Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Tackling Poverty with Youth-Led Solutions in Asia and the Pacific

Youth-led Solutions in AsiaInternational Youth Day was celebrated on August 12, 2025 under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” highlighting youth’s role in translating global ambitions to local impacts. As innovators, deeply tied to their communities, youth are essential for progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by all United Nations (UN) Member States in 2015 to eradicate poverty (SDG 1) by weaving the environmental, economic and social dimensions of development together. With more than 65% of SDG targets linked to local governance, SDG localization is imperative to progress and requires meaningful youth engagement. With only 16 of the 117 measurable SDG targets in the Asia-Pacific region being on track for achievement by the target year of 2030, bold society-wide actions are essential and youth are providing. Here is some information about the youth-led solutions in Asia and the Pacific and why they are essential.

Poverty in Asia and the Pacific

Poverty reduction, however, has been a bright spot. Eradicating extreme poverty and halving the number of people living in all dimensions of poverty has exceeded the progress necessary to meet their correlating SDG targets by 2030. For example, between 1990 and 2019, the prevalence of extreme poverty in developing Asia fell from 58% to 5% and there has been progress on reducing multidimensional poverty. Thailand, for one, halved its multidimensional poverty between 2012-2019, making it one of 25 countries to do so within 15 years. However, the picture is not perfect. The COVID-19 pandemic set progress back and poverty still impacts millions.

According to the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index 2024, more than 400 million multidimensionally poor people lived in South Asia alone, many of them being children and youth. Meanwhile, unequal development persists as “benefits often bypass vulnerable groups, with intersecting factors like age, gender, education, location and wealth,” according to the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. The region’s poor also feel the impacts of development challenges more acutely, such as pollution, emergencies and digital divides.

What are Youth Doing?

By 2030, the Asia-Pacific region will be home to approximately 725 million youth ages 15-24. However, youth are not just a number: they are 725 million futures and limitless ideas and hopes. While progress on sustainable development remains elusive, youth are not waiting for older generations to act. Across the region, youth are advancing ambitious and innovative solutions addressing issues in their communities that tackle poverty and its associated challenges.

For example, Ecolery—a youth-led enterprise from Bangladesh and winners of the 2025 Generation Hope Goals contest—are working to replace single-use plastic with edible and biodegradable alternatives. While plastic factors into many economic activities, plastic pollution is also a scourge for low-and-middle income countries and reducing this pollution is a priority for many regional youth.

Meanwhile, other youth-led enterprises are also tackling important issues. In Pakistan, Ecostove seeks to provide low-income households with clean stoves, preserving human health and reducing deforestation. In Malaysia, HF Grocer aims to reduce rural poverty by working closely with farmers, food producers and other stakeholders to provide a marketplace for locally and sustainably grown produce.

As digital natives, youth are also blending innovation with inclusivity and digital technology. For instance, The Noe San—a UN Women 30 for 2030 regional youth changemaker—founded Modus Operandi, a digital financial solution provider that empowers underbanked businesses and communities in developing countries by easing and optimizing business transactions.

Finally, 20% of Asia-Pacific people aged 15-24 were not in education, employment and training in 2023. However, youth-led Skillistan is dedicated to empowering Pakistani youth with essential skills to thrive in a modern world and tap into the growing potential for green and sustainable jobs.

Looking Ahead

Looking forward, it is important to recognize the youth-led solutions in Asia and the Pacific, as well as the many barriers they face to play a greater role. Some important recommendations can be found in Action 34 of the Pact for the Future, which world leaders adopted in 2024, that calls for investing in the knowledge, skills and capabilities that youth need to thrive in a rapidly changing world and supporting youth entrepreneurship and innovation because, even with skills and motivation, many young people still find it difficult to get ahead.

– Christian Mortelliti
Photo: Unsplash

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Fighting Poverty With Vibe Teaming: Five Tools, One Mission

Vibe TeamingThe International Poverty Line (IPL) gauges the number of people living in extreme poverty worldwide, on less than $3 a day. Despite constant efforts in recent decades by the United Nations (U.N.) and numerous countries to diminish extreme poverty, around 808 million people—roughly 10% of the world population—still live below the IPL.

