Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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India’s Forest Rights Act: A Tribal Village’s Success Story

India's Forest Rights ActIndia’s economic growth has lifted millions out of poverty, yet rural and indigenous communities continue to face deep-rooted inequalities. The 2006 Forest Rights Act aimed to address historical injustices by granting land rights to tribal communities, though its impact has been uneven. Pachgaon, a small village in Maharashtra, stands out as a success story. By securing legal rights to their forest land, villagers transformed their economy through a community-run bamboo business—showing how legal recognition and collective action can drive sustainable, inclusive development.

Poverty in India

India, with a population of 1.4 billion, remains a nation of contrasts. About 66% of its people live in rural areas and despite economic growth, 13% still survive on less than $1.90 a day. However, progress is evident—80% of adults now have bank accounts and 92% of children complete primary school, reflecting improved access to financial services and education. Yet, gender disparities persist, with women making up only 20% of the formal workforce, highlighting the ongoing need for more inclusive economic participation.

India’s significant reduction in extreme poverty over the past decade reflects both effective policy interventions and sustained economic growth. The dramatic decline from 16.2% to 2.3% in the national poverty rate—particularly the strong improvements in rural areas—highlights the country’s success in lifting millions out of the harshest conditions. Moreover, the narrowing gap between rural and urban poverty rates suggests a more balanced development approach, helping bridge long-standing regional disparities. While challenges remain, the progress so far offers a strong foundation for further inclusive and equitable growth.

India’s Forest Rights Act

The Forest Rights Act, passed in 2006, is a landmark piece of legislation in India that recognizes the rights of indigenous communities to claim ownership of federally-owned forest land they have traditionally inhabited and depended on. It aims to correct historical injustices by granting legal land titles to forest dwellers who have lived in and protected these areas for generations. 

The Residents of Pachgaon

One community that continues to benefit from the law is the residents of Pachgaon in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Pachgaon’s transformation from a struggling village to a thriving forest-based enterprise is an example of how India’s Forest Rights Act can be successfully implemented. After generations of dispossession under colonial and state control, the local Gond adivasi community used the law to reclaim ownership of 1,006 hectares of forest land in 2012. While many indigenous communities remained unaware of their rights or faced bureaucratic resistance, Pachgaon’s residents—supported by local activists like Vijay Dethe—persistently pursued their claim. Once they secured legal forest rights, the village launched a community-run bamboo business under a gram sabha model, rejecting hierarchy in favor of collective decision-making. 

The Outcome

Pachgaon’s bamboo enterprise has become a cornerstone of the village’s economic revival, generating a profit of 34 million rupees (approximately $400,000) over the past decade—equivalent to around $41,000 per year. This community-run business, established after villagers secured legal rights to 2,500 acres of forest, not only provides steady employment but has also stemmed the tide of migration to urban centers like Gujarat and Karnataka.

Managed democratically by a gram sabha, the profits are reinvested into the community—supporting education, infrastructure and the purchase of additional land for expansion. Even during monsoon seasons, when bamboo harvesting halts, the funds serve to maintain employment through local development projects, ensuring the preservation of economic stability and cultural roots.

The profits have not only provided stable incomes and reduced migration but also funded local development projects, including infrastructure, education and land purchases for business expansion. Pachgaon’s success highlights the transformative power of legal recognition, local leadership and shared ownership in restoring both livelihoods and dignity to tribal communities.

Looking Ahead

While India still faces challenges in achieving equity and full participation for all, examples like Pachgaon demonstrate how legal empowerment and grassroots action can lead to sustainable, locally driven development. As the country continues to grow, scaling such successes could be key to ensuring that progress reaches even its most marginalized citizens.

– Phoebe Guildford

Phoebe is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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SDG 15 in Chile: The Indigenous-led Restoration

SDG 15 in ChileThe Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) – Life on Land– has taken center stage in Chile. Changing weather patterns have impacted Chile’s unique and rugged landscapes. Despite economic growth in Chile due to mining, agriculture and logging, the environmental impacts have become rapidly apparent. The retreat of the Great Andean Glaciers and the simultaneous destruction of the ancient Araucania region by forest fires and logging have forced the Chilean ecosystem to reach instability and increasing environmental pressure. The Chilean government is relying on a major joint indigenous and international cooperation to carry out national strategies to quell the escalating pressures on Chilean ecosystems and address SDG 15 in Chile.

The Crucial Nature of SDG 15 in Chile 

The U.N.’s SDG 15 looks to tackle biodiversity loss and degraded ecosystems, and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems across the globe. Chile is home to more than 40% of the world’s temperate rainforests, Ancient Araucania regions, unique species of flora and fauna and one of the largest glacier networks across the Southern Hemisphere. For the nation and the wider network of interconnected peoples and systems, there is a hard-line policy change vital to promote a healthy change.  

The National Strategy on Climate Change and Vegetation Resources (ENCCRV), a government initiative focused on restoring landscapes and promoting inclusive environmental governance, is the beating heart of Chile’s SDG 15 policies.

The Ancient Araucania Forest: The Indigenous Devotion

The legendary Araucania region represents the core of the battle taking place, to promote the SDG 15 strategy, spearheaded by the indigenous Mapuche and Huilliche communities. The indigenous people have been the one consistent organization advocating for change. Now, with a dedicated United Nations agenda, the indigenous, national organizations and international initiatives have joined forces to stabilize the region. 

Through the ENCCRV and REDD+ (U.N. Framework), Chile has supported 861 community-led projects, which have helped restore more than 14,000 hectares of native forest since 2020. Due to the historic tensions between the indigenous and Chilean government, these reforestation projects vitally serve as a cultural revival, and a symbol of diplomacy regarding land rights. 

On Huapi Island, Mapuche-Huilliche leaders are replanting native tree species like the Laurelia sempervirens on a massive scale to continue the stabilization of the ecosystem and reestablish the culturally significant landscapes that define the region. Much of the ecological knowledge that is required for the planting, cultivation, and maintenance of the native species is passed down via generations of Mapuche-Huilliche families. In 2016, the establishment of the ENCCRV, to support SDG 15 in Chile, incorporated indigenous ecological knowledge within the frameworks of national environmental policy, a signifier of the cultural shift taking place within Chile, regarding both the environment and indigenous relations. 

According to the U.N., more than 2,000 indigenous people, including many women, have participated directly in ENCRVV-supported projects. These projects include the Recovery of the Native Forest on Huapi Island, Ecological Restoration across La Araucania and Los Andes, +Bosques Landscape-wide Implementation and the Villarrica National Park Co-governance agreement. These are all frameworks in which indigenous communities work in tandem with national organizations to tackle environmental instability across Chile.

Geoparks and Poverty Reduction

SDG-15 in Chile continues its permeance through Chilean culture with the establishment of a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2019. Inside Chile’s Araucania region, the Kutralkura Geopark spans more than 8,100 km², including vast forestry, rivers and volcanoes. Since earning this UNESCO status, Kutralkura has become a strong symbol of indigenous leadership, working in tandem with government and international organizations to cultivate environmental conservation. However, its impact does not end there. Since 2019, the region has supplied strength to local communities, becoming a beacon of poverty reduction and economic prosperity. 

Sustainable agroforestry, tourism and artisan enterprises continue to support upwards of 55,000 local inhabitants. Geotourism services, supplied by locals who are uniquely engaged with the surrounding areas, offer guides and cultural tours to both international tourists and those of Chilean descent. The indigenous locals are incentivized to pass down and maintain knowledge of the vast environment, simultaneously raising awareness among Chilean populations about the key importance of the Geopark, and its link to the wider sustainability of both Chile’s intertwined ecosystems and economies.

In 2023, a project engaging Mapuche girls in volcanology education, led by female Chilean scientists, aimed to develop an educational volcanology guide with a gender focus. This initiative was designed to meld scientific knowledge with indigenous world views to boost disaster preparedness and safety, and bolster environmental awareness. 

In September 2025, the people of Temuco City, Chile will host the 11th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks, once again highlighting the SDG-15 in Chile and the proud impact it has had on the indigenous peoples, both directly and indirectly. This will not only improve environmental preservation, but also bolster indigenous involvement in local government policy, international recognition and economic prosperity for multiple indigenous communities. 

Final Thoughts

Environmental sustainability in Chile is not only an ecological necessity but also a pathway out of poverty for many vulnerable communities. Deforestation, soil erosion and forest fires have historically threatened rural livelihoods, particularly for indigenous families who depend on agriculture, forestry and small-scale tourism for survival. By restoring native forests, promoting sustainable agroforestry and expanding ecotourism initiatives, Chile’s SDG 15 programs create stable sources of income that reduce reliance on extractive industries. These initiatives give families more secure access to food, jobs and education, while also protecting ecosystems that future generations will depend on. As Chile continues to align its environmental goals with poverty reduction strategies, it offers a model for how sustainable development can uplift communities while safeguarding the planet.

– Luis-Enrique J Lander

Luis-Enrique is based in Leeds, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Action Emploi Réfugiés Addressing Immigrant Poverty

Action Emploi RéfugiésFrance is one of the economic and cultural powerhouses of Europe and the Western world. Thanks to a rich culture built on the core values of liberty, equality and fraternity, France has become an increasingly popular destination for foreigners, with at least 7 million immigrants living in France as of 2023.

In France’s lively capital, Paris, the immigrant population is especially dense, as one out of every seven inhabitants is an immigrant. However, life in the city of light is not as glamorous as it may first appear, especially for immigrants. As they attempt to integrate themselves into French society, they are often victims of discrimination based on their racial background, religion and stereotypes.

This treatment can lead to numerous financial problems as immigrants struggle in the professional setting and housing market as a result of these discriminatory behaviors. Furthermore, they can be left exposed, forced to accept exploitative, off-the-books work or live in unsanitary living situations as pests and water leaks dominate low-income housing areas.

Many organizations and initiatives have been created to target immigrant poverty in response to these issues. Among these, two prominent organizations in immigrant advocacy are the French Refugee Council (FRC) and the Action Emploi Réfugiés. These organizations are focused on helping refugees, a highly vulnerable immigrant population, find a foothold in French society through stable employment opportunities.

The French Refugee Council

Founded in 2013, the FRC is an independent, nonprofit organization specializing in providing tangible support to asylum-seekers across France. Indeed, with 480 total volunteers across mainland France, the FRC works to ensure that refugees live fulfilling, dignified lives. The organization empowers these vulnerable groups by fostering solidarity and mutual respect between refugees and natives in their communities.

The FRC works to ease the difficult process of integration while giving refugees a stronger and more influential voice in their communities by operating through five key pillars:

  • Employment opportunities
  • Access to education 
  • Legal support
  • Economic support
  • Community links

As the FRC provides this vital support, asylum-seekers can rebuild their lives and integrate into French society without falling into poverty.

Action Emploi Réfugiés

Founded in 2015 by Diane Binder and Kavita Brahmbhatt in response to the lack of aid given to refugees across Europe, the Action Emploi Réfugiés has many of the same values as the FRC. It works to end immigrant poverty by helping refugees integrate and rebuild their lives with dignity. However, the Action Emploi Réfugiés focuses solely on the employment frontier.

The organization primarily operates through two accompaniment programs, SOCLE and AVEC, which provide refugees with personalized support throughout the job search process. Assistance is tailored to each individual’s qualifications and language skills. These initiatives aim to provide refugees with the skills required to be successful professionally. The organization supports between 350 and 450 people each year and coordinates more than 700 jobs yearly.

Conclusion

Although immigrant poverty remains prevalent in France, especially for refugees, the FRS and the Action Emploi Réfugiés are at the forefront of social change as they provide dignified aid for refugees hoping to live the French life.

– Jack Schuchard

Jack is based in Herndon, VA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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SuaCode and NaijaCoder: Tech Education Breaking Barriers

SuaCode All around the world, poverty limits access to quality education and job opportunities. However, technology in the Global South is creating new paths. More than 80% of Africans access the internet via mobile phones instead of desktops. In Ghana and Nigeria, two innovative programs, SuaCode and NaijaCoder, are showing how leveraging technology can bridge the poverty gap.

By providing tech education through smartphones, these initiatives help young people, specifically those in low-income and rural areas, gain the skills they require to escape poverty and build a better future. Coding on your phone can reduce barriers such as cost, electricity and location.

Accessibility Through Mobile-First Learning

Learning coding has proved to be challenging as it often requires laptops, stable internet and electricity, all of which are expensive. Students in impoverished communities do not have access to these costly resources. SuaCode and NaijaCoder have successfully changed by offering programming lessons through smartphones, which are devices that are far more accessible across the Global South.

SuaCode in Ghana teaches Python programming through an Android app that is accessible on smartphones. The lessons can also be accessed offline. Similarly, NaijaCoder in Nigeria offers hands-on training through phones and remote workshops. These models make coding more inclusive and realistic for students who might otherwise be left behind.

Tech Skills Reduce Poverty and Boost Job Access

Learning to code opens up a range of economic opportunities for students all over the world. Students gain skills that make them eligible for various employment opportunities such as freelancing, remote work and launching a startup. As of 2023, Ghana’s youth unemployment rate among those aged 15 to 24 stood at 23.7%. This demonstrated roughly 754,00 youths actively seeking work but unable to find it. While in Nigeria, the youth unemployment rate for the age bracket reached 8.6% in 2023. Therefore, for many in Ghana and Nigeria, gaining digital literacy can mean the difference between being stuck in a cycle of poverty or breaking free from it.

Initiatives like SuaCode and NaijaCode help bridge the digital divide by providing accessible programs for individuals regardless of their financial situation. The skills gained from these training directly boost employability in the expanding global tech market, enabling more young people to earn higher incomes, support their families, and reinvest in their communities.

Empowering Girls and Rural Youth

Poverty disproportionately affects girls and rural communities. In low-income countries, around 90% of teenage girls and young women are offline. Moreover, girls are 35% less likely than boys to possess basic digital skills such as emailing or file management. These statistics highlight how limited school resources, long travel distances, and social barriers keep many girls out of classrooms or tech spaces.

SuaCode and NaijaCoder change this by offering flexible, remote learning opportunities that break geographical barriers. Thus, by equipping girls and rural students with digital skills through coding on their phones, these programs help improve gender equity and help families build financial resilience. When one child gains the ability to work in tech, it can uplift an entire household out of poverty.

Conclusion

Coding via phone with SuaCode and NaijaCoder proves that with innovation and commitment, poverty can be tackled through tech education. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, expanding access to tech education in underserved communities is both innovative and essential for building a more equal and empowered future.

– Anagha Rajithkumar

Anagha is based in Charlottetown, Canada and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Poverty Eradication in Sierra Leone: Secondary City Development

Poverty Eradication in Sierra LeoneSince emerging from a civil war in 2002, Sierra Leone has experienced positive social and economic growth. The nation’s GDP has more than tripled, and maternal, infant and child mortality rates have largely decreased. However, poverty remains a threat to the country despite these improvements. Almost 60% of the population lives below the national poverty line, living on only $3 a day, and many lack access to food and safe water. Here is information about some innovations in poverty eradication in Sierra Leone.

Major Development Push Across Sierra Leone

However, extreme poverty is concentrated mainly in rural areas of the nation. Outside the capital city of Freetown, nearly 60% of the population lives below the poverty line, compared to just 20% within the capital’s limits. These stark figures reveal a clear imbalance in development and highlight the urgent need for change. In response, the government of Sierra Leone, backed by a £74 million investment from the World Bank, is turning its focus to the country’s often-overlooked secondary cities in an effort to work toward poverty eradication in Sierra Leone.  

 The cities of Bo, Bonthe, Kenema, Koidu, Makeni and Port Loko, as well as areas of Freetown, are experiencing major development projects in an ambitious effort to decentralize opportunity and reduce regional inequality. With the right infrastructure and investment, secondary cities could serve as drivers of development, raising living standards, expanding access to essential services, and creating new opportunities which could lift many Sierra Leoneans out of poverty.

Resilient Urban Sierra Leone Project

 In June 2021, the World Bank launched the Resilient Urban Sierra Leone Project (RUSLP), allocating a budget of $74 million in an attempt to enhance the lives of residents in underdeveloped areas of the nation. The plan presents a transformative vision for the western areas of the country. It lays the groundwork for sustainable urban development through the implementation of improved transportation networks, enhanced disaster preparedness, waste management systems and climate support.

Setting the Development Plan Into Motion

The project’s first major development briefings took place in Kissy, Freetown, on April 10th, 2025. Local government representatives, stakeholders and prospective bidders met to identify the necessary actions to improve the current urban landscape.

The Project Management Unit (PMU) of the RUSLP organized the session and a four-year developmental plan was laid out, with three high-risk communities being identified including Coconut Farm, Moyiba and Portee/Rokupa. Work is to immediately begin, as major environmental and flooding risks threaten these communities.

During the session, technical specifications, bidding procedures, evaluation criteria and social and environmental safeguarding requirements were outlined and discussed. The meeting provided a forum where those involved could ask questions and seek clarification on the project. Under this plan, it is hoped that all secondary cities will see new development, and work will begin at a later stage.

Bridging Cities and Citizens

According to project planners, the benefits of these developments extend beyond physical infrastructure. Roads will link people to jobs, markets and services, aiding poverty eradication in Sierra Leone. Water pumps and improved drainage systems will boost sanitation levels, improving public health immensely and lighting infrastructure across the cities will enhance the safety and accessibility of the population.

These improvements will especially benefit those who live beyond the boundaries of the capital, providing opportunities through connection due to new transportation infrastructure. The aim is to ensure all citizens have access to the same economic prospects and improved living conditions, and urban development is the first step in ensuring this.

– Niamh Trinder

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Poor Sanitary Infrastructure in Latin America: A Driver of Poverty

Poor Sanitary Infrastructure in Latin America: A Driver of Poverty Poorly managed sanitary infrastructure in Latin America is a key driver of poverty in the region. A lack of proper sewage and access to clean water exposes millions—particularly in rural and low-income urban areas—to easily preventable diseases. This disease burden reduces productivity, keeps students out of school and expands inequality. Women and girls endure the hardest impact, having a diminished chance of obtaining a proper education.

The Depth of Economic Disparity

In 2020, only 34% of the population in Latin America and the Caribbean had access to safely managed sanitary infrastructure, leaving more than 400 million people without such services, while about 75% had access to safely managed drinking water.

Shortages particularly affect informal settlements, where infrastructure cannot match population expansion. Cholera and typhoid cause long-term illnesses that undermine workforce productivity and increase poverty. World Bank econometric modeling illustrates that global WASH investment can yield $5–$7 in returns for every $1 invested through avoided health costs and improved productivity. Failing to invest in sanitation creates a cycle of disease and economic stagnation. A lack of proper sanitation is a major factor in global mortality and morbidity, particularly from diarrheal diseases, with ripple effects including reduced workforce productivity and higher health care costs for civilians.

Societal and Structural Barriers

Wider ripples in society cause sanitation issues, leading to millions of schooldays lost annually. Around 83 million people in the Americas lack improved sanitation and 15.6 million still defecate in the open. Peri-urban communities in Bolivia are not yet linked to sewerage systems, leading to pollution of the environment and health risks. People residing in indigenous communities of the Amazon region often employ rudimentary waste systems, which still pose repeated risks to health. In addition, women and children often do the task of collecting water, spending hours doing so in unhygienic conditions—hours they could spend on education or income generation.

Environmental and Governance Challenges

Hasty urbanization regularly surpasses sanitary infrastructure in Latin America, with the result that informal settlements in flood areas lack sewage and drainage. Climate-related floods in Honduras have overwhelmed these compromised systems, resulting in extensive water pollution and disease outbreaks. Underinvestment, bad regulation, institutional fragility and corruption are further hindrances, rooted in governance problems. In the absence of open, community-oriented planning, susceptible groups face a lack of access to basic services.

Paving the Path Forward

Interventions in the right direction are taking place throughout the region. Water For People employs its “Everyone Forever” strategy to support communities in sustaining water and sanitation infrastructure. Water.org subsidizes home WASH improvements through microloans to promote family-level resilience and dignity. The Inter‑American Development Bank (IDB) invests significantly in WASH systems in Latin America. In Bolivia, an IDB loan of $40 million is consolidating basic sanitation services in small municipalities, in addition to larger projects worth $100 million with Spain designed to expand water and sanitation to half a million peri‑urban dwellers.

These initiatives not only improve sanitary infrastructure in Latin America but also strengthen local institutional capacity and promote community engagement. UNICEF promotes school-based WASH programs aimed at equitable, gender-sensitive facilities and hygiene education, which improve attendance and dignity—especially for girls.

Emerging technologies like decentralized sanitation systems—composting toilets and neighborly treatment units—are gaining ground in hard-to-reach or slum areas. These avoid the logistics of sewerage centralization while offering low-cost, community-led sanitation.

Moving Toward a Healthier Future

Latin America’s sanitation crisis is inexorably connected with economic inequality, educational losses, environmental risk and gender disparities. A multifaceted response can potentially ease the burden on vulnerable populations through sustained WASH investment, effective governance, active community engagement and effective local governance.

– Anoushka Rai

Anoushka is based in Frisco, Texas, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Floating Solar Power in India

Floating Solar Power in IndiaFor the first time, it is predicted that energy investments in solar power will exceed oil and gas in 2025. Solar energy has become a vital way to create jobs, cut carbon emissions and accelerate economic progress. While many new solar installations are found on land, land availability in India is the lowest per capita among G20 countries. To strengthen its green energy capacity, India is turning to floating solar power.

India’s Floating Solar Revolution

India has the potential to generate 280 GW to 300 GW of electricity by installing floating solar panels and the work has already begun. The Ramagundum Floating Solar Project, which has been built over 500 acres and the Kayamkulam Floating Solar Power Plant, which can light up 26,000 households daily, were commissioned as early as 2022.

The Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project is projected to power more than 100,000 houses daily and offset carbon emissions by 1.2 million metric tons annually.

More Than Land Savings

Installing solar panels has other benefits besides land preservation, which is important to India. Floating panels operate more efficiently thanks to the cooling effect of water. Covering large areas of lakes, rivers and reservoirs with plastic solar panels also reduces water loss from evaporation, which has become more of a concern due to increased global temperatures.

Many large countries already use floating solar to generate clean, green energy and India is joining their ranks. Globally, floating solar could supply up to 50% of the world’s electricity.

In addition to advancing India’s clean energy goals, including a net-zero carbon target by 2070, the push for floating solar generates millions of new jobs annually. The renewable energy sector globally created 13.7 million jobs in 2022, rising to 16.2 million in 2023. India alone accounted for an estimated 1.02 million jobs in 2023. With the push towards floating solar panels in 2024, India’s renewable energy job numbers are expected to grow even further.

Floating Solar’s Promise and Roadblocks

India is leading the way in charging for green electricity. However, other countries like the Maldives, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been trying to adopt clean energy, particularly floating solar panels.

The cost of installing solar on land in India is cheaper than on bodies of water and there are some unclear eligibility criteria for floating solar sites, as well as a limited manufacturing capacity for floating solar equipment. There are still struggles involved in implementing floating solar technology.

Final Remarks

India depends heavily on its land for agriculture, mining and other vital economic activities. Discovering India could use its abundant bodies of water for floating solar power, rather than sacrificing precious land, was a breakthrough. This approach is generating much-needed energy, cutting CO₂ emissions, reducing evaporation from critical water sources and creating valuable jobs nationwide.

– Gregory Walker

Gregory is based in York, PA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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New Agricultural Technology Helping Rwandans

Agricultural Technology Helping RwandansRwanda, a small, landlocked country in Eastern Africa, faces substantial socioeconomic challenges. According to the World Bank, 63.8% of its 14 million people live in poverty. Among the most pressing issues is food insecurity, which remains a critical concern across the country. Government data indicate that 20.6% of the population is food insecure, while the World Food Programme (WFP) reports that “nearly a third of children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition.”

Rwanda naturally has very fertile terrain due to its nutrient-rich volcanic soil. By many estimates, more than half of the country’s land is arable. However, despite this advantage, the country imports a significant amount of food. Foodstuffs account for more than 20% of all imports into Rwanda. To address food insecurity, Rwanda needs to better capitalize on its arable land and increase domestic food production. This makes innovations in agricultural technology, helping Rwandans increasingly vital for sustainable development.

Sustainable Agricultural Technology in Action

One way Rwandans are addressing food insecurity is through the adoption of a new sustainable agricultural technology called Juncao. Developed at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China, Juncao technology involves using chopped grass to cultivate edible mushrooms that both humans and livestock can consume. This method is not only more affordable but also more environmentally friendly compared to traditional mushroom farming techniques that are wood-based instead.

Since its development, Juncao has spread to more than 100 countries, including Rwanda, where it is helping to improve food security and sustainable farming practices. This form of agricultural technology helping Rwandans has been widely supported by the Chinese government under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a vast infrastructure and development strategy aimed at enhancing global connectivity, trade and cooperation across Eurasia, Africa and Latin America.

Impact of Agricultural Technology

Juncao technology has proven highly beneficial in Rwanda, where it is affectionately known as “the happiness herb.” The new agricultural technology’s introduction has been a collaborative effort between local Rwandan government officials and experts from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. As of 2025, Juncao has reached more than 4,000 Rwandan farmers and has generated thousands more jobs across the agricultural value chain.

Juncao technology has also been introduced into schools as a way to improve the diets of Rwandan children. The mushrooms grown using this method are rich in nutrients comparable to those found in meat, yet are significantly more affordable. This makes it possible for children to receive essential nutrients even when families cannot afford animal-based protein, contributing to better health and development outcomes among school-aged children. By showcasing agricultural technology that supports Rwandans at both household and institutional levels, projects like Juncao are paving the way for a healthier and more food-secure population.

Looking Ahead

Introducing nutritious, affordable foods such as Juncao mushrooms into schools improves children’s health and encourages higher attendance. Reliable, healthy meals help students stay in school, focus in class and perform better academically. Higher educational attainment can open a path out of poverty, equipping the next generation with the skills and opportunities to build more resilient, self-sufficient communities.

– William Brentani

William is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Namibia’s Resilience: USAID Programs in Namibia

USAID Programs in NamibiaIn light of USAID cuts and freezes, Namibia is delivering the Reach Namibia program, Lifeline Namibia and early childhood development initiatives. These three USAID programs in Namibia raise awareness about the importance of protecting and empowering the disadvantaged groups within Namibia’s youth.

About HIV/AIDS in Namibia 

HIV/AIDS is particularly prevalent in Southern Africa, with Namibia having a high rate, as there are 210,000 cases, of whom 7,700 are children. Young girls and women, sex workers, men who have sex with men and trans Namibians remain the most vulnerable groups at risk of HIV.  Namibia has been at the forefront of controlling the epidemic, especially the massive progress in almost eliminating mother-to-child transmission rates. Through antiretroviral therapy, HIV positive pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, 96% of newborn children were born free of the disease, yet the stigma and infection rates remain a challenge and are being tackled by leading programs which focus on the vulnerable groups in Namibia’s youth. 

Reach Namibia

The first of the USAID programs in Namibia is Reach Namibia. Built on the foundations of the Dreams Hope program, Reach Namibia is an extension of the original program which aims to reduce the number of HIV/AIDS infections amongst young girls. It also empowers them with social protection, education, economic skills and reproductive services, in turn dismantling the stigma of adolescent children having HIV. 

While overlapping in its goals and initiatives with Dreams Hope, Reach Namibia is gender inclusive for all HIV vulnerable children. By providing extensive health and social services, the program creates short-term and long-term support, including access to medical attention and equipping them with life skills. This increases their chances of accessing education, the job market and health services.

Reach Namibia offers job training courses from plumbing and bricklaying to baking and banking. Not only does this directly increase young people’s future opportunities, but it also tackles the stigma against young victims of HIV. Instead of others defining them by their disease, they become defined as hard-working and qualified young people, who manage the disease. Additionally, the program offers internships and placements to graduates, which are structured around the realistic job market. Therefore, it has an extensive socio-economic reach as well as providing health care. Reach Namibia addresses and tackles different issues within society simultaneously while empowering the most at-risk children and developing a resilient and hard-working generation.

Lifeline/Childline Namibia 

Lifeline/Childline Namibia is a child-centered crisis helpline and child wellbeing organization in Namibia. USAID Health Evaluation and Applied Research Development supports the larger national strategy for parents and caregivers. Following the 2019 Violence Against Children and Youth Survey, which demonstrated that young children experienced a form of violence, 40% of Namibian girls and 45% of boys suffered from emotional, physical and sexual abuse in their childhood.

Zelanidia de Waal, a consultant at Childline, reinforces their goal of “empowering caregivers to break cycles of violence in their families and communities.” As such, Childline goes beyond the family structures, encouraging the communities of caregivers gives vulnerable children an outlet and support system outside of their homes. Between 2021 and 2023, Childline achieved a 51% response rate and showed continuous operational progression alongside increased referrals from government entities, reinforcing its collaborative efforts. For parents and caregivers, Childline provides information booklets which address parenting support, communications, gender norms, social media safety and child protection. Service providers distribute these resources and have an equal responsibility to supply caregivers with the necessary information and education. Ultimately, this will create a safer future for Namibia’s youth.

The Integrated Childhood Development Program

The Integrated Childhood Development Program (ICDP) prepares children for their transition from foundational learning to formal education. Namibia faces a significant challenge with many children failing to meet appropriate age learning levels. This is especially difficult for children with physical or educational disabilities or children who come from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds. ICDP specifically targets these vulnerable groups.

With an emphasis on early investment, the program highlights that “children aged 0-8 years are essential and highly effective.” The importance of addressing all stages of early development is highlighted, not just regarding education but by children’s emotional, social and speech development as well. UNICEF conducted the program’s research and worked with parents across Namibia to get direct access and insights, making the program relevant, accurate and trustworthy. From 2016-2022, UNICEF states that at least 50% of children entering Grade 1 went on to attend primary school. ICDP relies on a collaborative effort involving the government and communities, the private sector and parents. The comprehensive approach effectively ensures that early child development and education remain inclusive and empower vulnerable children across the country.

Looking Ahead

All three USAID programs in Namibia target different aspects of a child’s development from their early stages to their entry into higher education and the workforce. With a concentration on the vulnerable groups, Namibia and USAID’s efforts to reduce their exposure to HIV/AIDS, increase their access to education and develop their future prospects has been effective. In particular, the focus on parent-driven research and collaboration, addresses systemic issues. While creating relevant initiatives which are trustworthy, both vulnerable children, parents, caregivers and communities are able to access and act to protect and empower disadvantaged children across Namibia. 

– Jule Riemenschneider

Jule is Oxford, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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AfCFTA: Africa’s Path to Economic Growth and Unity

afcftaFrom Rwandan gold to Ethiopian coffee to Libyan oil, Africa is rich in diverse and abundant resources. But despite this wealth, it remains the world’s poorest continent, a status worsened by its limited participation in the global economy. Home to 18% of the world’s population, Africa accounts for just 2.8% of international trade, as of 2019. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) seeks to change this by creating the world’s largest free trade area, spurring development, and ultimately lifting millions out of poverty.

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Dependency

As of 2019, 478 million Africans were living in extreme poverty, with another 58 million just above the poverty line. Many reside in one of the 45 countries whose economies rely heavily on the export of raw materials. Wealthy nations buy these primary goods, use them to manufacture finished products, and then sell those products back to African countries at premium prices. This cycle leaves these countries poor and highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global demand.

Recognizing Africa’s historical disadvantages as well as its immense potential for economic growth, the African Union established AfCFTA in 2018. The agreement aims to unite the 55 member states and the approximately 1.3 billion people living within them into a single market for goods and services. Now, four years after its official launch in 2021, AfCFTA has made considerable progress toward achieving its founding goals of increasing intra-regional trade and making Africa more competitive in the global marketplace.

Progress, Innovation and Real Impact

By 2024, 49 of the 55 signatories had ratified the agreement, and 19 countries had enacted tariff reductions into national law. These actions mark a key step toward facilitating an economically integrated Africa, where intra-continental trade accounts for much more than the current low rate of 14.9%. According to World Bank estimates, full implementation of AfCFTA could increase the total economic output of African countries by $450 billion and add $76 billion to the global income by 2035.

Beyond trade policy, AfCFTA includes initiatives which aim to support its broader economic and social objectives. The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), launched in 2022, allows for instant and secure payments between African countries, reducing costs and increasing trade efficiency. Meanwhile, the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade promotes networking, mentorship, and market training, making AfCFTA the first trade agreement to legally protect the interests of these two marginalized groups.

Making a Difference

Although the implementation of AfCFTA has been gradual due to the complexities of coordinating trade policies among 55 distinct states, it has already begun to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Africans. Briggette Harrington, owner of Igire Coffee, was the first to receive an AfCFTA certificate of origin for Rwanda. Benefiting from the agreement’s trade advantages, Harrington increased her exports from 150 bags to 400 bags of coffee. She is just one example of how a unified African market can benefit small businesses across the continent.

The Road to Success

Ultimately, AfCFTA’s path forward is promising but uncertain. Success will require member states to achieve regulatory harmonization, balance their various needs, and ensure that the benefits of trade are equitably distributed. What is unquestionable, however, is what Africa stands to gain. If fully realized, AfCFTA could unlock Africa’s vast economic potential, pulling 30 million people out of extreme poverty, according to the World Bank.

– Caroline Clark

Caroline is based inNeedham, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr