Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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4 Reasons for Hunger in Somalia

Out of control locust swarms, intense droughts and heavy flooding have decimated crops and the livelihood of Somalis. These factors increase hunger in Somalia by leaving millions of people food insecure. Currently, 5.7 million people, almost half of Somalia’s population, are food insecure, and 2.7 million people cannot meet their daily food requirements. The country faces constant fighting, recurring locust swarms, droughts and floods – all of which drastically affect hunger in Somalia.

4 Reasons for Hunger in Somalia

  1. Ongoing conflict destabilizes the country, disrupts livelihoods and hinders aid distribution. Since gaining independence in 1960, Somalia has experienced conflict after conflict, destabilizing the country and harming its people. In 1988, a full-scale civil war broke out due to a power vacuum. Two warlords attempted to gain control of the country, both ultimately failing but subjecting Somalia to crisis. The fighting between these factions destroyed crops and stopped food distribution, causing a famine that killed 300,000 people. Currently, more than 2.6 million Somalis are internally displaced and 760,000 Somalis fled to neighboring countries, leaving their livelihoods behind. Even though a government was established in 2004, its power is extremely limited. Conflict continues around the country, decreasing stability and security while raising humanitarian issues — one of them being food insecurity.
  2. The biggest locust swarm Somalia has experienced in 25 years is currently ravaging crops and farmland. Compounding an already fragile situation, locusts are feasting on crops that could otherwise feed 280,000 people for six months. The locust outbreak originated in Yemen in December. Instead of dying out like expected, the locust numbers increased exponentially when nonseasonal rains allowed for breeding. Adult locusts cause incredible damage to crops: they can eat their body weight daily and can fly up to 93 miles to find food. If they are not controlled, the loss of crops will be severe. Currently, Somalia plans to use biopesticides — a fungus which produces a toxin meant to only kill locusts and related grasshoppers — to get rid of the swarms. Due to the unstable nature of Somalia’s government, using planes to spray insecticide from the air is impossible, so the biopesticide is a reliable alternative.
  3. Somalia is suffering from a 10-year-long drought. For the past decade, drought has severely affected Somalia’s largely agricultural population and contributed to hunger in Somalia. During this time, Somalia only had one proper rainy season. Thus, in 2011 the drought became so bad it triggered a famine. For a famine to occur, three things must happen: a failure of food production, an inability to access food and a failure of governments and international donors to respond. First, the drought killed off crops and livestock, so people lost their income and purchasing power; they were no longer able to obtain food. Lastly, donors did not react quickly enough or provide as much aid as was needed — the U.N. only raised $200 million out of the needed $1 billion. Because of this “triple failure,” this famine killed around 260,000 people. So when the drought worsened in 2017 – 2019, the response, while still not adequate, was enough to keep the situation from turning into a famine. However, 6.7 million people were still left without access to food. Cholera, diarrhea and measles outbreaks accompanied the drought, and because people were dehydrated and weak from hunger these outbreaks had a heavy toll, infecting more than 16,000 people.
  4. Seasonal rains turn into destructive flash floods. By April 2020, the seasonal Gu’ rains, which last from April through June, flooded more than 27 districts and caused the Shabelle and Juba Rivers to overflow. The floods affected close to 1.2 million people and displaced 436,000. While the Gu’ rains are expected — and are often a respite from the long-lasting droughts — they are often destructive. In the Doolow district alone, floods destroyed 1,200 farms and 12,000 hectares of farmland. This kind of rainfall does not help Somalia against its drought, but instead overwhelms communities and causes even more destruction.

With upcoming elections, Somalia has an opportunity to take a step forward into peace and stability. While the locust swarms, drought and floods threaten to undermine Somalia’s future, a stronger government will be able to slow conflict and bring security back, allowing for better management of resources to prevent hunger in Somalia from continuing.

– Zoe Padelopoulos
Photo: Flickr

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Homelessness in Vietnam

homelessness in vietnamWhile the nation of Vietnam has long struggled with poverty, homelessness in Vietnam has been successfully reduced by the government during a period of five years ranging from 2003 to 2008. These efforts have reduced the number of street children by 62%. This accomplishment is partly due to the fact that Vietnam has been aggressively fighting poverty for years. Every year since 2012, the percentage of people who live in poverty has lowered by a range of 4.6% to 6.9%. This effectively cut the percentage of people living in extreme poverty since 2012 in half. This is due largely to the fact that Vietnam has been experiencing massive economic growth in the last decade. In addition, it has been shifting to a market-based economy with a socialistic orientation.

Millions Have Been Lifted Out of Poverty

The country has experienced significant improvement with regards to government openness and transparency, as well as education and human development. Inward investments and focusing on increasing exports have been one of the drivers of this prosperity as well as a focus on reducing poverty in the country. Overall, 30 million people have been lifted out of poverty since 1992. According to a report by the IMF, the government has been investing in housing, education and infrastructure for its vulnerable population, especially ethnic minorities and those who live in remote areas. All of this has contributed to the small percentages of homelessness in Vietnam.

There Are Still Some Challenges

While the numbers are improving for Vietnamese-born homeless children, the population of migrant children is on the rise. It is estimated, in 2006, that the number of these children was around 23,000. Migrant children, according to some reports, are coming from rural areas in Vietnam. They represent a new social phenomenon in Vietnamese society. Many of these children are homeless and their parents use them to generate income. Many of them don’t have identification or any personal papers and are very vulnerable to labor exploitation by those who employ them. Those children cannot attend university or go to the hospital. Sadly, homelessness in Vietnam often exposes them to other risks such as sexual abuse and even certain diseases.

Thankfully, there are those who are working on solutions to tackle homelessness in Vietnam. They are specifically tackling the problem of street children. Do Duy Vi, the Chief Outreach Officer of Blue Dragon Children Foundation, himself used to be a child of the streets. Today he works as a social worker trying to get children off the streets by guiding them to walk the same path he did. He offers them a similar opportunity that he was offered. He helps street children become outreach workers for the Australian funded foundation. During the period of July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, the foundation rescued 116 children off the streets and connected 62 of them with their families. It also represented 52 children in child protection cases and provided 107 human trafficking survivors with emergency accommodations. Part of the organization’s job also includes working with government authorities. As such, they helped the 694 government officials become more skilled in countering violations of child rights and trafficking. These are just some of the signs of hope for the destitute in this country.

More Needs To Be Done

It has been reported that 400 organizations and NGOs are helping 15,000 children living in extremely difficult situations. More needs to be done in terms of spreading awareness about the problem and explaining child protection laws that protect youngsters in Vietnam from being exploited for profit.

– Mustafa Ali
Photo: Flickr

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Homelessness in the Virgin Islands: 5 Things to Know

homelessness in the virgin islandsIn many vacation hotspots, it’s easy to overlook the undeniable poverty, and this includes locations such as the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 2018, approximately 500 individuals were homeless. This may seem like a small number, but the population of the Virgin Islands is minimal, only 100,000 people. It’s time to shed some light on the struggles of the people who are easily overlooked by the beautiful beaches of the Virgin Islands. Here are five facts about homelessness in the Virgin Islands.

5 Facts About Homelessness in the Virgin Islands

  1. Homelessness in Families: Homelessness in the Virgin Islands is seen in families, which directly affects children and their growth. To help low-income families, the Housing Choice Voucher Program, or Section 8, was created. However, it has faced a $3 million reduction causing 26 families to lose housing and government help. Moreover, “for every $1 million dollars cut from the program … 111 families could lose housing.”
  2. Homelessness in Children: Those who are 0-17 years old are in the age range leading homelessness in the Virgin Islands. These children are considered “youths without parents or unaccompanied youths” and these numbers are growing.
  3. Demographics: There are certain groups that are being directly affected by this homelessness, as shown above by the large number of homeless children. Other groups include Black citizens and men. Black citizens made up 90% of the homeless population in 2017. The majority of the homeless population, 96%, is comprised of men. Another group being directly targeted is those who struggle with mental illness or drug dependence.
  4. Economics: The Virgin Islands heavily rely on tourism to boost the economy and to help the average person’s income. Therefore, during off-seasons for travel, most have to pick up other jobs to stay afloat to prevent money from becoming tight. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, travel has been limited, creating more financially unstable families and individuals. The off-season for travel and COVID-19 greatly affects homelessness and the financial standing of persons in the Virgin Islands.
  5. Lack of Action: Most records of homelessness in the Virgin Islands were taken in 2017 or 2018. The most recent record of homelessness was taken in early 2020, showing that the issue has not gone away. In 2020, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. proposed major reforms to the mental health treatment systems in the Virgin Islands. However, the bill has yet to be passed due to a lack of attention in Congress.

Governor Bryan has submitted legislation in order to put an end to the chronic homelessness faced by the citizens of these islands, however, is has been greatly overlooked by Congress. To help the issue of homelessness in the Virgin Islands, constituents should email or call their representatives and senators.

A non-governmental organization that has worked to help the issue of homelessness among youth is the Jermain Defoe Foundation created by English football player Jermain Defoe. It strives to help youth who are poor or are suffering from illness or abuse. This organization was founded because of the lack of attention that was brought to the issues of homelessness and poverty faced by children. It has provided funding and support for the Holy Family Children’s Home, raised funds to build the Rainbow Children’s Home and opened a football academy — all in the Virgin Islands.

– Samira Akbary
Photo: Flickr

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Homelessness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Homelessness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a country roughly three times the size of Texas, rich in fertile land, minerals, precious metals and potential for green energy initiatives. Despite this, approximately 72% of Congolese people live in extreme poverty. Located in central Africa, the DRC has experienced decades of dictatorship and civil war after gaining its independence.

The DRC enjoyed a brief respite from tension when its civil war ended in 2003, and in 2019, the nation saw its first peaceful transfer of power since independence. Though these developments are promising, many of the nearly 90 million people who call DRC home do not consistently have a home. Here are some facts about homelessness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that are worth knowing.

Understanding Homelessness and Displacement

Homelessness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is better understood in terms of displacement. While displaced people may actually have had resources to build a home, they have been forced to move repeatedly, usually suddenly, because of violence or disaster. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre estimates that more than five million people are currently internally displaced in the DRC, making up one-tenth of the entire world’s internally displaced people. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is second only to Syria in terms of the magnitude of its displacement crisis.

Several factors overlap to contribute to homelessness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Violence by armed groups, ethnic conflicts, natural disasters, joblessness and scarcity of accessible resources all play a significant role in displacement. Any of the more than 120 armed groups operating in the region may clash with one another or the military because of political tensions or illegal mining operations. On the other hand, natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, fires, floods and landslides may combine with these conflicts to cause homelessness.

A significant number of the DRC’s homeless people are refugees from other countries. While Congolese people often leave the DRC for other countries, about half a million displaced people in the DRC are actually foreign refugees themselves. They come mainly from Burundi, Rwanda and the Central African Republic. Many of these refugees have fled disaster, violence or instability in their own home countries. Because of this, patterns of displacement are complex, ever-changing and challenging to track.

Homelessness Among Children

Families are especially impacted by these incessant conflicts, and the instability takes a toll on children. Farming families miss planting and harvesting times due to drought or forced flight from their homes. Other displaced people may be exploited for prostitution or child labor. Similarly, some children whose parents die live unattended in the streets. In the capital of Kinshasa alone, there are about 30,000 “street children” who are at risk for assault and exploitation every day.

To combat these obstacles, between 2015 and 2017, the Danish Refugee Council helped 26,000 school-aged Congolese children return to school and trained over 1,000 teachers and volunteers. The organization has also partnered with UNICEF, UNHCR and other NGOs to provide basic necessities to households, as well as counseling services to children who have experienced trauma.

Organizations Making a Difference

Aid organizations, nongovernmental organizations and intergovernmental organizations do not always have adequate funding and capacity to protect people from homelessness. Without assistance, homeless people may stay with relatives or a host family; those without that option may resort to living in settlements made up of makeshift structures. Others find shelter in more secure displacement camps, such as UNHCR’s South Ubangi Mole refugee camp in northwestern DRC, which has 15,000 inhabitants.

However, none of these situations is totally secure; armed individuals occasionally pass security checkpoints to assault inhabitants of displacement camps. Limited funding, close living conditions and insufficient sanitation do not allow residents of camps to protect themselves. This makes it easier for communicable illnesses like cholera, Ebola and COVID-19 to spread.

Humanitarian aid organizations and data-gathering agencies, along with local volunteers, lead the charge in helping track and mitigate homelessness and its effects. It is no small task to accurately measure the extent of displacement. The DRC’s massive size, porous borders and challenging geography all add to the challenge of this job.

Although the Congolese government does not have its own mechanism for tracking internal displacement, outside organizations present in the DRC have developed tools to assist. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre uses the latest technology to compile information from organizations and locals to provide an accurate picture of displacement in the region. Its tools bring together research, real-time reports and satellite imaging to assess where the greatest needs currently are. Some other organizations also assisting displaced people in the DRC are USAID and Amnesty International.

Hope for the Homeless

Though the DRC may still have miles to go, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee recently introduced H. Res 531 and H.R. 1191, a simple resolution and bill, respectively, which are aimed at protecting Congolese children. These measures, along with other existing laws, could help create more accountability for foreign entities who allow exploitation and violence that contribute to displacement and homelessness.

At a recent security council meeting, Leila Zerrougui, Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) commended President Tshikesedi’s “reform agenda and improved relations with neighboring countries” as evidence of improvement in the DRC. President Tshikesedi himself seemed optimistic during these talks; he reiterated the gains he has made in securing the country since his election in 2019 and renewing his commitment to securing a brighter future for his people.

– Andrea Kruger
Photo: Flickr

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7 Realities of Homelessness in Pakistan

Pakistan is located in South Asia and controls part of Kashmir. The nation was first founded in 1947 during the partition of India, leading to lasting tensions between the two countries. Due to an ethnic civil war in 1971, East Pakistan became the country of Bangladesh. Today, Pakistan is one of the most populated countries worldwide. It has a robust reputation, as well as cultural and religious history. The nation relies on many natural resources for economic growth. These include minerals and oils, as well as traditional textiles that are known worldwide. Even with natural resources, there is rising homelessness in the country. Here are seven realities of homelessness in Pakistan.

7 Realities of Homelessness in Pakistan

  1. Pakistan is one of the top seven most populous countries: Currently, Pakistan is estimated to have a population of 220 million. With a growing population, the nation faces limitations to shelters and standards of living. The gap between those who are homeless and those living well off in urbanized areas only seems to be increasing. Researchers categorize 20 million people as being homeless in Pakistan. Statistics show that 35% of the total population live under the poverty line, while many barely stay above the poverty line. The conditions of homelessness in Pakistan disproportionately affect women and children because of malnutrition, healthcare and access to education.
  2. Homelessness in Pakistan disproportionately affects women and children: Of the population that is without stable shelter, women and children are the most affected. While living in temporary housing and slums, the homeless population is not receiving proper nutritious food. This leads to health issues, especially for young children who don’t have access to proper healthcare. Additionally, women and children aren’t going to school because they spend their day finding short term work, protecting their shelter and selling goods on the street.
  3. Natural disasters have a lasting effect: Over the past two decades, Pakistan has felt the effects of multiple natural disasters, from the lasting effects of an earthquake to yearly flooding. In 2005, northern Pakistan was dealing with the aftermath of a 7.6 magnitude earthquake, leaving 3.5 million people homeless, generating severe damage to the whole region. Even with the government’s help, many of those affected by the earthquake were left searching for employment and moving into temporary shelters/slums. Additionally, in 2010 Punjab felt the devastating effects of flooding that displaced at least 10 million people. Following the 2010 natural disaster UNCHR was quick to provide relief via materials for tents, food, etc. The region is still recovering from the damage and experiencing floods yearly. Damages from the floods sweep away temporary shelters, slums and require those without a home to constantly relocate.
  4. Multidimensional poverty is a factor for homelessness in Pakistan: In 2016, an official report by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform was released on multidimensional poverty being a factor in the poverty index, concluding that 39% of Pakistanis are living in multidimensional poverty. The percent has decreased over the past decade, but the progress is disproportionately effective from urban to rural regions. This index pertains to not only income and wealth but includes healthcare, education, living standards, etc. The report creates a path to understand how those in poverty may remain under the poverty line or become homeless due to outside factors. By creating these index factors, the government plans to help determine where the need lies for improvement throughout Pakistan.
  5. Imran Khan’s initiative for shelter homes: The current prime minister of the country had led his campaign on bettering situations for those under the poverty line and creating adequate housing situations for those suffering from homelessness in Pakistan. The goal of his initiative ‘Panagah’ (shelter homes) is to create shelter for the homeless and those in poverty across the country. The initiative is still underway, with multiple shelters that have been built or bought. His plan describes a five-year timeline and the initiative was first accepted in 2018. But many regions are waiting for those promised accommodations for the homeless population to reach their regions of Pakistan.
  6. FINCA international organization: FINCA is a nonprofit organization that is headquartered in the USA. The organization works on market-based solutions for people who are homeless or living in poverty internationally. Its work to uplift communities is prevalent in countries such as Pakistan with solutions provided from three categories: microfinance, social enterprise and research. As of recently, the organization has given small loans and savings accounts for 1,128,248 homeless/poverty clients to successfully create financial stability with reasonable and successful planning. Introduced to Pakistan in 2017, a mobile money platform called “SimSim” is an impactful tool for change. It allows quicker depositing, transfer and organization of money for those creating stable work for themselves. It has also provided donations to The Institute of Public Health in Punjab to help diagnose and combat COVID-19 via kits in poor communities. FINCA can be found in South Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Eurasia. The organization works to aid families to become educated and create self-sustaining work for themselves and their communities.
  7. Save the Children: Save the Children is an international nonprofit organization that focuses on providing a healthy start and opportunity in life for vulnerable children. In Pakistan, the group supported children who were displaced during the natural disasters and conflicts of 2005 to 2010. The nonprofit’s goal is to provide shelter kits, food, education and medical aid to children for over 30 years. It works with local authorities to rebuild communities of poverty. Save the Children has rebuilt 102 schools and 181 temporary learning centers in Pakistan. The nonprofit also protects and supports the basic needs of over 600,000 children.

Even with an abundance of natural resources, Pakistan still suffers from a large homeless population. The country is working to better their living standards. Natural disasters and the poverty index are key to understanding the factors involved in the displacement of families living in poverty. These seven realities of homelessness in Pakistan bring context to the issue. They also highlight where the country and organizations are putting forth efforts for change.

– Sumeet Waraich
Photo: Flickr

Homelessness in Myanmar

Myanmar
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a diverse nation in Southeast Asia with more than 100 different ethnic groups in its population of 53 million. The nation has recently been liberated from an oppressive military junta that ruled the country from 1962 to 2011. Myanmar’s first democratic election in 2015 marked a critical turning point for the country. Amid this historic transition, Myanmar has multiple ongoing conflicts, and the country struggles with economic mismanagement. This unrest and financial difficulties may hinder the country’s development and leave a large proportion of the population in poverty, contributing to homelessness.

Homelessness in Myanmar

Even though poverty has declined substantially in Myanmar, about a quarter of Myanmar’s population still lives in poverty, and many among them are at risk of going homeless. According to the government’s 2014 census survey on population and housing, the number of people living in collective quarters or experiencing homelessness in Myanmar nears one million, or about two percent of the population at the time of the survey. Aside from the one million homeless people living in unstable living situations, there are 2.85 million others who have housing but whose living conditions are poor and whose units are built of easily damaged materials.

Fueled by Economic Growth

Since the country’s independence, Myanmar is attracting foreign investments that are transforming the country. However, the rush of investments has inadvertently fueled the property boom in commercial hubs like Yangon, raising the rents and causing increased homelessness. In 2014, the land prices had risen by 50 percent, and residential tenants had to pay up to 60 percent more rent compared to just two years prior. As the rent increases, many families are losing their homes and have to live on the streets. A new housing development created by the government also caused many people living on the outskirts of town to be forcibly evicted in 2014. Some of the affected households accepted the relocation deals, while many others rebuilt makeshift huts in areas nearby and live in anxiety of another eviction.

Displaced by Natural Disasters

Myanmar is one of the most vulnerable countries to frequent natural disasters, including cyclones, earthquakes, flooding, and landslides. These disasters are accompanied by high social costs that significantly affect the poor and the most vulnerable population. In June 2018, a torrential rainfall left up to 7,400 people in Myanmar’s southern state homeless. The flood destroyed pagodas, houses, schools, and other public infrastructures that created $474,000 in damages. Later in August 2018, landslides and flood water damaged at least 100,000 acres of farmland and washed away the homes of as many as 140,000 people in southeastern Myanmar. Floods caused by monsoon rains hit Myanmar annually, and the damages these natural disasters cause are devastating. In 2015, Myanmar experienced its most destructive floods that ruined 15,000 homes and displaced upwards of 1.7 million people.

Government Efforts

The chief minister of the Yangon region promised to accommodate the homeless population in Myanmar by establishing a housing board modeled after Singapore’s successful Housing and Development Board. The plan includes developing low-cost housing projects and aims to sell apartments to people in Yangon for monthly installments for a period of 20 to 25 years. The government is also receiving support from different international organizations to enhance its capacity to respond to natural disasters that displace thousands of families annually. In 2017, the World Bank approved the Myanmar Southeast Asia Disaster Risk Management Project that will contribute $116 million in financing efforts that reduce the impact of natural disasters, increase the resilience of facilities, and enhance the government’s capacity to respond to emergencies across the country.

In addition to governmental efforts, many international NGOs are becoming increasingly active in Myanmar to provide emergency relief and support the country’s long-term development. Plan Myanmar is one of many organizations that is working to raise awareness of disaster risks in communities to enhance their preparedness and capacity to respond to disasters through education. The organization works to integrate Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into the education system, and it is currently working with 96 schools in Myanmar to introduce DRR activities to help children as well as adults to better prepare for the inevitable natural disasters.

The industrialization that comes with the development of the country as well as annual disasters, both natural and man-made, are exacerbating the issue of homelessness in Myanmar. With the help of the international community, the government is making efforts to relieve the issue. Myanmar is developing more low-cost housing and enhancing its capacity to respond to natural disasters in order to address homelessness.

– Minh-Ha La
Photo: Flickr

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5 Facts About Hunger in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has a population of more than 11 million. Hunger remains a pressing issue for many in this region, as the country ranks 46th on the Global Hunger Index. The COVID-19 outbreak exacerbated the situation, with the number of people living with food insecurity reaching 1.5 million.

5 Facts About Hunger in the Dominican Republic

  1. Percentage of the population suffering from poverty – Around 2.5 million people in the Dominican Republic suffer from poverty. This results in a national poverty rate of 22.8%, which is relatively high for upper-middle-income countries. Out of this population, 3% live in extreme poverty, and poverty is directly linked to hunger. While poverty has decreased in recent years, more efforts are needed to address this issue.
  2. Effects on children – The limited access to nutrient-diverse food that some families experience in the Dominican Republic has affected children in the form of anemia and malnutrition. Almost a third of children under 5 are suffering from anemia, while over 7% of children are currently experiencing malnutrition. The most common type of anemia is Iron Deficiency Anemia, which is caused by a shortage of iron in the body, according to the Mayo Clinic. This type of anemia is often caused by a diet lacking iron-rich foods. While the rate of children with anemia is still high, the World Food Programme and the government of the Dominican Republic have been able to drastically reduce this rate in the last few years. 
  3. High risk of natural disasters – The Germanwatch Climate Risk Index ranks the country 12th in vulnerability to climate disasters. From 1980 to 2008, almost a quarter of the population was affected by natural disasters. In the latter part of 2023, thousands of people were displaced in the Dominican Republic due to floods and landslides, leading to increased hunger and poverty as the livelihoods of many were affected. The country needs more focused approaches to develop plans for combating the effects of natural disasters. This is important not only to reduce hunger and poverty but also to improve the country’s economy.  
  4. Helping through education – While hunger in the Dominican Republic is a serious issue, numerous organizations are working to help solve it. For example, Food for the Hungry sponsors children through donations to ensure they have enough to eat. The organization is also working to reduce disparities by improving the quality of education and providing equal opportunities for all. The newly launched transformative program, Edulabs, aims to provide quality technological education and skills to 90,000 marginalized youth and adults. Food for the Hungry aims to reduce poverty and hunger in the country through such initiatives. 
  5. Fostering self-reliance – Food for the Poor is dedicated to fighting hunger and poverty. It provides essential aid such as food supplies, financial assistance for housing, education, and sustainable income sources. Additionally, it offers resources and training to help individuals establish small businesses. This helps foster self-reliance and builds resilience in the community. 

Final Remarks

Addressing hunger in the Dominican Republic requires focused humanitarian efforts. While hunger has long been a challenge, history has demonstrated that it can be alleviated through targeted action. The impact of hunger is particularly severe on the region’s children, who are most vulnerable to the effects of malnutrition. By prioritizing the issue of hunger and malnutrition today, we can pave the way for a more promising future for the Dominican Republic in the post-COVID-19 era.

– Sophia Gardner
Photo: Flickr
Updated: September 27, 2024

Sustainable IMTA Shrimp Farms in Bangladesh

IMTA Shrimp Farms in Bangladesh
Shrimp farming plays an essential role in Bangladeshi livelihoods, food security and international trade. Prior to the 1970s, Bangladeshi shrimpers typically farmed in inland ponds formed by trapped tidal waters. These ponds only require minimal or no feed, fertilizer, or other inputs. Instead, they rely on the natural ecosystem for shrimp production, but they produce limited output. The expansion of shrimp farming for maximum output has had several environmental and economic consequences, but there exist options for a sustainable future.

Expansion of Shrimp Farming

In the 1970s, international market demand for shrimp grew during the “Blue Revolution,” wherein cheap and vacuum-sealed fish appeared in the freezer aisles of grocery stores around the world. The potential for high profits led to the rapid expansion of commercial shrimp farming in Bangladesh. Today, shrimp production is a major contributor to Bangladeshi fisheries and aquaculture, which both comprise about 3.65% of the nation’s GDP.  Approximately 14.7 million people depend on Bangladeshi fisheries and aquaculture for full- or part-time employment. They also provide about 60% of the animal protein in the average Bangladeshi’s diet.

Shrimp farming has the potential to combat poverty, malnutrition, hunger and job insecurity among the growing population in Bangladesh, but poor shrimp farm management comes with consequences.  In its current state, the long-term effects of shrimp farming may pose more problems in Bangladesh than it can resolve.

Consequences

The rapid expansion of shrimp farming has had adverse environmental, economic and social effects in Bangladesh. Poor placement of farming systems can lead to saltwater intrusion in groundwater, deforestation and loss of mangrove forests, all of which result in changes in local water systems and the deterioration of soil and water quality. This in turn threatens biodiversity, crop production, supplies of potable water and critical cooking fuel. The environmental effects of high-intensity shrimp farming in Bangladesh threaten human health and survival tools, particularly among those living in rural coastal areas who have limited access to alternative livelihoods. This conflict creates social imbalance and contributes to criminal activity in the Bangladeshi coastal regions.

In the long term, Bangladeshi shrimp farming poses economic costs including unemployment and loss of natural resources. These may outweigh the economic benefits of Bangladeshi shrimp production.

Solution for a Sustainable Future

To combat the environmental, social and economic consequences of high-intensity shrimp farming, some Bangladeshi shrimp farmers are turning to integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems. IMTA relies on natural processes to cultivate aquatic organisms at multiple trophic levels within the same farming system. Organisms within the system, including finfish, shellfish and seaweeds, interact to recycle and reuse nutrients. IMTA requires minimal external inputs and simulates natural ecosystem processes, much like shrimp farming systems prior to the 1970s Blue Revolution.

If properly executed, IMTA shrimp farms in Bangladesh can produce multiple marketable seafood products, increase organism survival rate, increase biomass yield and reduce harmful nutrient concentrations in water. IMTA systems promote biodiversity by valuing production at multiple trophic levels. They relocate Bangladeshi shrimp farms from threatened mangrove forests to open-water environments like coastal rivers and estuaries. This discourages intensive, environmentally degrading shrimp farming practices, and the regrowth of mangrove forests contributes to carbon capture. All of these processes increase ecosystem resiliency, which bolsters the long-term sustainability of IMTA shrimp farms in Bangladesh.

In 1998, Bangladesh adopted a National Fisheries Policy. The policy recognizes the detrimental effects that shrimp farming has on the nation, and it seeks to optimize fishery resource use in order to encourage economic growth, feed the population, alleviate poverty and protect human and environmental health.  Widespread adoption of IMTA shrimp farms could be another step in the right direction for sustainable aquaculture in Bangladesh.

– Avery Saklad
Photo: FLickr

Addressing the Venezuelan Crisis

venezuelan crisisVenezuela is currently facing a political and economic crisis. Along with severe economic factors such as food shortages, lowered oil production and inflation, there are also two men who claim to be president. Socialist leader Nicolás Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaidó both claim to be president after widely recognized fraudulent elections in 2018. While Venezuela struggles with choosing its president, the country is falling apart. Thankfully, one NGO is working to help people impacted by the Venezuelan crisis.

A Political Crisis

The 2018 election caused confusion and turmoil in Venezuela. Nicolás Maduro was elected after the death of his socialist predecessor, Hugo Chávez. Many Venezuelans blamed Maduro for the struggling economy since he was first elected in April 2013. To ensure his reelection in 2018, Maduro’s administration blocked many opposition party members from running against him. Some went to jail or into exile. The opposition as well as the people regarded the election as fraudulent and rigged.

After the election, the National Assembly claimed that the presidency was void. National Assembly leader Juan Guaidó appointed himself acting president. In response, Maduro created a new National Constituent Assembly with only government loyalists as members. The military and police still support president Maduro and continue to do so as he grants them raises and grants top members important roles in the economy. However, around 50 countries, including the U.S., recognize Guaidó as the acting president.

Economic Crises

Throughout the history of Venezuela, oil production has been central in the economy.  Oil exports make up 95% of Venezuela’s export revenue and 50% of its GDP. However, within the past two decades, oil production has steadily dropped. Venezuela’s GDP decreased by double digits for the third year in a row in 2018, reaching its new low. This has led to hyperinflation, which is now more than 80,000% annually. Many people blame Maduro for the drop in production due to his appointment of inexperienced leaders and his lack of investment in the industry. Importantly, the drop in oil production has led to decreased funding for education, infrastructure and medical care. Along with hyperinflation, these factors have created hardship for the working class.

Not only did oil production drop during Maduro’s first term, but he also tried to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor by capping prices on goods to make them more affordable to the working class. This policy backfired, as many companies ceased production because of lack of profit. This resulted in food and goods shortages across the country, leading to 3.7 million Venezuelans being undernourished. As a result of this and the lack of adequate healthcare, water and education, many Venezuelans are fleeing the country. According to the U.N., 3.9 million people have left Venezuela to seek a better life.

Helping Those Impacted by the Venezuelan Crisis

The South American Initiative, founded in 2016, is a NGO addressing the Venezuelan crisis. It helps by providing resources for the impoverished and starving people of Venezuela. This initiative has held major campaigns, such as the “Help Venezuelan Orphans” and “Help Hospitals and Children” campaigns. In all, it has helped more than 10,000 people. In order to provide a stable and lasting food source for hospitals and children, the South American Initiative has invested in large agricultural development. This has allowed the organization to distribute 70,786 meals to people in need. The South American Initiative has also utilized donations to provide medicine to those who need it in Venezuela.

The Venezuelan crisis is not only an economic issue but also a humanitarian issue, as people face unlivable conditions. Neither Venezuelan leader has the means to provide for people’s healthcare, food, water and education. This makes the work of organizations like the South American Initiative central in addressing the needs of those affected by the Venezuelan crisis.

– Samira Akbary
Photo: Flickr

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The Current State of Hunger in Honduras

Hunger in Honduras
Located in the Northern Triangle, Honduras is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. In 2023, 64.1% of the country’s population was reported to be multi-dimensionally poor – a staggering rate higher than that reported during the pandemic. As such, millions of Hondurans are currently suffering from food insecurity and are in vital need of humanitarian aid. Fortunately, organizations such as the World Food Programme have developed several initiatives designed to successfully mitigate hunger in lasting, impactful ways.

Food Insecurity

High poverty rates directly contribute to the persistence of hunger in Honduras. An estimated 1.8 million Hondurans experienced acute food insecurity between December 2023 and February 2024. This rate is expected to worsen in the coming months in line with the seasonal hunger period, capturing a projected 1.9 million people by the end of 2024.

Malnutrition, particularly among children, is an indisputable consequence of the prevalence of food insecurity. According to the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI), approximately 20.4% of the population in Honduras were reported to be malnourished. Around 18.7% of children under 5 show signs of stunted growth, which is higher than the average for the Latin American and Caribbean region. 

Child malnutrition disproportionately affects young and adolescent girls. With a birth rate of 101 births for every 1,000 girls between the ages of 15 and 19, Honduras has one of the highest rates of adolescent pregnancy in Central America. Malnutrition in childhood and pregnancy has numerous health-related repercussions for infants, such as low birth weight. Despite these risks, Honduras has made no progress towards alleviating this issue – today, over 10.9% of the country’s infants are underweight at birth.

Climate Change

Climate change is one of the main drivers of food insecurity in Honduras. The southern and western regions of the country – commonly referred to as the Dry Corridor – are especially vulnerable to climate-related hazards such as tropical storms, hurricanes, droughts and landslides. These predominantly rural areas are at high risk of environmental degradation yet are home to a large population of smallholder farmers who are responsible for sustaining the food supply in their respective areas. Located in northwest Honduras, the Indigenous Tolupan community is especially struggling to produce adequate harvests due to their region’s susceptibility to droughts. In 2023, crop failures for staple foods created significant disruptions to agricultural output. With 93% of the Tolupan people barely able to cover the costs of the basic food basket, many have been forced to migrate to other countries in an effort to seek affordable and accessible sustenance. 

Historically, variations in rainfall and extreme weather events have severely impacted crop yields in Honduras and have resulted in damage to crucial infrastructure. However, without impactful strategies to strengthen the country’s resilience to climate change, the scale of destruction to the agricultural sector is expected to increase over time. According to the International Trade Administration, Honduras’s annual mean temperature is projected to increase by a maximum of 2.5 degrees Celsius by 2050. Agriculture-related losses that are predicted to accompany this increase include crop disease, a reduction in arable land and overall decreased crop quality. 

Mitigating Hunger: World Food Programme (WFP)

Today, one of the most active humanitarian organizations focusing on mitigating hunger in Honduras is the World Food Programme. In 2023, WFP provided direct food-related assistance to 1.3 million Hondurans, 53% of whom were women. Working with the state, the organization has introduced several initiatives designed to eradicate the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition, including the approval of parametric microinsurance for subsistence and smallholder farmers and cash-based transfers (CBT) to Indigenous and Afro-descendant groups. In an effort to improve agricultural production for rural communities, WFP has also connected smallholder farmer organizations to procurement opportunities in the public and private sectors, strengthening their connections with local markets. 

Looking ahead, WFP intends to maximize its relationship with the Government of Honduras in developing more diverse and resilient food systems. The organization’s Country Strategic Plan of 2023 emphasizes the need to engage national and local partners in building a support system for all Hondurans to be able to access vital care and resources. In recognition of the country’s vulnerability to climate change, WFP will continue to provide farmers in the Dry Corridor with conditional transfers and technical assistance to increase and diversify their produce, promoting long-term resilience and adaptation.

Moving Forward

Honduras currently faces numerous challenges to human development. Factors such as climate variability perpetually create risks to the country’s agricultural productivity, resulting in the marginalization of groups such as Indigenous peoples. However, organizations such as the World Food Programme are  striving to improve these conditions by providing monetary and resource-based assistance to those in need. Moving forward, it is essential that WFP and the government of Honduras continue to make food security a priority, contributing to more resilient and prosperous communities in the years to come.

– Zoe Chao, Moon Jung Kim
Photo: Flickr

Updated: October 22, 2024