live within forests and derive their entire livelihood from them alone, but FDP also includes those that tangentially rely on forests, such as foraging for medicinal plants, harvesting wood or even supplying labor to logging and forestry businesses. 

Indigenous groups often make up FDP communities and their extremely rural proximity limits access to goods and services. This makes them vulnerable to economic, social and health care shocks. Discrimination and marginalization, such as in India and Kenya, or poor infrastructure, as in the Brazilian Amazon, further compound their struggles. 

Forest resources help mitigate these shocks for FDP, however, rampant deforestation and land degradation have only exacerbated their poverty and vulnerability. Because of this, FDPs are a focal point for anti-poverty initiatives, but this has been a double-edged sword. 

Damaging Effects of Standard Poverty Reduction Efforts

There is no question that poverty-reduction initiatives have been successful. According to World Bank figures, poverty has declined in developing countries by more than 65% since 1990. Yet many of these tried-and-true methods end up causing further deforestation, which leaves FDP vulnerable in the long term. 

Many goodwill efforts to alleviate poverty overlook the ingrained benefits of forest sustainability and poverty reduction, instead focusing on agricultural and infrastructural development, which can compound environmental destruction and damage aid efforts long-term. When forests are cleared, the health of the land erodes and water scarcity increases. This harms FDP communities and sets back any potential gains realized through intervention. Crops die without water and disease spreads worsens. Standard practices appear sufficient for the long-term prosperity of FDP. 

The “One Health” Approach

In recent years, the FAO, World Bank and researchers from institutions such as the Notre Dame Poverty Initiative have increasingly observed the connection between forest sustainability and poverty reduction. In this collaborative approach, poverty alleviation must go hand in hand with forest conservation strategies. 

Protected Area Projects make up one facet of sustainability efforts. In Brazil, the World Bank successfully lobbied the government to give protected status to 24 million hectares of forest land, safeguarding access for FDP communities. Furthermore, in Ghana, efforts resulted in the planting of sustainable woodlots to serve as sources of firewood and fuel instead of naturally occurring forests. In Kenya, the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme allocates degraded plots of forest land to FDP to revitalize through new plantings. 

Research into further symbiotic strategies between forest sustainability and poverty reduction is ongoing. In countries such as India and Peru, researchers from the Pulte Institute for Global Development are evaluating nascent anti-poverty initiatives that also prioritize forest sustainability to isolate those most effective for rollout in other developing nations.

Looking Ahead

Evidence suggests that forest sustainability and poverty reduction are two sides of the same coin. Sustainable forests combat poverty among FDP by providing replenishing food sources, fuel and construction materials and improved community health. With such a large percentage of the world’s extreme poor being FDP or FDP-adjacent, efforts to support the prosperity of the world’s forests are also direct contributions to eventually lifting FDP out of poverty. 

– Nikola Stojkovic

Nikola is based in Villa Park, IL, 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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Lamp Of The Path: Fighting Hunger in Mongolia

hunger in mongoliaHome to around 3.5 million people, Mongolia adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda in 2015. In 2021, the U.N. reported that the Mongolian Government was “stepping up its efforts to achieve food security”. Since then, fighting hunger in Mongolia has gained momentum thanks to government initiatives and grassroots organizations collaborating.

Hunger and Poverty in Mongolia

Malnutrition continues to affect many Mongolians, particularly children. In 2017, 27% of children under 5 were anemic, 21% had iron deficiencies, 70% lacked sufficient vitamin A levels and 90% experienced inadequate vitamin D levels. Household food insecurity affected 65% of households in 2018, with 23% experiencing severe food insecurity. By 2022, one in four Mongolians still experienced moderate to severe food insecurity. In 2023, approximately 213,000 people endured limited food, largely due to dzuds (extreme winter weather) killing livestock, consequently causing significant challenges with food production.

Poverty compounds these challenges.Mongolia’s national poverty rate was 28.4% in 2018, but only 0.5% of citizens lived below the international poverty line. In 2021, 22% of the Mongolian population did not have access to sufficient dietary energy daily, making it challenging to live normal, active lifestyles. As the U.N. emphasized, food insecurity is largely due to economic struggles rather than physical and social access.

Lamp Of The Path

Established in 2003, Lamp of the Path (LOP) is the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition’s (FPMT) social project. The name in itself represents the light of the Buddhist teachings, guiding people on their way to the higher goal of all Mahayana Buddhists – the state of enlightenment. LOP aims to follow in the footsteps of historic Buddha Shakyamuni, who found enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in India, later finding a medicine to cease all types of suffering.

Running for 22 years, LOP has supported some of the most vulnerable people in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. Different food projects are run, providing both immediate food relief and sustainable nutrition, successfully fighting hunger in Mongolia. The project also provides clothing, health checks at home or in their clinic, along with toothbrushes and other essentials – helping in the fight against homelessness and poverty too.

LOP Projects

LOP opened its first project, the Soup Kitchen, in August 2003. In 2019, the kitchen served 14,793 bowls of soup to between 50 and 70 people each day. During winter, volunteers increase output to 60 liters of soup being served between 11 am and 1:30 pm. For many visitors, this remains their only guaranteed hot meal of the day, an essential step in fighting hunger in Mongolia.

In 2022, LOP expanded its reach with the Mobile Kitchen Project. After identifying extreme poverty in nearby areas, volunteers began delivering 20 hot meals to elderly and disabled people, along with fresh fruit and vegetables from the gardens. This often extends to those who simply cannot visit the Soup Kitchen, ensuring inclusivity in fighting hunger in Mongolia.

In the past decade, LOP launched a Vegetable Garden Project that produces fresh vegetables and fruit for both their Soup Kitchen and Mobile Kitchen. The Vegetable Garden supplements meals for vulnerable families and reduces reliance on imported produce. Because of dzuds, LOP grows their fruit and vegetables in summer, focusing on crops that can be preserved for the winter. This Project is a crucial step in fighting hunger in Mongolia year-round.

Conclusion

Lamp Of The Path demonstrates how grassroots organizations can provide both emergency relief and long-term solutions. Through its Soup Kitchen, Mobile Kitchen and Vegetable Garden Projects, LOP directly supports vulnerable communities while reducing poverty and malnutrition. By combining compassion with practical action, the organization continues to play a vital role in fighting hunger in Mongolia and building resilience for the future.

– Rebecca Lamb-Busby

Rebecca is based in Hull, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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United Nations Pilot Agrifood Initiatives To Combat Famine in Gaza

Combat Famine in Gaza

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is mounting, reaching Phase 5 of famine according to the United Nations’ Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (U.N. IPC). Distrust in aid sites is rising as the Israeli military killed 1,373 Palestinians seeking basic necessities between May 27 and July 31, 2025, alone.

Calls for the blockade to end have led to droves of civilian-led flotillas to end the siege and renew the flow of aid into the region. Aside from this, action taken by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has facilitated the freedom of Gazans to restore their food supply.

Cash-Based Assistance Plan

The FAO has invested in farmers to combat famine in Gaza by monetarily supporting their agricultural practices. The U.N. has successfully supported 200 farmers in the Strip through its pilot initiative. This scalable model can recover some of the population’s food production abilities from the ground.

The FAO covers the costs of the supplies and resources available, many of which are extremely unaffordable due to hyperinflation. By funding farmers to buy costly fertilizers and seeds, agrifood systems can successfully reduce unaffordability by cultivating crops, returning supply to their economy and providing a basis for rebuilding the region.

In addition to the need to enact this model on a larger scale, Palestinians are unable to cultivate land without clearing a significant amount of rubble. As only 4.6% of the land in the Strip was deemed arable by the FAO in March 2025, compared to the 42% usable before 2024, the threat of desertification could severely escalate the issue.

A combination of funding for farmers and funding for removing and disposing of rubble to propagate the land is therefore essential to combating famine in Gaza.

Debris Management Framework

According to an article published by the American Journal of Public Health, bombardment in Gaza has caused environmental degradation and a public health crisis. The debris of fallen buildings has spread asbestos and other contaminants, affecting water, air and soil health. A geospatial assessment from the FAO and United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT) maintains that there is little space to “preserve livelihoods” because of the reduction of usable land.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has long guided debris management projects worldwide, providing technical documents to support rapid response during national emergencies. One such document highlights the “UNDP/Gaza rubble removal experience” in 2005, when the agency efficiently established a high-capacity rubble crushing site.

Removing highly contaminated and hazardous materials in accordance with the UNDP framework will help the local people meet environmental standards necessary to prevent toxic soil contamination. In addition to the FAO’s cash-based assistance plan for restoring food production, the UNDP framework can guide the revitalization of soil health to combat famine in Gaza.

Conclusion

The World Bank predicts that Gaza will not recover its gross domestic product (GDP) until 2038 under the current conditions. Simply giving buying power back to Palestinians is not a solution on its own. Ending the blockade now to allow essential supplies, like quality seeds, infrastructure and construction materials, is necessary to restart the agrifood sector and combat famine in Gaza.

– Aliyah Omar

Aliyah is based in Alberta, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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3 Ways USAID Programs in Mali Are Changing Lives

USAID Programs in MaliMali has a complicated relationship with recurring challenges such as climate crisis’ and conflict-driven violence. Whether it be due to the shocks of extreme heat and floods, or the violence from armed forces within different villages, USAID programs in Mali have benefited Malians greatly, with more than a third of the population being in need of humanitarian assistance.

U.S. assistance in Mali has allowed the pursuit for peace and stability; there have been major investments towards the healthcare system, agriculture, education and peacebuilding. Despite the recent cuts made to USAID’s funding, there are still efforts being made to retain relations between the states. USAID’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy for 2022-2026 represents the commitment towards providing humanitarian assistance while aligning with Mali’s national interests and plans. Thus, it is important to highlight the preexisting successes and the progress made due to USAID programs in Mali.

1. Boosting Food Security Through Feed the Future

In Mali, 1.6 million people or 6% of the population suffer due to acute food insecurity. USAID’s Feed the Future program in Mali makes an effort to improve the livelihoods of people improving food security and creates income and food opportunities for Malians, by boosting millet, rice and livestock production. Farmers gain access to improved seeds, livestock care and markets. Furthermore, these programs tackle malnutrition through prevention; investments into Mali’s agricultural systems will open economic opportunities for Malian people, who typically migrate away from the country for work, as there are newfound opportunities in their own nation. This program allows USAID to invest into Mali, allowing them to build themselves from the ground up and become self-sufficient to combat issues with malnutrition and food insecurity, and in the future, they will be able to thrive without foreign intervention.

2. Improving Health

In 2021, more than 60% of Mali’s deaths were due to communicable, maternal or perinatal and nutritional issues. However, this number should ultimately improve due to investments and more attention to the health care system and facilities.

Launched in 2020, and receiving a 16-month extension in 2024, USAID funded the Mali Health Systems Strengthening, Governance and Finance project (HSS) which had the goal of empowering Mali’s plan, management and financing of its own health care system. This project focused on multiple regional and national developments for the health care system, and has provided training for 26 health districts and more than 700 facilities. USAID supported them by also improving supply chain management, data monitoring and providing essential supervision for the improvements being made. By improving the governance of healthcare systems and management, it improves the health outcomes for the region and allows under-resourced regions to thrive on their own. Thus, once there is a transition of power, local organizations will be well equipped.

3. Strengthening Governance and Stability

Due to the challenges with civil conflict, there is often mistrust between local governments and communities. The USAID Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization and Reconciliation (PSR) Program worked on building resilience of 43 communes so they could address violence and extremism. To build trust between the state and local communes, USAID approached it in a nuanced way to encourage multi-actor participation in commune decisions, the use of citizen voice and inclusive decision making. The PSR program’s training module on decentralization is in use for the national center for community training. Thus, there is more active collaboration between citizens and the state, creating more trust towards the government and improves state legitimacy. 

Looking Ahead

Overall, USAID programs in Mali have provided the funding and opportunities to improve nutrition, health and governance. The programs in place will ideally give Mali the strength and facilities to eventually become self-sufficient and no longer need the foreign intervention from USAID.

Through the Feed The Future program, it creates economic opportunities by creating jobs in agriculture, and it also provides the natural resources to feed the nation. The HSS program provides training and the facilities to allow the healthcare system to thrive. Finally, the PSR program works on improving relations between the government and civilians, which would reduce the mistrust of the government whilst incorporating the civic voice into governmental decisions.

Despite the hardships Mali has been facing, its GDP growth has been steadily increasing; estimates placed it at 4% in 2024 and part of its growth has been due to agriculture and services. USAID programs in Mali have undoubtedly provided several benefits to the country.

– Aaida Nuren

Aaida is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Mexico’s Plant-Food Industry Is Fighting Poverty

Mexico’s Plant-Food IndustryMexico is a global leader in plant-based living, boasting the world’s second-largest population adhering to a plant-based diet. Nearly 20% of Mexico’s population identifies as either vegan or vegetarian. The rise of Mexico’s plant-based food sector is driven by young people younger than 35, who comprise the most significant percentage of the nation’s vegans and vegetarians.

Plant-based diets can improve the health of Mexicans while also creating job opportunities and ending hunger among those most in need. In recognition, in April 2024, Mexico enacted the General Law on Appropriate and Sustainable Food (LGASS). This aimed to promote the consumption of healthy foods, though not necessarily vegan foods and ensure sustainable food production.

The law called upon the Secretariat of Health to establish regional food baskets, prioritizing locally or regionally produced foods derived from sustainable production. This naturally emphasizes fruits, vegetables and traditional plant-based staples.

Improving People’s Health

Diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and obesity all contribute to an early death. People can mitigate these ailments with a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Plant-based diets of these foods allow people to get a rich assortment of vitamins and minerals.

One common misconception is that animal protein is the only source of protein. Plant-based diets provide plenty of protein, including foods like peanut butter, tempeh and beans. Mexicans eat beans multiple times daily, using them as a versatile ingredient in many dishes. This high consumption of beans, among other plant-based meat alternatives, ensures that vegans and vegetarians in Mexico always have a source of high-protein foods.

Another common misconception is that plant-based diets cause vitamin deficiencies. Except for vitamin B12, a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains provides every vitamin a person needs. A vitamin B12 supplement is strongly recommended for people interested in switching to a plant-based diet. However, it’s worth noting that one in six meat-eaters will also experience vitamin B12 deficiency anyway, so a supplement is recommended either way.

New Economic Opportunities for Mexican Workers

New plant-based food companies are rapidly expanding across Mexico. They actively create crucial job opportunities for workers and skillfully leverage Mexico’s vast network of produce farmers to develop innovative products. Mexico already boasts a significant export market for fruits and vegetables and global companies are increasingly recognizing and investing in this burgeoning sector, further solidifying its economic potential within the nation’s borders.

Mexico’s plant-food industry is impacting poverty by generating new, high-paying manufacturing jobs that offer upward mobility for individuals who might otherwise have few options for stable employment. Food manufacturing is a critical driver of jobs throughout Mexico and the accelerating growth of the plant-based food sector holds immense potential to expand employment opportunities significantly for people living in impoverished areas.

Increased Food Availability and Ending Hunger

A common misconception suggests that plant-based diets are more expensive, but the evidence strongly indicates otherwise; plant-based eating can significantly save people money compared to meat-rich diets. This is particularly true for low-income communities, which often consume more plant-based foods due to their lower cost. Increasing access to diverse plant-based options in these communities would empower families to achieve well-balanced diets without financial strain.

As incomes rise, people tend to eat more meat, a trend seen in high-income countries like the U.S. and China, where meat is consumed at nearly every meal. The plant-based food industry is working to counter this by promoting the benefits of plant-based diets in low-income communities.

Respecting Cultural Differences and Individual Beliefs

Mexico’s growing plant-food industry offers undeniable benefits, holding the potential to alleviate poverty and uplift disadvantaged communities toward greater prosperity. This burgeoning industry promotes healthier lifestyles and fosters sustainable economic development. It creates new jobs and investment opportunities across the nation’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Beyond economic advantages, the health benefits of a plant-based diet impact individuals regardless of their income.

– Jeff Mathwig

Jeff is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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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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How Urine Fertilizer in Burkina Faso is Boosting Food Security

Urine Fertilizer in Burkina FasoIn Burkina Faso, smallholder farmers are grappling with a crisis that is both old and new: declining soil fertility and skyrocketing fertilizer prices. In a country where approximately 80% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood, even slight drops in yield can push families deeper into poverty. Now, an unusual solution is turning human urine into a powerful, low-cost fertilizer that could help farmers grow more food with fewer resources.

Urine Fertilizer in Burkina Faso

Human urine is naturally rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, the same nutrients found in commercial fertilizers. By separating urine at the household level using urine diversion toilets, farmers can collect, sanitize and apply it directly to their crops. According to a study in Burkina Faso, using urine fertilizer and compost together increased maize and eggplant yields by up to 90% compared to unfertilized plots.&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;</p&gt;</p>

style=”font-weight: 400;”>Programs led by organizations like CIRAD and the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement are helping farmers in Burkina Faso and neighbouring countries adopt safe collection and application practices. These nutrient recycling pilots demonstrate that farmers can reduce reliance on expensive imported fertilizers while protecting groundwater from untreated waste runoff.

How it works

Simple ecosan toilets separate urine and feces, allowing households to store urine in sealed containers for a few weeks to kill pathogens. Once sanitized, the liquid can be diluted and spread on fields as urine fertilizer. A recent study in Mali found that farmers using urine fertilizer on rice paddies produced 1,623 kg/ha, outperforming plots fertilized with mineral fertilizer and achieved a benefit-cost ratio of 3.3. Farmer cooperatives and local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) provide training on safe handling, dosage and storage, helping communities overcome taboos around human waste. Many see this as a crucial step for smallholders who struggle to afford chemical fertilizers, which can use 20% to 30% of their annual household budget. 

Benefits for Health, Food Security and the Environment

Urine recycling boosts both yields and reduces pollution. Poor sanitation systems in West Africa often leak nutrients into rivers and groundwater, harming ecosystems and drinking water supplies. By recovering the nutrients from urine for farming, communities can close the loop between sanitation and agriculture in a safe, circular way. This practice directly supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Looking Ahead

Nutrient recycling is not so widespread in Burkina Faso, but the evidence shows it could be transformative for food security in regions where soil fertility is falling and fertilizer prices are rising. As farmer cooperatives expand training and share success stories, more communities may see that the solution to hunger can be as simple as the waste they flush away.

– Rebecca Lee

Rebecca is based in Scotland and focuses on Technology and Global Health 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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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