Between 1990 and 2015, extreme poverty rates dropped from 43.6% to 13.3% worldwide. However, progress has become relatively stagnant in the past 10 years as extreme poverty continues to ravage low-and low-middle-income countries globally. Poverty-fighting organizations and governments have focused on innovative solutions to build on the progress seen in past decades.

Vibe Teaming

With the help of Artificial Intelligence, the Brookings Institution has developed a comprehensive blueprint for eradicating extreme poverty. According to the Institution, the “Vibe teaming” model applies proven poverty reduction strategies within a modern, scalable framework that can be used worldwide to fight extreme poverty.

The Vibe teaming blueprint features five poverty reduction programs that have already improved living standards where implemented. These include: global scale-ups of unconditional digital transfers, resilient Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZs), community-delivered employment guarantees, nutrition and vaccine top-ups in fragile settings and enterprise enablement grants.

Below is a deep dive into a few highlighted strategies and how they will be implemented and funded according to the Vibe-Teaming framework.

Scale-Ups of Unconditional Digital Transfers

Unconditional digital cash transfers are the principal aspect of the Vibe teaming blueprint. It accounts for 40% of the projected $300-400 billion investment to fund the five strategies. However, this is for good reason; offering unconditional cash transfers has caused substantial improvements in the standard of living across multiple countries.

For example, a study in Kenya illustrated that one-time $1,000 cash transfers to families reduced infant deaths by 48%. The transfers allowed Kenyan women to afford prenatal care and avoid overworking themselves late in pregnancy. It also improved the health of both infants and their mothers.

ROZs

ROZs are development projects that provide investment and aid to impoverished rural areas through government implementation. ROZ accounts for 20% of the total Vibe teaming blueprint investment estimation. These would be funded primarily through Multilateral Development Banks and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

In early 1984, a ROZ project began in Niger’s Keita region, which focused on expanding the amount of arable land and strengthening infrastructure. By 2003, Keita saw 34,483 hectares of agricultural land reclamation, 18 million trees planted, 708 wells excavated and 28,000 square meters of rural buildings erected. These improvements allowed for the production of more cash crops and product diversification.

Community-Delivered Employment Guarantees

Community-delivered employment guarantees focus on implementing locally administered public works projects. This creates a demand for unskilled manual laborers, which can help to lower unemployment rates in impoverished areas. Employment guarantees represent 15% of the overall investment under the Vibe teaming framework.

In 2005, the Government of India passed the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). MGNREGA guaranteed work for adult members of rural households who could perform manual labor. By 2025, MGNREGA had surpassed its goal of providing 10 million work days to rural laborers, delivering 11.8 million days instead.

Despite stalled progress in recent years, innovative and scalable strategies like those outlined in the Vibe teaming blueprint offer renewed hope in the global fight against extreme poverty. By combining proven interventions—such as unconditional digital cash transfers, ROZs and community-delivered employment guarantees—this framework presents a practical roadmap to uplift millions.

– Jordan Venell

Jordan is based in Edina, MN, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Reducing Poverty: Agricultural Cooperatives in Africa

Agricultural Cooperatives in AfricaIn African countries experiencing poverty, numerous recent studies have noted how agricultural/farming cooperatives are key to reducing national poverty. Agricultural employment in Africa notably supplies 60% of the continent with jobs. In a region so reliant on occupational farming, agricultural cooperatives represent this agrarian importance by simultaneously reducing poverty. The following list details the five reasons agricultural cooperatives reduce poverty in Africa.

Increased Bargaining Power

In an article published by the Co-founder of a Nigerian processing firm, Kosona Chriv details the particular trend of agricultural cooperatives elevating the bargaining power of its participants. African cooperatives are often composed of individual farmers who lack the necessary power to negotiate with buyers. Within these African farming initiatives, pooled resources reduce exploitation and allow cooperative success.

The author gives the example of the Femme Vaillantes rice cooperative in the regions of Togo. For the women-run farming group, collective bargaining power reduced their total costs by allowing for successful buyer negotiations over bulk discounts.

Exposure to Necessary Information

Findings from a 2024 South African study and a 2025 publication by various Pan-African researchers reveal that exposure to necessary information is another key reason agricultural cooperatives reduce poverty in Africa. Within these cooperatives, innovative knowledge is more easily spread to help individual farmers adapt to the demands of shifting markets.

The cohesion additionally allows for the spread of domestic and internationally relevant economic information surrounding food, loans and transportation prices. By reducing knowledge barriers preventing farming innovation and adaptability, these agricultural cooperatives experience success and improve the livelihoods of those involved.

Cultivating Broader Business and Economic Skills

Along with increased exposure to necessary information, agricultural cooperatives also provide broader business and economic skills for smallholder farmers. According to the 2024 South African research findings, the increased bargaining power of resource pooling allows these groups to navigate the economic market more skillfully.

In making economic decisions cohesively, all farmers within the cooperative learn business skills that further inform their understanding of politics and monetary policy. With better policy comprehension, agricultural cooperatives can further reduce poverty rates by supporting business and economic legislation that benefits their communities.

Promoting and Strengthening Local Culture

Increased capacities in business and economic skillsets directly go hand in hand with strengthening local culture. In an example given by Chriv, the female Koperative Y’Abahinzi b’Icyayi (KOAB) cooperative in Rwanda trains its members in financial and leadership arenas. As a result, the women experience higher levels of community and cultural empowerment.

This evidence for cultural empowerment is also supported by the 2025 Pan-African study, which found that agricultural cooperatives are key to building cultural and social capital. As the 2024 study notes, because these groups share resources equally, their decisions are made considering what is best for the community and the culture.

Agricultural cooperatives are reducing Africa’s poverty by empowering communities through identity, confidence and skillset acquisition.

Shared Resources

The backbone of the poverty reduction brought by African agricultural cooperatives is their resource sharing. Smallholder farmers combining their limited assets, equipment and market power allow the co-op to coordinate practices that maximize production output, profit and overall welfare. Shared resources enable optimal production, while individual farmers’ risks are managed collectively.

With smallholder farms no longer facing market risks entirely on their own, Chriv notes how agricultural cooperatives are more equipped to withstand market shocks and setbacks. When all farmers rely on one another, shared assets promote the interests and welfare of the agricultural cooperative at large, reducing overall poverty.

Looking Forward

As technologies advance and the world increasingly requires access to sustainable food, the poverty-reducing impacts of agricultural cooperatives remain a promising source of nutrition for Africa. In their bargaining, informative, economic and cultural empowerment, farming co-ops illustrate how community cohesion is fundamental in the global fight against destitution. With potential solutions to global poverty being evermore pressing, it is important to recognize why agricultural cooperatives are reducing poverty in Africa.

– Piper Aweeka

Piper is based in Alicante, Spain and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Armenia

Renewable Energy in ArmeniaRenewable energy in Armenia is transforming the nation’s energy landscape. The government is ramping up solar, hydro and wind power investments to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. After long dependence on natural gas and oil from neighboring Russia and Iran, Armenia is shifting toward clean energy. This is marked by large-scale solar developments that signal a rapid change in the nation’s energy output.

Armenia’s Energy Dependency and National Goals

For decades, Armenia’s energy supply relied heavily on imports, with natural gas accounting for more than 80% of the country’s fuel mix. This dependency left the nation vulnerable to fluctuating prices and geopolitical instability.

In response, the government has adopted ambitious renewable energy targets to generate 66% of electricity from clean sources by 2036. By 2030, solar energy alone is expected to make up 15% of total production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and strengthening energy security.

Masrik-1: Armenia’s Landmark Solar Project

One of the most significant milestones in Armenia’s clean energy shift is the Masrik-1 solar power plant, the country’s largest renewable energy project. Located in the Gegharkunik region, the 55-megawatt facility produces around 128,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually to power 21,600 homes.

Developed with support from the World Bank and the European Investment Bank, Masrik-1 also cuts carbon emissions by an estimated 40,000 metric tons yearly. As the first large-scale solar plant in Armenia, Masrik-1 demonstrates the country’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix and achieving long-term energy independence.

Diversifying Armenia’s Renewable Energy Mix

Beyond solar power, Armenia is working to develop a broader portfolio of renewable resources. Hydropower currently provides around 30% of the country’s electricity, making it the largest contributor to renewable energy.

A key component of this is the Vorotan Cascade, located in the country’s Syunik region, which currently contributes 13-15% toward Armenia’s total power generation. This development was purchased by a U.S company, ContourGlobal, in 2015 for $180 million. It later attracted another $70 million in investment to modernize the project further.

Wind energy remains limited, contributing less than 1% of total generation. However, Armenia’s theoretical wind potential is estimated at 450 megawatts, with projects such as Qarahach-1, a 20 megawatt development, already in planning. Indeed, the Lusakert Biogas Plant near Yerevan generates approximately seven gigawatt-hours annually, helping reduce emissions from livestock waste.

International Investment Driving Change

Armenia’s renewable energy expansion has been made possible by significant global partnerships. The European Investment Bank and the European Union (EU) have committed more than $35 million to energy efficiency initiatives, including modernizing public buildings in Yerevan. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Green Climate Fund have provided a $15 million loan to support green small and medium-sized enterprises.

Additionally, the World Bank is funding upgrades to Armenia’s power transmission grid, enabling integration of up to 1.1 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2032. Private-sector investment is also growing, with firms like Amber Capital Armenia developing new solar plants in partnership with international lenders. Together, these efforts accelerate the country’s transition toward a cleaner, more resilient energy system.

A Sustainable Future for Armenia

Renewable energy in Armenia represents more than a technological shift; it reshapes the country’s economic and environmental future. With large-scale solar projects, expanding hydropower capacity and growing international investment, Armenia is moving closer to energy independence while reducing its carbon footprint.

Continued collaboration between government, industry and global partners will be vital to achieving the nation’s ambitious renewable energy goals and ensuring a sustainable path forward.

– George Horberry

George is based in York, Yorkshire, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Oxfam Innovations Fighting Poverty

Oxfam is a global organization focused on ending poverty and inequality. It provides emergency relief during crises, like natural disasters or conflicts, while also working on long-term solutions such as fair wages, gender equality and climate action. For more than 80 years, Oxfam has partnered with communities around the world to promote dignity and opportunity, while also pressing governments, corporations and financial institutions to create fairer systems. Here are 5 Oxfam innovations fighting poverty:

SuperAdobe

Oxfam introduced a new type of shelter, called SuperAdobe, in Jordan’s Za’atari refugee camp. Built from basic, low-cost resources like sand-filled bags and barbed wire, these structures provide a practical alternative to the metal caravans many refugees currently live in. SuperAdobe homes are built to stay cool during scorching summers and retain heat through the cold winter months.

The construction method behind SuperAdobe relies on layering sand-filled bags, stacked in either circular or elongated forms. Between each row, barbed wire is laid to strengthen the walls and hold them in place. To improve durability, materials like lime, cement or asphalt can be blended into the soil. The technique mirrors the way clay coils are shaped together in pottery; only here is it used on a larger scale to form entire buildings.

This versatile system can be adapted to create rounded designs such as domes, arches and vaults, as well as traditional rectangular structures. Beyond housing, the approach is also suited for practical applications, including silos, water storage systems, erosion control and even infrastructure projects like roads or bridges.

BlocRice

In Cambodia, an Oxfam initiative called BlocRice is changing how rice farmers engage with global markets. The program is designed to strengthen farmers’ ability to advocate for fair compensation by giving them a stronger voice in price negotiations. At its core, the project introduces digital contracts that directly link members of farming cooperatives with international exporters and European buyers.

By formalizing these agreements through technology, the system not only ensures transparency but also provides farmers with tools that enhance both their economic security and their social standing. Through the BlocRice system, buyers agree to purchase rice at the going market rate with an additional premium, giving farmers both a steady outlet for their harvest and greater financial predictability.

The program also establishes a shared digital platform where all parties involved can track agreements in real time. For some farmers, the additional premium translated into close to $100 in extra income.

TWB Glossary App

In Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, where close to a million Rohingya refugees have sought safety, aid workers struggled to overcome language barriers. Although the Rohingya language shares similarities with local dialects, the differences often made communication difficult, especially when it comes to ensuring refugees could voice their own concerns.

To bridge the gap, a multilingual Glossary App was developed through a collaboration between Oxfam, Translators Without Borders and UNICEF. Covering five languages spoken in the camps, Bangla, Burmese, Chittagonian, English and Rohingya, the tool is now helping humanitarian organizations improve outreach and better respond to community needs.

Hydroponics

Survival in the Algerian Sahara is a daily battle against extreme conditions; temperatures soar past 122 degrees, sandstorms sweep the land and farming is virtually impossible. Sahrawi refugees have endured life in five camps near Tindouf, where one in four struggles with chronic malnutrition.

While international food aid provides some relief, it cannot solve the crisis alone. Oxfam innovations in fighting poverty created a more sustainable option through a hydroponics initiative. By cultivating plants without soil, the program supplies feed for the goats that many families rely on for meat, milk and income. Each greenhouse produces around 132 pounds of fresh feed daily, enough to sustain 20 goats, marking a promising step toward greater food security in the camps.

Led by Sahrawi refugee and Oxfam engineer Taleb Brahim, the initiative turns simple structures, like mud-built domes or repurposed shipping containers, into small-scale greenhouses for livestock feed. Inside, rows of shelves hold shallow trays where barley seeds are spread and kept moist until they sprout. They are then transferred into larger tubs and irrigated daily through a solar-powered pumping system. This low-cost, sustainable method transforms barren spaces into reliable sources of fresh feed.

Sanitation

Oxfam faced a pressing challenge in Bangladesh: how to manage human waste when a sudden surge of people in temporary shelters overwhelmed existing latrines. Rohingya camps experienced outbreaks of severe diarrhea, alongside respiratory illnesses and skin conditions such as scabies, all stemming from inadequate hygiene and sanitation.

To address the growing problem, the Oxfam team established a large-scale centralized sanitation facility capable of safely handling the waste of up to 150,000 individuals. The system operates with zero environmental harm, marking the first successful implementation of such a large-scale waste management solution in a refugee camp.

Final Remarks

Oxfam innovations are fighting poverty. From sustainable housing, effective communication and the cultivation of small-scale greenhouses, Oxfam is empowering communities to build a better future. With continued support and innovation, a more equitable world is within reach.

– Gabriella Luneau

Gabriella is based in Raleigh, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Nigeria’s Promise of Plastic Bottle Bricks

Plastic Bottle BricksNigeria faces a critical housing deficit, estimated at more than 20 million units. As the population exceeds 220 million and continues to grow, the demand for affordable and adequate housing far outpaces supply. This shortage has led to overcrowded urban areas, substandard living conditions and increased socioeconomic stress on low-income households.

A Parallel Plastic Waste Problem

Traditional construction methods, reliant on expensive materials like cement and concrete, remain out of reach for much of the population. At the same time, Nigeria is also battling a major plastic waste crisis. The country is the world’s second-largest plastic polluter and inadequate waste management services mean that plastic often accumulates in public spaces or is burned, creating further environmental hazards.

The Rise of Plastic Bottle Bricks

In response to these pressing challenges, several communities, engineers and social enterprises are exploring an unconventional but promising solution: building homes using plastic bottle bricks. This method involves filling discarded plastic bottles with sand or other materials and using them in construction as a substitute for conventional bricks.

Research and field trials have shown that these bottle bricks are cost-effective, up to 30–50% cheaper than traditional bricks and structurally sound. Compacted sand inside the bottles is nearly 20 times stronger than regular bricks. Additionally, these structures offer thermal insulation, making them well-suited to Nigeria’s hot climate.

One notable example is the work of Yahaya Ahmed from Nigeria’s Development Association for Renewable Energies. According to Ahmed, homes made from bottle bricks cost only a third of traditional concrete structures. These homes also help reduce plastic waste, a significant environmental benefit given Nigeria’s growing consumption of bottled water.

Pilot Projects Showing Promise

Pilot projects across Nigeria, including in Yelwa village and Paipe community, have shown successful implementation of this technology. In Paipe, a prototype home was built at 35% of the cost of a standard house and integrated renewable energy and water systems. These projects address the housing and waste crises and provide employment and technical training for young engineers and local workers.

Social enterprises like Brickify are also contributing to this movement. Founded in 2019, Brickify recycles plastic waste into interlocking “Lego-style” bricks for building low-cost homes, schools and public toilets. The organization has recycled more than 50,000 tons of plastic waste and engages local communities by offering incentives, such as school fees or meals, for collecting plastic waste. Its water, fire and wind-resistant bricks significantly reduce construction time and material costs.

Barriers and the Path Forward

Despite its promise, bottle brick technology faces several challenges, including a lack of skilled labor, insufficient government incentives and limited research funding. For wider adoption, sustained collaboration between government bodies, private investors and environmental organizations will be necessary.

Ultimately, while plastic bottle brick homes are not a complete solution to Nigeria’s housing crisis, they offer a practical and sustainable model that addresses multiple issues at once: housing, waste, unemployment and environmental degradation.

– Sriya Regulapati

Sriya is based in Vancouver, Canada and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Partners of the Americas is Fighting Global Poverty

How Partners of the Americas is Fighting Global Poverty Partners of the Americas is bridging gaps in opportunity and access across borders and cultures. This organization has dedicated decades to empowering communities in countries like Bolivia and Mexico through education, economic development and public health initiatives. The organization’s people-to-people partnerships have developed sustainable change for individuals in developing countries. It continues to connect volunteers, experts and funding to fight and promote equality, with various local leaders serving as the driving force behind it all.

About Partners of the Americas

Partners of the Americas is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization made up of volunteers and development officials committed to serving people in developing countries. It was founded in 1964, inspired by the Alliance for Progress initiative launched by the United States (U.S.) President John F. Kennedy. The organization’s reason behind forming partnerships is to “create opportunity, foster understanding and solve real-life problems” for those in need. It has established international offices across the globe to achieve those results, with offices opening in regions like the Caribbean and Central America.

Partners of the Americas Projects

Partners of the Americas performs several initiatives across the globe to help empower communities in developing countries. These initiatives focused on strengthening agricultural productivity and sustainability, empowering people and institutions to create sustainable solutions to meet local needs, promoting education in developing countries and strengthening labor rights abroad to ensure fair competition for workers and businesses.

These initiatives have proved effective, each with success stories in countries across the globe. Examples include the Empowering Women in the Mexican Workplace project, which seeks to improve labor conditions for women in Mexico and the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund, which aims to expand opportunities for higher education institutions to launch innovative student exchange and training programs.

The organization also conducts lobbying initiatives, aiming to educate the Members of Congress and the executive branch on its work and impact across the Americas. Partners of the Americas worked with Bridge Consulting in 2024 to achieve this feat and properly educate the Members of Congress and the executive branch.

The Impact

Partners of the Americas has made a notable impact in empowering communities across the globe for nearly six decades. Its wide-reaching programs have supported thousands of individuals in gaining access to education, food security, economic opportunity and fair labor practices, all while centering the voices and leadership of local partners. The organization continues to make an impact worldwide through its 60 chapters established in more than 30 countries. It brings together communities, individuals, organizations and volunteers across borders to serve people in developing countries. 

Getting Involved

Partners of the Americas is actively creating ways for individuals to become involved in its organization. The organization has volunteer opportunities for those who want to get involved, hosting events to engage with their members and stakeholders and even has internship positions for those wanting to make a change in the Americas. With a legacy rooted in service and collaboration, Partners of the Americas remains a beacon of hope for communities striving toward a better future. Its work continues to prove that lasting impact begins with people coming together across borders to create meaningful change.

– Jaden Hartfield

Jaden is based in Charlotte, NC, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Elderly Poverty in Japan and the Rise of Lonely Deaths

Elderly Poverty in JapanMore than 70,000 lonely deaths occurred all across Japan in 2024. Most were above 65, in poverty and lacking resources for health care. There is evidence of a silent crisis: social isolation, an increase in elderly poverty in Japan and the rise of reports of kodokushi or “lonely death.”

According to a 2024 study by the National Police Agency, the elderly population in Japan makes up 76% of solitary deaths. Experts believe this is a public health emergency with contributions from weak social safety nets and shifts in family structures.

Scope of the Crisis

Living alone is now common for older adults in Japan. The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research reports that 19.4% of seniors age 65 and older currently live alone. This shift reflects Japan’s low birth rate, shrinking family units and increasing urban migration.

According to the World Bank, 30% of Japanese adults are above 65. Experts expect that number to rise, with elderly single households estimated to increase by 47% by 2050. This creates a society where aging in isolation becomes increasingly unavoidable due to limited funds and inadequate elder care infrastructure.

Causes of Lonely Death Among the Elderly

Japan is one of the fastest-aging societies in the world, with 29.1% of its population now aged 65 or older. Meanwhile, multigenerational households are disappearing. Multigenerational households dominated half of Japan’s families in 1980 but shrank to 12.2% by 2015.

Cultural norms previously dictated that children cared for aging parents. But economic pressures, migration and social stigma around dependence have shattered those expectations, creating an increase in elderly poverty in Japan. According to Matthew Penney, almost 20% of Japan’s elderly struggle with relative income poverty.

Loneliness and Isolation

The economic consequences are severe. Elder poverty in Japan is high, almost double the average for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). According to the Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus, most single older women in Japan live below the poverty line. They are also likely to outlive their spouses and suffer in silence rather than ask for help.

These women are extremely vulnerable. Many of them have no pension or savings because they spent most of their lives as homemakers. Social isolation further compounds the problem. A white paper from Japan’s Cabinet Office confirms the rise in levels of loneliness among seniors, proving that isolation increases the risk of both depression and death.

Promising Solutions

To address the crisis of social isolation, the Japanese government funds new programs such as dementia cafés. These cafés are part of The New Orange Plan, designed to foster connection and reduce loneliness. There is also considerable development in community centers to intervene early on.

Local organizations, such as the Zero Isolation Project, are advocating for more robust volunteer programs and increased awareness campaigns. Offering services that include volunteer visits and support services, Japan is banding together to help the elderly population feel less alone.

Final Remarks

Addressing Japan’s elderly crisis provides a global model for aging care and preventative measures. When governments take action to support the elderly poor, they ensure people have the resources they need to feel safe and supported. 

– Nicole Fernandez

Nicole is based in Reno, NV, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Brazil’s Removal From the Hunger Map

Brazil's Removal From the Hunger MapOn Monday, July 28, 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) removed Brazil from the U.N. Hunger map. Being on the Hunger Map means that most of the country’s population does not have regular access to enough food for a healthy life. Brazil was able to exit the hunger map due to Brazil’s government prioritizing poverty, stimulating job and income generation, supporting family farming, strengthening school feeding and creating access to healthy food.

Many plans, programs and initiatives were implemented to achieve Brazil’s removal from the Hunger Map. These plans include:

  • Food Supply National Plan, also known as “Food on the Plate.”
  • Agroecology and Organic Production National Plan (PLANAPO).
  • Arroz de gente (“Our Rice” Program).
  • Renovation and Modernization of Conab Warehouses.
  • Leasing of spaces at the São Paulo General Warehouse and Wholesale Company.
  • Public notice for the modernization of Food Banks at wholesale markets.
  • Strengthening territorial arrangements for the production and distribution of healthy foods.

The Food on the Plate and the PLANAPO Programs

The Food on the Plate,” and the PLANAPO plans were all created to ensure food on the table for all Brazilians. The programs also seek to minimize poverty by building a resilient and sustainable food production system that uplifts small-scale farmers, agriculture cooperatives and community-based associations. Central to this vision is a national commitment to ending hunger, ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all, while promoting environmental health and local empowerment.

Rice Production and the Zero Hunger Strategy

Our Rice Program provides low-interest credit and technical support to small producers while supplying rice to solidarity kitchens and food-insecure populations, helping those in poverty. The renovation of the Conab warehouse increases grain intake capacity, improves food logistics and reduces spoilage. Meanwhile, the leasing of spaces enhances the distribution of fresh produce to urban areas. It stimulates economic activity and job creation through expanded vendor participation.

In parallel, the modernization of food banks, which is aligned with the national “Food on the Plate” plan, upgrades the infrastructure for food recovery and redistribution. This initiative helps redirect surplus food to vulnerable populations, improving efficiency and equity in the food system. These programs promote sustainability, reduce hunger and strengthen Brazil’s resilience against economic and environmental disruptions.

Brazil also implemented the zero hunger strategy, which allows access to adequate food, agricultural support, income-generating activities and social participation. These plans and programs allowed Brazil to leave the Hunger Map and helped many underserved communities.

Conclusion

Brazil’s removal from the Hunger Map marks a transformative milestone in its fight against poverty and food insecurity. The country has shown that systematic change is possible when policy meets community needs through strategies like sustainable agriculture, modernized infrastructure and inclusive social programs.

Initiatives like Food on the Plate, PLANAPO and Arroz de Gente improved food access, empowered small producers and revitalized local economies. Brazil’s success story offers a powerful model for other nations grappling with hunger, proving that hunger can be eradicated with political will, innovation and grassroots engagement.

– Karisma Polly

Karisma is based in Sunrise, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Mobile Libraries Fight Poverty Through Global Literacy Access

Mobile LibrariesMobile libraries are breaking barriers to education and aiding in the fight against poverty in underserved regions. From floating schools in Bangladesh to digital hubs in Ukraine, these initiatives prove that literacy is a powerful tool to fight poverty and build resilience.

Floating School Boats and Libraries in Bangladesh

Operating 111 floating school boats and libraries, Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha in Bangladesh serves more than 100,000 people in flood-prone areas. These boats do more than carry books; they are also equipped with solar-powered technology and classrooms, allowing for the assurance of the continuation of education during floods.

Each vessel teaches lessons in literacy, mathematics and other more specific topics like environmental awareness. In countries where flooding can disrupt thousands, innovations like these allow for education not to come to a standstill.

UNDP-Supported Digital Literacy Hubs in Ukraine

Repurposed libraries supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have become digital literacy hubs benefiting several Ukrainians. The program swiftly grew, beginning with 52 trainers who trained 235 administrators to host 135 events for 2,109 participants. It reached 25,391 people in 22 regions and Kyiv by the end of 2024 and 82% of them reported having strong digital skills following training, compared to just 17% previously.

Today, more than 3,000 libraries offer courses designed for senior citizens that cover everything from using e-services to cyber hygiene, AI tools and smartphone fundamentals. In 2025, new coordinators will receive Diia, AI and event planning training. By ensuring these abilities continue proliferating, educational tools turn libraries into centers of social resilience and economic opportunity. Besides mobile initiatives, UNDP’s impact is transforming library access into bridges for economic development.

Why Mobile Libraries Matter for Poverty Reduction

Mobile libraries are effective instruments for ending the cycle of poverty and offer more than just book delivery services. Research shows that access to mobile libraries significantly boosts reading comprehension, raising literacy scores by 3.3 points on standard scales and explaining 46% of literacy and reading ability variation.

This improvement goes beyond academics; literacy is a key tool in reducing poverty because it is directly associated with increased earning potential, better health outcomes and better employment opportunities. Mobile libraries remove barriers such as distance, cost and poor infrastructure, often preventing people in rural or disaster-affected areas from accessing education. They deliver books, learning materials and internet access directly to underserved communities.

Mobile classrooms and floating libraries guarantee that education continues even in the face of floods or other disruptions in vulnerable climate areas and they offer secure spaces for learning and socializing in regions affected by conflict. By making literacy attainable for all, mobile libraries promote long-term community development globally and empower individuals.

Moving Forward

These programs have repeatedly shown that people can change their lives when they have direct access to books, technology and learning spaces. This is especially true for those who live in remote, underserved or crisis-affected areas. The current challenge is to increase this reach. In addition to scaling up current programs, further funding would support innovative delivery strategies, the creation of locally relevant content and the incorporation of digital tools that equip communities to meet the demands of the contemporary economy.

Through universal literacy access, mobile libraries fight poverty by transforming reading into a domino effect of social resilience, economic opportunity and educational advancement. 

– Kyra Cribbs

Kyra is based in Charleston, SC, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr