Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Ghana Library Authority: Reading Fights Poverty in Ghana

Ghana Library AuthorityIn Ghana, poverty is a significant issue, with around 24.2% of the national population living below the poverty line. Additionally, around 6.9 million people live in extreme poverty as of 2024. Ghana has a population of around 34.4 million and has many different issues, including economic instability, climate hazards and high inflation.

Northern Ghana is specifically impacted, due to its lack of adequate infrastructure, non-agricultural job opportunities and gender inequality. Living standards also worsen due to high inflation, limited government spending and weak economic growth. Approximately 64.6% of rural populations in Ghana experience multidimensional poverty compared with 27% of urban populations.

Many inequalities exist between men and women; the richest man could earn more in a month than the most impoverished woman could in 1,000 years.

Book Access in Ghana

In Ghana, access to books is limited, especially in rural areas. Many rural communities face significant barriers to literacy and have fewer educational resources than those in urban areas. Challenges include a lack of libraries, limited resources and facilities and schools that often lack basic learning materials such as stationery, textbooks and computers.

Only around 11% of schools in Ghana have functional libraries; in rural areas, only one library exists for 500,000 residents. Books available to people in Ghana can be costly and often have low availability. Outside of basic textbooks, there are not many books that Ghanaians can purchase.

Due to limited parental involvement, many children also lack access to books at home. Additionally, many rural areas in Ghana lack reliable internet and electricity, preventing students from accessing digital resources when learning.

Ghana Library Authority Initiatives

The Ghana Library Authority has launched several innovative programs that use modern and traditional methods to help children in Ghana start reading and learning. Strategies include mobile book vans, which can deliver shelves of stories to communities in need.

The Ghana State Book Project is an initiative that aims to create a comprehensive state book for each of Ghana’s traditional states. It seeks to document their unique traditions, histories, royal families and cultural practices. It has already produced several state books and plans to cover all traditional areas of Ghana.

Book Donations and Distribution Efforts

Books for Africa (BFA) also worked with BetterWorld Trust to distribute a 40-foot container of supplementary books to Ghana Book Trust (GBT) to distribute in Ghana. These books were then distributed to community libraries, orphanages and school libraries. They were also often used as prizes for schools that organized reading competitions.

GBT distributed the books across the country, with each beneficiary receiving 500 books, bringing the total donated to 18,000. The organization sources books from North America to promote a reading culture in Ghana. Over the past eight years, it has imported 35 40-foot containers of books, including 14 containers of children’s books and novels, totaling more than 590,300 books distributed.

GBT collaborates with Books for Africa and organizations and foundations in the U.S. to donate books to schools, community libraries, orphanages and children’s hospital wards.

Digital Reading and Global Partnerships

The Ghana Library Authority has also partnered with tech companies such as Vodafone and Worldreader to create digital e-libraries and make hundreds of books available on smartphones and tablets for children to read. Worldreader is a nonprofit organization that helps children access and read digital books through mobile phones, tablets and e-readers.

Team4Tech is helping Worldreader bring e-readers to elementary schools in Kwaebibirem, Ghana. The groups provide e-readers and train children to use them for digital reading in the classroom. They also enable parents and students to access reading opportunities on any device through a digital reading app called BookSmart. Through this application, Worldreader provides free access to thousands of books and learning materials for people of all ages in Ghana.

Conclusion

Many children in Ghana are positively impacted by this newfound access to books. It helps them improve their literacy, strengthen their educational background and gain the tools to fight poverty through education.

By providing diverse learning materials that meet the needs of individuals with varying reading levels and interests, these organizations are helping students in Ghana broaden their academic abilities. They also help students develop critical thinking skills and foster a love for reading at a young age.

– Madyn Lewis

Madyn is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Mexico’s Fight Against Poverty: Wage Increases and Welfare

Mexico’s Fight Against PovertyMexico is a country in North America often associated with culture, tourism and economic inequality. In recent years, though, the nation has achieved one of its most significant breakthroughs: a historic reduction in poverty. Due to government-led programs such as wage increases and social program expansions, millions of people have been lifted above the poverty line.

While there is still much more work to do, Mexico’s progress shows how much effort can make a difference in the global fight against poverty and inequality.

A Historic Decline

Between 2022 and 2024, more than 8.3 million people were lifted out of poverty. According to AP News, this was an 18% drop nationally and the extreme poverty rate declined by nearly 23%. A country long affected by economic inequality, the turnaround in the last decade has been unprecedented.

Since 2018, more than 13.4 million Mexicans have escaped poverty, a 26% overall reduction. Experts attribute this success to higher wages, increased welfare programs and the government focusing more on vulnerable populations in both rural and urban areas.

Wages at the Center

One of the biggest policies behind the shift is the increase in the national minimum wage. It reached an all-time high of $20.76 per day in 2025. For decades, Mexican workers’ earnings failed to keep pace with inflation.

This resulted in much of the working class being stuck in cycles of poverty despite constantly working and contributing to the growing economy. Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador made it a priority to increase wages to reverse that issue. Since the increase, many families have gained reliable and consistent access to food, school and health care, leading to lower child malnutrition rates.

Welfare Programs

Along with the wage hikes were expanded social programs. Senior citizens now have universal pensions, Indigenous communities have targeted assistance and low-income students are eligible for stipends. These programs have created safety nets that have helped reduce child labor, increased school enrollment and improved access to medical care.

The “Sembrando Vida” (Sowing Life) minimum wage. directly supports farmers by paying them to plant trees and restore lost land. This has given rural workers a steady income. It has also addressed environmental concerns. Other programs targeted the younger population, offering scholarships to encourage education and raise retention rates.

Global Context and Looking Ahead

Mexico’s progress reflects a broader Latin American trend. Other countries, like Brazil, have had success with similar programs. Mexico’s model adds another layer, coupling wage increases with welfare expansion. This dual approach could become the blueprint for other struggling nations looking at how to address their own poverty.

Mexico’s path has continually produced lasting benefits: millions of healthier families, more educated individuals and more financial stability. Experts say these improvements are not only a benefit for households but could also strengthen democratic stability because citizens feel supported by their government.

Mexico’s story proves that targeted policy enhancements can directly and quickly cause change. A country plagued by inequality has shown that this progress is both a milestone and a challenge for its future leaders to follow suit: continue building and adding to the legacy of one of Mexico’s biggest fights against poverty in history.

– Brody L. Gates

Brody is based in Fort Worth, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Disability and Poverty in The Gambia: Pathways To Change

Disability and Poverty in The GambiaIn The Gambia, disability and poverty are tightly linked. People with disabilities face barriers to education, health care and jobs that deepen their vulnerability. Stigma and weak government support compound the problem. However, new laws, training programs and social protection efforts by local groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the state are pushing toward greater inclusion.

Cycle of Poverty and Exclusion

Before 2020, The Gambia’s poverty rate had been gradually declining, from 48.6% in 2015 to 45.8% in 2019, with the help of small increases in tourism and construction. Analysts predict the nation’s poverty rate would have decreased by more than 3% by 2020 if not for the COVID-19 pandemic. However, those advances were undone by the pandemic, which caused the poverty rate to rise by 4.8%.

According to a household study conducted in 2020-21, 53.4% of Gambians or around 1.1 million individuals, could not afford the necessities of life. Even though access to health care and education has improved since 2015, more than half of the population still lives in poverty due to the economic shock.

Barriers in Education and Work

One major issue in The Gambia is the shortage of skilled teachers in the educational system. According to a 2021 World Bank assessment, only 57% of primary school teachers are trained, meaning many lack the skills to deliver effective education. Larger class sizes and higher student–teacher ratios, resulting from this shortage, have made it even more difficult to provide individualized attention and support.

This hits learners with disabilities hardest: lacking skilled instruction and support, they struggle to complete schooling, leaving them with lower employment rates. The 2022-23 Gambia Labor Force Survey reports that only 32.8% of persons with disabilities participate in the labor force compared to 44.1% of those without. Employment prospects skew lower for them, too. Without skilled teaching to build real learning and life skills, people living with disabilities struggle to access jobs and escape the poverty trap.

Health Care Challenges

It is estimated that 120,000 Gambians have mental illness, but 90% of them do not receive treatment. The nation only runs one outpatient clinic and one psychiatric hospital, Tanka Tanka, all located close to the capital. Outside these hospitals, a mobile community team that makes scheduled visits to rural health centers provides most of the mental health support.

Although The Gambia has a national policy and strategy aimed at exploring mental health services, most rural and urban people still lack access to care, despite the recent addition of similar teams by specific urban clinics.

Local and Global Partners Step In

The Gambian National Assembly approved the Persons with Disability Bill in July 2021 and President Adam Barrow signed it into law the following month. The measure, the result of nearly a decade of advocacy, safeguards the rights of people with disabilities in health care, education, employment, social support, rehabilitation and accessibility.

The law also brings The Gambia into compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which the country ratified in 2015. The convention requires states to provide equal legal protection, ensure full enjoyment of fundamental freedoms and eliminate discriminatory laws and practices.

On October 25–26, 2023, the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center hosted a two-day forum on disability rights, organized by The Gambia Federation of the Disabled and the National Human Rights Commission. In reviewing the implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2021, officials and activists highlighted both progress made and challenges that persist.

The organizers urged government organizations to incorporate disability problems in The Gambia into all programs and services, stating that those with disabilities still experience poverty, discrimination and abuse.

Takeaway

Despite setbacks from the pandemic and persistent barriers in education and health care, The Gambia has taken steps toward change. The 2021 Persons with Disabilities Act guarantees equal health, education and employment rights. Advocates say progress is slow. However, recent forums highlight growing moments to address discrimination and expand opportunities, offering hope for a more inclusive future.

– Joshua Pettis

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

Photo: Flickr

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Malaria in South Korea: Poverty’s Hidden Role

Malaria in South KoreaMalaria in South Korea is climbing near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the divide between North and South Korea. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) raised a nationwide malaria warning on August 19, 2025. This came after it detected the year’s first mosquito in Korea carrying the Plasmodium vivax parasite.

This strain hadn’t been prevalent outside of military officials since the ’90s. However, officials and citizens are rallying together to fight for accessible health care and transportation options in rural areas.

Malaria’s Borderland Comeback

The return of Plasmodium vivax malaria in 1993 had spread mainly among soldiers stationed along the DMZ. Studies estimate that 60% and 90% of cases during this period were young men in their early 20s performing mandatory service near the northern edge of Gyeonggi Province, alongside the DMZ. These troops often lived outdoors in field conditions, which increased their exposure to infected mosquitoes.

Since then, malaria in South Korea has persisted in the regions surrounding the border, making the borderland a place vulnerable to disease due to its limited resources and health care. Today, rural civilians and military personnel make up most new cases of malaria. Farms and rice paddies serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

As of August 2025, South Korea reported 373 malaria cases and health officials project the number will rise as the peak season continues through September. Since infected mosquitoes refuse to stop at the border between North and South Korea, transmission continues unchecked as they travel into rural South Korean cities.

Rice Paddies: Perfect Breeding Ground for Mosquitoes

Rice paddies provide perfect breeding grounds for Anopheles mosquitoes, the primary sources of malaria in South Korea. Research shows that more than 50% of Anopheles sinensis larvae are discovered in rice paddies near the western DMZ region, including areas like Ganghwa and Paju. These flood-prone plains and rice fields provide an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed and spread throughout rural South Korea.

Malaria transmission is especially widespread near border villages, such as Wolgot‑myeon in Gimpo‑si and Naega‑myeon in Ganghwa‑gun. This highlights the urgent need for resources to combat the growing health crisis as malaria spreads in these rural communities.

Poverty: The Quiet Catalyst

Poverty, poor housing and health care gaps drive the spread of malaria in South Korea, reminding us that this is not just a mosquito problem. Malaria outbreaks are inequality crises that demand urgent solutions.

  • Health care gaps: Near the DMZ, clinics are far away and few are between the cities lining the border. Residents often face lengthy journeys and high transportation costs to access care. Delays in diagnosis and treatment give malaria parasites more time to spread and multiply.
  • Housing conditions: Underserved households often lack essential resources, needing mosquito nets, materials to seal windows and proper air conditioning. This leaves residents vulnerable on hot summer nights when mosquitoes are more prone to bite.
  • Outdoor working conditions: Farmers and forestry workers labor at dawn and dusk, right when Anopheles mosquitoes bite the most. In rural areas, these work environments are often highly staffed, which can significantly increase the disease’s transmission rate.
  • Elderly poverty: South Korea has one of the highest elderly poverty rates in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and many older residents live in rural DMZ counties. These seniors remain both highly exposed and medically vulnerable due to the lack of support and resources available in rural areas.

The Malaria Trap

Malaria in South Korea not only threatens health but also directly impacts the livelihoods of the rural cities along the DMZ. A review found that families bear most of malaria’s economic burden, accounting for an average of 71% of the total costs, including lost wages and health care expenses. Each infection forces workers to miss days in the fields, reduces wages and drains already limited household resources.

Even under universal health care, costs for medication, hospital visits and transportation weigh heavily on those infected with malaria, as many rural cities don’t have health care facilities available. Although the public transportation system in South Korea is well-developed, vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by transportation costs to health care facilities.

Globally, malaria traps low-income families in a vicious cycle: illness reduces income, limiting access to transportation, health care and medicine, which in turn makes preventing future infections harder. Experts call this the “malaria trap” because it keeps people in a never-ending loop.

Groups Tackling Malaria in South Korea

Tackling malaria in South Korea requires more than mosquito control and pesticides. The fight demands coordinated efforts between government agencies, international organizations and community-based groups. Several agencies and organizations are working to contain malaria near the DMZ, which is proving difficult to change overnight.

  • The Korean Red Cross: The Korean Red Cross operates mobile clinics, health programs and disaster relief services across South Korea. It often fills gaps where access is limited. While it doesn’t focus specifically on malaria, its outreach and emergency services support rural and border communities that would otherwise go without care.
  • Against Malaria Foundation Korea (AMF Korea): Founded in August 2023 in Seoul, AMF Korea is the local arm of the globally acclaimed Against Malaria Foundation. It distributes long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) to high-risk communities. AMF Korea’s cost-effective, data-driven model and grassroots presence in Korea highlight the potential for local-level malaria prevention efforts.

Additionally, the South Korean government has implemented a five-year plan to eradicate the disease. The strategy focuses on ensuring that everyone can access malaria testing and treatment. It also emphasizes monitoring and evaluating the spread of the disease. The plan also aims to build a network linking public agencies, private organizations and the military to coordinate efforts and contain malaria transmission in South Korea.

Conclusion

The resurgence of malaria in South Korea demonstrates that gross domestic product rankings or international borders cannot deter infectious diseases. The parasite thrives wherever poverty leaves people vulnerable, especially near a Korean rice paddy under the shadow of the DMZ.

Local and global organizations have driven significant progress, but expanding access to health care and medicine in South Korea’s rural communities will have the most profound impact. To eliminate malaria for good, South Korea and its partners must continue fighting mosquitoes and the inequality that allows the disease to persist.

– Nicole Fernandez

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Solar Water Projects Bring Brazil and Peru Clean Water

Clean WaterA quiet but transformative shift is underway in remote Amazonian regions of Brazil and Peru. Indigenous leaders, long dependent on polluted rivers for drinking water, have partnered with local nonprofits and engineers to launch solar-powered purification systems.

Since 2022, projects like the Huni Kuin “Mothers of the Amazon” initiative and Munduruku-led community systems have provided clean, safe water to entire villages in Brazil and Peru. These efforts are cutting down waterborne diseases and freeing women and children from hours of daily walks to unsafe sources.

The innovation is more than technical; it is deeply cultural. By combining ancestral knowledge of the rivers with renewable energy expertise, Indigenous leaders are shaping solutions that respect tradition and modern science. This approach not only restores health and dignity to their communities but also builds resilience in the face of climate threats like droughts and flooding, which are increasingly common in the Amazon.

From Scarcity to Security

Before these projects, waterborne illnesses, diarrhea and parasites were widespread in many Amazonian villages, especially among children. Dependence on untreated rivers left communities vulnerable to mining, agriculture and waste pollution. Women and children often spend several hours each day collecting unsafe water, losing time for school, work or cultural activities.

Now solar-powered purification units filter and store clean water directly in the community, reducing illness and allowing families to thrive. Villagers report fewer medical emergencies and stronger school attendance among children. The systems are also built to be locally maintained with Indigenous technicians trained to manage repairs, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Technology Rooted in Tradition

While the equipment is modern, adoption is guided by Indigenous governance. In Ecuador’s Amazon, the Achuar deliberately chose solar power through communal processes. They consult elders and hold guayusa tea ceremonies to guide the adoption of solar-powered boats. Similarly, Waorani, Kofan, Siona and Siekopai communities built and maintained their own rainwater systems. These models ensure technology complements cultural practices and strengthens sovereignty by keeping decisions in Indigenous hands rather than outside aid.

The combination of solar energy and traditional stewardship highlights a larger truth: technology is most powerful when adapted to local realities. For these Amazonian communities, the solar systems are not just machines but symbols of resilience, bridging old and new in a way that protects people and ecosystems.

A Future of Water Justice

NGOs are partnering with more villages across the Amazon Basin to bring these solar and water systems everywhere over the next decade. Governments in Brazil and Peru are paying attention and considering how this Indigenous-led model could shape national clean water access policies for rural and Indigenous communities.

For communities that have historically been left out of infrastructure planning, this change represents more than access to water; it means justice. Clean water powered by the sun and led by Indigenous leadership proves that dignity and sustainability can flow hand in hand.

– Marina Martin

Marina is based in Rapid City, SD, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Human Rights: Remedying the South African Grant Algorithms

GrantWith an unemployment rate of 33% and more than 25% of its residents living at the extreme poverty level, South Africa maintains the title of “most unequal country in the world.” In the wake of economic turmoil catapulted by the coronavirus pandemic, rural-dwelling South Africans increasingly depend on government-issued social grants for survival.

However, significant programs like the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370, a grant in which eligible South African citizens and refugees receive a stipend of $21.2 per month, are increasingly administered by grant algorithms that deny qualified recipients grants for basic goods and welfare accommodations.

Inception of the Social Relief of Distress Grant

In a first attempt to remedy this, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) responded to the pandemic’s tumultuous economic conditions by launching an Economic Reconstruction and Recovery plan. The plan included measures to address the social distress caused by the pandemic.

By 2023, social grants served as the primary form of income for working-age South Africans living at the extreme poverty level, individuals who would otherwise collect a maximum of $40 per month in means. The stipend is available to any unemployed South African of working age. However, many eligible residents encounter demographic obstacles that make acquisition nearly impossible.

Barriers To Grant Approval

For one, the platform, which largely benefits inhabitants of rural areas populated by native speakers, is strictly available in English. Applications are only received digitally, requiring impoverished individuals to acquire a device for submission.

To receive the SRD grant, an individual’s maximum income may not exceed 624 ZAR ($35.21), significantly below the food poverty threshold. The SRD grant is administered by a digital grant algorithm that scans bank accounts and flags any indication of income.

The Automated Means Test

This process, known as the Automated Means Test, rejects qualified applicants whose accounts possess erroneous means that may not reflect sustainable income. One such miscontextualization of funds perpetually influences Brenda Mtshali, a widow and tomato vendor who scarcely makes enough to support her six children.

In her case, the grant algorithm disqualified her from benefaction, falsely arguing that her account contained a loan. In addition to this invasion of personal and financial data, the detection software misinterprets miscellaneous funds as “means” that exceed an already underrepresentative poverty threshold.

Since the inception of the Automated Means Test, the number of grant beneficiaries has decreased from 10.9 million to eight million, despite an existing eligibility pool of approximately 17 to 18 million people. In analyzing this disparity, the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) identified an exclusion rate of 89.7%. Whereas failures on the Automated Means Test cause millions of rejections, the IEJ concluded that only 24% of cases should be eliminated in ethical circumstances.

Benefits of the Social Relief of Distress Grant

On the contrary, the beneficiaries of the stipend report significant increases in quality of living. “Mind the People,” a short film directed by Mozilla Africa Mradi (and available for streaming on YouTube), dissects the disparate qualification process by collecting testimony from individuals who reside in the rural Mountain View and Eldorado regions of South Africa.

Ntombizodwa, an individual who testifies in Mradi’s film, describes how the SRD grant allows her to live a “much better life,” providing access to toiletries, food and electricity that she previously lacked. Nonetheless, significant improvements in accessibility must be made to improve the efficacy of the program.

Researcher Response to Algorithmic Inequity

According to the IEJ Report, applicants should be permitted to submit documents supporting their petition for a grant and that means tests should be conducted over a longitudinal period to eliminate algorithmic error. To improve accessibility, the report suggests shifting to a hybrid and multilingual application model.

A 2024 document published by the European Union–Agence Française de Développement (EU-AFD) Research Facility on Inequalities proposed a new structure to improve the efficacy and sustainability of the former SRD model. The document recommended that SASSA use self-reported data to assess eligibility, increase grant amounts and establish grant permanence.

Conclusion

Ethical access to social grants in South Africa is not only an issue of socioeconomic disparity, but also a matter of social equity and justice. Whereas recent projects have advanced critical conversation about broken South African grant algorithms, many people remain excluded from the precise benefits that might salvage them from tragedy. 

– Talia Gitlin

Talia is based in Natick, MA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Eco-Friendly Agricultural Innovations Led by Women in Kenya

Women in KenyaIn 2018, a group of women in Kenya formed the Habsa Women’s Group to combat the effects of climate instability and food insecurity in their community. In the small town of Malkadaka, the effects of unstable climatic conditions have been disastrous. Droughts and floods kill livestock and crops, making multiple families have limited access to food and suffer from malnutrition and hunger. Innovations led by women in Kenya aimed to make food more accessible by improving their farming tactics with new agricultural innovations. 

Assistance From Action Against Hunger

The group partnered with Action Against Hunger to achieve its goal of creating a more sustainable agricultural system. The women began by learning the basics of crop cultivation, starting with corn and later expanded to onions and kale. Their progress faced numerous obstacles, including limited access to farming equipment and funds, as well as recurring droughts and infestations, all of which made achieving success significantly more challenging.

With the assistance of Action Against Hunger, the organization provided training on maintaining crops, pest management, rotational farming and drought-resistant seeds. It focused on eco-friendly strategies like intercropping, sunken garden beds and innovations in building a solar-powered water pump to help increase water retention during severe weather conditions. A fence was constructed to keep unwanted pests out of the crops.

Growing Success

Thanks to the hard work of these women in Kenya and with support from Action Against Hunger, the harvest successfully produced tomatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, hot peppers, kale and more. The Habsa Women’s Group earned a profit of approximately $463. This profit allowed the group to invest in improved farming tools and enhance its members’ livelihoods.

Women in Kenya often face restrictive gender roles that limit their income opportunities. Through this project, they helped reduce food insecurity and challenged these norms. Action Against Hunger further supported the Habsa Women’s Group, empowering the women to teach others about farming and nutrition.

The Village Savings and Loan Association

Action Against Hunger established the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), providing women with financial literacy training and encouraging independence. With new confidence and knowledge, they learned to manage earnings, plan for the future and strengthen their community’s economic foundation.

Participating in financial decision-making enables women to earn more. It ensures most of their income supports their families, improving overall health and well-being. Building on the success of the innovations led by women in Kenya and the Habsa Women’s Group, Action Against Hunger is expanding support to nearby communities, connecting them to additional markets in Isiolo County to increase income and business reach.

The organization also aims to boost crop yields, raise profits and enable more sustainable livelihoods for women and their families.

Looking Ahead

The success of the Habsa Women’s Group shows the great potential of eco-friendly alternatives in agriculture. It seems promising that the group will continue to grow. The use of climate-smart technology will continue to spread throughout Kenya, hopefully eventually ending the ongoing food insecurity crisis with nutritious food grown by local people in the community.

– Bowie Aldrich

Bowie is based in Syracuse, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Nano Ganesh: Remote Irrigation Empowering Farmers

nano ganeshThe agriculture sector forms the backbone of India’s economy. It employs 45.8% of the population, and the number continues to rise. Agriculture contributes 15% to India’s GDP. However, the grim reality lies in the rising number of farmer suicides. Farmers take their lives due to reasons ranging from debt crises to political and social pressures. People often call Indian agriculture the “gamble of monsoon” because it depends heavily on seasonal rains for a good harvest. With increasing dependence on monsoon rains and the lack of efficient irrigation technology, the National Crime Records Bureau reports that farmer suicides account for 11.2% of suicides in India. Sadly, the number continues to grow even today. It is extremely depressing that the number today continues to rise.

The Introduction of Nano Ganesh

Farmers in India rely on motor systems to irrigate their fields. However, these motors create serious challenges. Farmers face electricity interruptions, frequent trips to the fields at night or in scorching heat and even dangers such as snake and scorpion bites. To solve these problems, Ossian Agro Automation developed the revolutionary device Nano Ganesh.

Farmers attach the Nano Ganesh device to their existing starter, which allows them to control pump sets remotely. By dialling the number of their Nano Ganesh unit and entering a simple on/off code, farmers can switch the pump on or off. The system works with any existing electrical starter and motor pump, so farmers do not need to replace their current setup. For pumps with higher horsepower, the device integrates easily with protective systems.

A few key features of Nano Ganesh are mentioned below:

  1. The pump can be operated from any distance using a mobile phone or landline.
  2. A mobile network connection is required near the pump location.
  3. Users can check the availability of electricity at the pump site.
  4. The on/off status of the pump can be confirmed through an audio tone.
  5. Both automatic and remote operation modes are supported.
  6. The system includes memory to store on/off commands.

Changing the Lives of Indian Farmers

Santosh Ostwal’s innovation transformed the lives of 400,000 farmers through more than 50,000 installations. The device created a remarkable impact, especially in Maharashtra. Farmers started using their mobile phones to control water pumps, marking a major ICT breakthrough in the telecom sector during 2003–04. The device also created self-employment opportunities for more than 5,000 technicians. The initiative expanded into advanced GSM-based products designed to address challenges in village and urban drinking water supply, enhanced further with analytics and cloud-enabled features.

Earning Recognition

Over the years, Nano Ganesh and its creator, Santosh Ostwal, earned several prestigious international honours. Nokia named him the Grand Winner for emerging markets in its Innovation Competition (2009). GSMA, MWC, recognised Nano Ganesh among the top seven mobile applications worldwide for socio-economic impact. In California, USA (2011), he received the Tech Award Laureate. He also won the MBillionth South Asian Award (2012) and the FICCI-DST Lockheed Martin Award under the India Innovation Growth Program. The Katerva Award, USA, nominated him in the materials resources category.

Major national and international television networks such as DD1, ET NOW, Times Now, BBC, Japan TV, FRANCE 24, STAR PLUS and NDTV featured his work. Respected publications also chronicled Santosh’s entrepreneurial journey, including The Chicken Soup for the Soul series, The Economist (London), UNFAO, World Bank reports, Agriculture Robot (a high-value reference book), GIZ Germany, and USAID.

The Future

India now enters the early stages of Agriculture 4.0, a new era of farming powered by advanced technology in the fields. By 2025, farming will run on an integrated data-driven ecosystem. Tools like smart sensors, drones, satellite monitoring and AI-powered analytics will support farmers of every scale, from smallholders in villages to large agribusinesses. These tools will help farmers make better decisions, improve food security and build farming systems strong enough to withstand climate change.

As digital solutions spread across rural India, crop yields and productivity will rise. At the same time, sustainability will take centre stage, with digital carbon tracking, efficient resource use and transparent supply chains shaping the sector. Farmers will also gain empowerment through digital platforms, blockchain-based traceability and easier access to financial resources, helping bridge long-standing inequalities.

With continuous advances in IoT, AI and satellite technologies, Indian agriculture will face global challenges such as the changing climate, population growth and resource scarcity with greater confidence. The road ahead promises a farming sector that is smarter, greener and more inclusive, a truly data-driven transformation whose moment has already arrived.

– Chhahat Kaur Gandhi

Chhahat is based in New Delhi, India and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Global Telehealth Network: Increasing Health Care Access

Global Telehealth NetworkAfrica is home to more than 1.5 billion individuals, with approximately 1.29 billion residing in sub-Saharan Africa. While Africa’s population is gradually moving toward more urbanized regions, 56% of those in sub-Saharan Africa live in rural communities. In general, Africans face many struggles with health care, including a lack of infrastructure, facilities, personnel and support.

Health Care Challenges

More than 600 million individuals in Africa lack access to health care services. While Africa contains 16% of the world’s population and 23% of the global disease burden, it only receives 1% of global health expenditures. Africa has the highest disease burden compared to the other continents. Yet, it also has the lowest ratio of health workers to the population.

It carries nearly a quarter of the disease burden on a global scale, yet only holds around 3% of health care workers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa has a mere 2.6 doctors per 10,000 people, compared to 37.6 doctors per 10,000 in Europe. In addition, an estimated deficit of 11.1 million health care employees is projected by 2030, with most of the disparity affecting Africa.

Combined with the excessive burden of disease outbreaks and largely understaffed health care facilities, Africa’s health care systems are overwhelmed and unable to serve its population equitably. Those living in sub-Saharan Africa are notably disadvantaged, with the region having the lowest ratings in well-being and satisfaction with health care services.

With most of Africa’s population residing in rural areas, their access to health care services is even more limited. In response, health organizations have partnered with local governments and introduced telemedicine services.

Telemedicine Services in Africa

Telemedicine involves using apps designed for personal communication devices like tablets and phones to deliver various health care services. Some telemedicine services offer telephonic or face-to-face communication with health care workers, SMS for treatment support or questions and online platforms to view medical records or schedule health consultations. Many companies throughout Africa and beyond are investing and creating these online platforms to better serve their communities, especially those in rural areas with limited access to health care resources.

While telemedicine does support underserved populations, this alone is insufficient to address health care concerns to the fullest extent. A key component of improving the health of underserved populations is prevention. Preventive measures are linked to lower rates of illness and mortality in cancer, chronic disease, mental health, vision, oral health and immunizations. With the combination of telemedicine and effective preventative initiatives, there is hope for improving the health of vulnerable communities.

The Global Telehealth Network

One organization that emphasizes support through telemedicine and prevention is the nonprofit organization, Global Telehealth Network (GTN). GTN was established to improve health care disparities in rural and underserved communities by assisting in health promotion and disease prevention. Volunteer doctors and psychologists for GTN help health care workers in rural areas who face complicated health issues.

The Borgen Project spoke to the President and Chief Medical Officer at GTN, Jack Higgins, about the organization’s telemedicine pilot programs and other initiatives for helping those in rural areas with a lack of access to health care resources.

Higgins said, “Somebody’s health depends as much on where they live, their family history or their cholesterol levels. Basically, by zip code, you can almost predict the average life span for people, because of the inequalities in our society and in Africa, it’s more so because the poverty is even worse. The problems with clean water are even worse and other environmental concerns and sometimes political concerns.”

Access to Medical Professionals

Considering the shortage of medical professionals, especially in rural areas, GTN has specifically focused on those regions. Higgins said, “Uganda and Kenya both have decent health systems in the cities; it’s out in the rural areas where they have almost nothing. And that’s our biggest concentration, connecting them to the people in the cities whenever possible, because they can get consultations without having to go for 10 hours or whatever to see a doctor.” Physicians can treat more patients effectively and efficiently by allowing faster health care services.

Higgins also discussed GTN’s prevention efforts in combination with telemedicine. Higgins said, “It turned out we could do this online in a way that is totally feasible, in that the cost could be much less than it would be if you had to hire a person who’s going to sit there somewhere all the time, whether their patients come in or not. So the hope is that by making preventive care really available to people, it’ll make it easier for them.”

Building Community Resources for Sustainable Health

Despite its efforts in prevention via telemedicine services, Higgins explained that these efforts will grow more effective by providing community resources: “If the kids are drinking dirty water and they’re starving, they’re malnourished, then you’re not going to go very far in terms of really helping that community. So we started partnering with other organizations that have other skills and now we’re developing these community resource centers that can offer a lot of different things.”

GTN has begun building coalitions with rotary clubs and nonprofit organizations to provide services and resources to underserved populations. These include WASH stations, libraries, Climate-smart agriculture training, solar power projects and increased internet access. However, these efforts cannot be fully implemented without proper funding.

Higgins said, “There won’t be enough money coming from the governments to do the job. A combination of philanthropy and NGOs, nonprofits like us can hopefully give them the assistance they need to create sustainable and high-quality health care systems and that’s what we’re about.”

Conclusion

The work of Global Telehealth Network shows that expanding telemedicine alongside community resources can bridge rural health care gaps. However, a lasting impact will depend on strong partnerships and sustainable funding.

– Grace Johnson

Grace is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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African Vaccination Week: Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and South Sudan

African Vaccination WeekThe 2025 African Vaccination Week (AVW), celebrated in April, was themed “Immunization For All is Humanly Possible.” The celebratory week began in 2010 as a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative to promote vaccination and its necessity within global health. The WHO found that in 2023 alone, vaccination saved 1.8 million lives in Africa.

The four goals of this year’s AVW were clear. The first was to reach un-immunized children through better initiatives. The second was to display the benefits of vaccines for African society. The third was to emphasize the importance of vaccines for the health care system coverage. The fourth was to increase immunization through further investment.

Sierra Leone

In Sierra Leone, celebrating AVW involved governmental action focused on minimizing national gaps in immunization. Along with support from the WHO, UNICEF and Africa’s CDC, Sierra Leone has received more than $200 million worth of support from Gavi, an international vaccine supplier.

From April 24 through May 2, Gavi assisted Sierra Leone in conducting mobile drives to vaccinate disadvantaged areas. It supplies missed dosages to children and adults, promotes positive campaigns and more.

Ethiopia

Celebrating AVW in Ethiopia began with a commemoration held at the Woreda 03 National Health Center on April 30. An area facing some of the largest historical disparities in immunization, the event was financially supported by the WHO. Among the organizations in attendance were UNICEF representatives, advocates from the Gates Foundation, Save the Children and Ethiopian leaders.

Ethiopia’s State Minister of Health, Dr. Dereje Duguma, gave a speech highlighting the importance of vaccines. Duguma also thanked the volunteer efforts that have resulted in the vaccination of hundreds of children within the Woreda region in the previous six months.

South Sudan

The 2025 AVW marked several significant advances in South Sudan’s efforts toward national immunization. South Sudan is introducing three new vaccines to its standard program this year. Gavi is helping supply South Sudan with Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine (PCV), the Rotavirus vaccine and the second dose of Measles-Containing Vaccine (MCV2).

In addition to introducing these immunizations and with support from UNICEF and the WHO, the nation has also launched its “Big Catch-Up” initiative. Targeting 30 counties across South Sudan, the initiative is holding vaccination activities to reach untreated children.

Looking Forward

Across Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and South Sudan, the 2025 African Vaccination Week event focused on immunizing unvaccinated citizens. The AVW’s Pan-African framework has motivated ongoing vaccine efforts and improved overall health care. According to WHO data, since 2011, a cumulative 180 million lives have been saved due to health system improvements, including vaccination.

With continued support from global organizations such as UNICEF, the WHO and Gavi, immunization rates in Africa are expected to keep rising, providing greater safety in an increasingly populated world.

– Piper Aweeka

Piper is based in Alicante, Spain and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr