Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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An Inside Look at Homelessness in New Caledonia

Homelessness in New CaledoniaWith crystal-clear blue waters, white sand beaches and lush pine forests, New Caledonia seems like a picture-perfect island getaway. However, beneath its stunning facade lies a drastic social divide that has led to widespread poverty and homelessness for the indigenous residents of New Caledonia.

Meet the Kanaks

Today, New Caledonia is a French territory made up of dozens of islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean, known for its stunning lagoons, abundant nickel reserves and diverse wildlife. But centuries before the first tourists came to explore its vibrant coastlines and reefs, Kanaks inhabited the nation.

The Kanaks are an indigenous group with customs deeply rooted in Melanesian culture. The early Kanak lifestyle largely revolved around tribal relations and farming the land, commonly harvesting native crops such as bananas, yams and sweet potatoes. However, European settlers, who first arrived in the late 18th century and increased significantly during the nickel boom of the 1960s, disrupted their peaceful existence.

Life for the c

Within a period of less than 200 years, the Kanak saw their land being taken away and opportunities for economic development severely limited. Homelessness in New Caledonia, particularly for indigenous groups like the Kanak, increased exponentially due to bias from European settlers. Examples of this discriminatory behavior include the French government barring the Kanaks from living in the capital city of Nouméa and denying them government roles in favor of their French counterparts.

Over time, unfair laws like these decreased quality of life for the Kanaks. While the Kanak are the largest ethnic group in New Caledonia, European migrants own approximately two-thirds of the land. Additionally, the poverty rate among indigenous Kanaks is 32.5%, which is nearly four times higher than that of non-Kanak people, as reported by Swissinfo, a Switzerland-based international news corporation.

Homelessness Among the Kanaks

While there is not an exact number for the rate of homelessness in New Caledonia, it presents a pressing issue for countless modern-day Kanaks. According to Le Monde Diplomatique, a French political newspaper, close to 10,000 Kanaks currently live in “squats” in the city of Noúmea, which are crude huts that lack water and electricity.

 In rural villages, where the majority of Kanaks live, housing is similarly lacking. Families often reside in cramped government-subsidized housing or traditional huts, which cultivate a sense of closeness and community as they go about their day-to-day life.

As opposed to city-going Kanaks, who often work laborious service jobs to make a living, rural Kanaks start their day early to fish and harvest crops. After a  communal prayer, which draws from both Catholic and indigenous faith, the family comes together to dine on seafood, root vegetables and tropical fruit. The rest of the day is spent completing essential tasks, with men hunting and fishing and women cleaning and caring for children.

While the rural Kanaks’ daily routine has remained unchanged through centuries of colonization and industrialization, recent events threaten to end their traditional lifestyle. An increase in urban development that prioritizes French citizens over Kanaks is forcing many indigenous citizens into homelessness and poverty, necessitating immediate action.

A Brighter Future 

Homelessness suffered by the indigenous residents of New Caledonia is not going unnoticed. In 2019, politician Milakulo Tukumuli founded the Oceanian Awakening political party, whose goals include providing adequate housing to the squatters in Noúmea and closing the wealth gap between the rich and poor. Since its inception, it has secured three of the 54 seats in the New Caledonian Congress, demonstrating a promising outlook for minority rights in national politics.

As the Oceanian Awakening party continues to gain more influence, the French government is also looking for ways to collaborate with Kanak natives to resolve housing issues. Urban planning experts Céline Cassourret and Irène Salenson suggest that French government officials and Kanak cultural leaders work together to equally redistribute land. By giving Kanaks the territory and funds needed to build adequate housing, the nation can effectively resolve land tenure inequality and eliminate Kanak homelessness.

On a larger scale, action is occurring to secure rights for the Kanak community and other indigenous groups in the Pacific. Mark Brown, the chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), stated that he supports the movement to obtain “greater autonomy and independence” for native New Caledonians. Given the PIF’s role as an influential peacekeeping force for islands in the southwest Pacific, their ongoing support will hopefully encourage nearby territories to advocate for Kanak rights.

Looking Ahead

One can trace homelessness in New Caledonia, particularly in minority groups such as the Kanak, back to colonial-era discrimination and suppression. However, with support from neighboring islands, land redistribution and advocacy for Kanak rights, it is possible to right the wrongs for the indigenous peoples. Reform is on the horizon for the citizens of New Caledonia, and it has the potential to change countless lives for the better.

– Grace Gonzalez

Grace is based in Oakton, VA, USA and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Vocational Training Centers in Fiji

Vocational Training Centers in FijiSince 2015, when Fiji’s Ministry of Education intensified investment in vocational training, youth unemployment has remained stubbornly high—15.24% in 2023—compared with an average of roughly 10% across neighboring Pacific Island nations such as Tonga (6.7%) and the Solomon Islands (3%), suggesting that expanded training alone has not been sufficient to absorb new entrants into the labor market. More than 40% of Fijians live in rural areas, where access to formal education is limited; in 2023, rural residents accounted for 41% of the population. Fortunately, vocational education training centers in Fiji are attempting to fill in the gaps.

TVET Structure and Offerings

Fiji operates 62 state-run vocational education training centers, each accredited under the National Qualifications Framework and overseen by the Ministry of Education. These centers deliver one- to two-year programs in five core trades: automotive engineering, carpentry and joinery, catering, tailoring and office technology. Enrolment currently totals about 2,300 learners; 46% are women, predominantly in catering, tailoring and office technology. Additionally, the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji offers ISO 9001-certified courses designed around 70% practical work and 30% theory, with on-the-job placements secured through partnerships with local businesses.

Impact on Poverty Reduction

High youth unemployment in rural districts—where nearly half the population resides—has long fueled poverty, school dropouts and underemployment. TVET graduates report rapid transitions into work: more than 90% secure jobs within months of finishing, often in tourism, construction or transport, boosting household incomes and economic resilience. A UNESCO-UNEVOC case study of the Woodcraft Technology programme shows students partnering with local sawmills to turn waste timber into lamps, furniture and décor; proceeds fund workshop upkeep and teach entrepreneurship alongside trade skills.

Quality Assurance and Innovation

Centralized curricula and standardized exams ensure consistency across MOE centers, yet resource gaps persist. To close these, TPAF enforces ISO 9001 quality management, annual monitoring and international trade tests. When COVID-19 halted face-to-face classes, guidelines issued by the Ministry in collaboration with Australia Pacific Training Coalition and Fiji National University enabled remote and hybrid delivery, safeguarding uninterrupted learning.

Since 2021, the Fijian government has earmarked $1.5 million USD in TVET scholarships; the Tertiary Education Loans Scheme has financed 5,000 technical training places; and a pandemic relief reskilling fund provided 1 million FJD for retraining initiatives. Remaining challenges include instructor shortages in remote centers and fragmented coordination among providers. Pilot “Green-TVET” schemes and self-financing woodcraft models offer scalable blueprints for sustainable growth.

Fiji’s Path Forward Through TVET

Between 2019 and 2023, Fiji National University’s TVET programmes graduated more than 69,000 learners across formal, competency-based and rural streams. Furthermore, by upgrading facilities, extending outreach into remote districts and deepening partnerships with industry, many alumni are now launching their own ventures—from rural cooperatives crafting furniture out of waste timber to urban graduates providing IT and hospitality services—fueling local livelihoods and sustainable, inclusive growth for Fiji’s youth.

– Alexander Broermann

Alexander is based in Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Ghana’s Tech Innovation in Education

Ghana’s Tech Innovation in EducationGhana has embarked on a transformative journey to digitize its education system in recent years. Ghana’s shift aims to improve tech innovation in education and learning outcomes, bridge educational disparities and equip students for a technology-driven global economy. While significant progress has been made, challenges persist, particularly in ensuring equitable access across urban and rural communities.

Background

As Ghana works toward this next chapter of future learning, it is essential to note that the digitalization of education is a global reform trend. As Olga N. Machekhina describes in Revista Espacios, it is a powerful force for modernizing educational systems. Ghana has embraced this wave through various national strategies. The Education Strategic Plan (2018–2030) and the ICT in Education Policy Framework (2015) illustrate this commitment, emphasizing teacher training, curriculum reform and early school ICT exposure.

A notable step came in 2023 to include tech innovation in education with the launch of the ICT Competency Framework for Teachers. Developed by the Ministry of Education, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) and other stakeholders, this framework supports educators in integrating technology effectively into their teaching practices. Higher education institutions like the University of Cape Coast also support digitalization through platforms such as Moodle, streamlining learning for students and lecturers.

Government Initiatives

The National Digital Literacy Program, launched in 2013, seeks to train 10 million Ghanaians in digital skills by 2030. It focuses on equipping individuals with essential digital skills to participate effectively in the digital economy. Furthermore, in 2015, Ghana released its ICT in Education Policy Framework, emphasizing teacher training in digital skills and introducing ICT as a topic beginning in primary school. The policy sought to transform the educational system to improve the quality of teaching and learning at the various levels of education and expand access to education, training and research resources and facilities to produce a cutting-edge and skilled workforce for the growth of the country’s economy.

The government’s efforts intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic through platforms like Ghana Learning TV and iCampus. Despite good intentions, accessibility remained a significant issue. Key findings from a report titled “Ghana’s E-Learning Program During the Pandemic Presents Access Challenges for Many Students” highlight significant barriers to digital learning. Fewer than three in 10 Ghanaian households (28%) own a computer, with access even lower among rural and low-income families, only about one in seven (14%).

While 71% of households nationwide have reliable electricity from the national grid, this figure drops to 59% in rural areas and 55% among impoverished households. An additional 5% of households rely on alternative electricity sources such as solar panels, batteries or generators. In response, in 2024, Ghana launched the Smart Schools Project to distribute 1.3 million free tablets to high school students nationwide. The initiative began with 15 schools and reflects the government’s ongoing push toward digital inclusivity.

Grassroots Innovation: Lemvon’s Story

However, government programs are not the only drivers of change. An 18-year-old developer, Lemuel Grigsby, created Lemvon, a school management system that uses AI to personalize learning. In an interview with The Borgen Project, Grigsby shared that he turned to app development to heal after losing his older brother in 2020. Grigsby, motivated by his educational struggles, developed a comprehensive platform that manages everything from exam records to fee processing.

His AI-powered Learning Management System (ALM) adapts to each student’s pace, learning style and language. He also notes that the system allows parents to track their children’s academic performance and attendance. In partnership with the Ghana Association of Private Schools, Lemvon is now available through a 92-day free trial, allowing schools to evaluate its impact. Grigsby hopes these free trials will produce strong results and expand to rural communities.

Other Nonprofits Bridging the Gap

Other startups and nonprofits are contributing significantly to Ghana’s tech innovation in education. Street Library Ghana is a volunteer-driven social enterprise that provides library services in rural communities through mobile vans, book kiosks and digital access. It aims to improve literacy and education among children and youth in underserved areas.

The Ghana Code Club is an after-school program teaching children computer programming skills. Since its inception, it has trained more than 100,000 students, 3,5,00 teachers and several computer centers in Ghana.

Challenges in Digital Education

Despite these positive developments, gaps remain. According to the Ghana Living Standards Survey (2020), only 39.7% of Ghanaians had internet awareness, with a stark urban-rural divide (51.6% vs. 27.4%). Africa Education Watch (2024) reports that just 15% of public primary schools and 13% of junior high schools had functioning ICT labs by the end of the 2022/2023 academic year.

Infrastructure challenges are acute. Although national electricity coverage exceeds 80%, only 44% of primary schools and 63.9% of junior high schools had access to electricity as of 2020. Teacher preparedness is another hurdle: only 53% have received ICT training and 22% of students have basic ICT skills. According to Grigsby: “These issues not only create barriers but impede results for startups like Lemvon and others trying to help.”

Conclusion

Both national strategies and youth-led innovation are powering Ghana’s tech innovation in education. From free tablets to AI-driven learning platforms, the landscape is evolving. However, systemic issues like poor infrastructure, teacher training gaps and data literacy have to be addressed to ensure lasting impact.

Dr. Peter Anti of the Institute of Education Studies noted, “Instead of focusing on unnecessary projects in Accra, we need to address the actual issues in schools where the data shows there are urgent needs.” Grigsby echoes that sentiment: “The fact that we continue to face these basic issues is a sign that our policies have been poorly planned and targeted. We must use data more effectively to direct our efforts and solve the problems head-on.”

– Dela Michel 

Dela is based in Rockville, MD, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Building 3D-Printed Shelters for a Nation Ravaged by War

Building 3D-Printed SheltersSyria is enduring among the most complex crises of the 21st century. After 14 years of violence and destruction, innovative 3D-printing technologies are now emerging in the effort to rehome more than 13 million displaced Syrians.

A Nation in Ruins

In the wake of Assad’s brutal regime, Syrians have suffered untold trauma, death and the leveling of homes and public infrastructure during a devastating civil war. With an economy in ruin, around two-thirds of Syria’s 24 million civilians currently depend on humanitarian aid to survive.

Following more than a decade of conflict, nearly half of all Syrians are currently displaced or otherwise fragmented. About 6.8 million of them remain within Syrian borders and around the same amount are settling in neighboring countries like Turkey and Jordan or seeking refuge across Europe.

As Syria’s public services struggle to cope with the ongoing tensions, a rapidly changing climate is compounding food shortages due to drought-like weather conditions. As a result, nearly all Syrians live below the poverty line, making it extremely difficult for communities to rebuild their broken lives.

The Spectre of Assad’s Housing Crisis

In the process of destroying Syrian public infrastructure, Assad’s forces systematically targeted homes, schools, family businesses and hospitals within rebel-controlled areas. This process incurred a significant housing crisis that impacts many of the struggles the population faces daily.

A 2019 United Nations (U.N.) assessment mapped the true scale of the destruction through satellite imagery, finding that 140,000 buildings were destroyed or severely impacted by the attacks. Highly populated cities like Aleppo, Damascus and Homs have emerged as the most affected. With estimated damages totaling between $250 to $400 billion, it has become clear that the road to Syria’s long-term rehabilitation requires immediate and cost-effective solutions due to the damages left in the shadows of war.

As a result, Syria now faces the risk of entering a new era marked by property-based retaliation and social fragmentation. Without a well-coordinated housing policy to protect the population, this critical moment in the nation’s pursuit of long-term peace and security could be lost.

3D-Printed Shelters

In light of these growing challenges, 3D concrete printing is emerging as a promising solution for building more durable shelters in refugee camps. These structures offer longer lifespans and greater resilience against the harsh desert climate. By producing “layer-by-layer complex geometries” using cement with impressive speed and precision, building 3D-printed concrete shelters provides better safety from damage than previous structures. It enhances long-term stability and efficiency and improves thermal insulation and privacy for those most in need.

For instance, around 80,000 Syrian refugees are based in Zaatari and Azraq in neighboring Jordan. The current shelters can often cause serious health problems for occupants due to water leakage and air penetration and only have a two to four-year lifespan. With the introduction of 3D concrete printing techniques, these technologies are not only emerging as safer and more cost-effective, but the use of contour crafting is enabling the construction of larger-scale shelters that can last up to 30 years with far less waste.

Conclusion

At a time of great change, building 3D-printed shelters provides innovative ways of supporting Syrians displaced due to the conflict. With an economy ravaged by war and the mismanagement of public resources, these technologies could play a significant role in rebuilding Syrian infrastructure.

– Gabriel John Gunn

Gabriel is based in Paisley, Scotland and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Reducing Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: The Abiye Project

Reducing Maternal Mortality in NigeriaNigeria has around 2% of the world’s population, but accounts for nearly 10% of global maternal deaths. In 2008, the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) identified Ondo State in southwestern Nigeria as one of the country’s most affected regions. At that time, Ondo State’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) stood at 765 deaths per 100,000 live births.

In response to these shocking statistics, the Ondo State government launched the Abiye Project, meaning “Safe Motherhood,” in 2009. This program has become a pioneering initiative for reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria. The project is reducing maternal deaths by overhauling health care infrastructure, developing community-based services and eliminating financial barriers to maternal care.

Addressing the Four Delays

The Abiye Project was built around addressing the four leading delays responsible for the high rate of maternal deaths in the state:

  • Delays in patients recognizing danger signs and deciding to seek care.
  • Delays in reaching health facilities due to poor infrastructure, unreliable communication channels and lack of access to transport.
  • Delays in accessing proper care due to substandard facilities.
  • Delays in referrals to appropriate services in cases of complications or emergencies.

Before the implementation of the program, these delays had a devastating impact: only 16% of women registered at health facilities ended up delivering there, opting instead for far riskier home births.

The Abiye Project Strategies

  • Community Health Workers (Health Rangers). Health rangers are mobile health workers trained in basic obstetric care, intensive care and family planning support. Each ranger monitors the health of 25 pregnant women in their community, performing regular home visits and checkups.
  • Toll-Free Cellphones. The project provided these to every registered pregnant woman. It ensured free communication with health rangers, other pregnant women and emergency services.
  • A New and Improved Transport Fleet. It also provided a fleet of new ambulances suitable for multiple environments. They included motorcycles and speedboats, ensuring reliable transport is available so all pregnant women can access care safely and efficiently.
  • Facility and Staffing Improvements. It increased the number of Mother and Child Hospitals from two to seven. The government now trains all birth attendants in emergency obstetric and newborn care. It ensures every hospital and clinic is stocked with essential medical supplies.
  • Free Maternal Health Care. It made access to all services related to motherhood and childbirth free of charge at all government hospitals and clinics.

Impact on Maternal Health and Poverty

The results of the Abiye program were both rapid and transformative. Within its first year, antenatal registration surged by an astounding 1,855%, while facility-based deliveries increased by 1,602%.

By 2016, Ondo State’s MMR had dropped to 112 per 100,000, an 84.9% reduction within five years of the project’s inception. This achievement demonstrates how the program’s localized, person-centred strategies are invaluable for reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria.

The Abiye Project also had an impact on poverty levels. In 2022, Ondo State had the lowest poverty level in Nigeria, with around 27% of the population living in poverty, compared to the national average of 63%. These results demonstrate the capabilities of the project’s approach for not only saving lives but also improving the economic stability for all.

Conclusion

The Abiye Project is a powerful case study of how strategic health care interventions and a community-based approach can save lives and reduce poverty. By tackling the four key systemic causes of maternal deaths, it has set a new standard for reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria and beyond.

The project has earned recognition from the World Bank and UNICEF as a model for reform. With the project’s methods continuing to be adapted, the Abiye model has become a flagship in reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria, with the potential to revolutionize maternal care across developing countries.

– Reuben Avis-Anciano

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Recent Innovations in Mental Health Care in Africa

Mental Health Care in Africa According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa has the highest suicide rate in the world. The continent’s suicide rate stands at 11 people per every 100,000, which is higher than the global average of nine people per every 100,000. Approximately 29 million Africans suffer from depression.

Despite these staggering statistics, Africa spent less than $1 per capita on mental health. The continent also has an average of one mental health worker per 100,000 people compared to the global average of nine.

Within the last few years, the need for mental health services in Africa has risen. Luckily, organizations and platforms around the world have begun to recognize this demand. Here are three recent innovations to improve mental health care in Africa.

Supporting Mental Health Care in Africa

At its inaugural Digital Well-Being Summit, social media giant TikTok discussed plans for improving in-app support for users struggling with mental health, with a focus on sub-Saharan African users. The summit in Johannesburg brought together policymakers, industry leaders and mental health experts from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe and beyond. The event acted as a platform to discuss enhancing online safety tools, providing users with reliable information, and expanding user access to experts on the app.

TikTok announced that its $2.3 million global Mental Health Education fund will now be expanded to encompass sub-Saharan African organizations for the first time since its establishment. The selected organizations include the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, and Kenya’s Mental360. They will be provided with funding and support from TikTok to create relevant, evidence-based content that discusses mental health in African communities.

TikTok has committed to expanding its in-app mental health helplines to the continent. African users will now be able to easily access helplines that will connect them with expert support and mental health resources such as counselling and psychological support. It will also be easier for African users to report harmful content related to bullying, hate, self-harm, and other topics that violate TikTok’s community guidelines.

The summit also introduced TikTok’s new Mental Health Ambassadors. In a partnership with the WHO, TikTok’s Mental Health Ambassadors will use their platforms to give guidance and advice to users. The inaugural group of verified healthcare professionals from the WHO Fides Network includes Sanam Naran and Dr. Siya from South Africa, Dr. Claire Kinuthia from Kenya, and Dr. Wales from Nigeria.

“Weaving Lives Together” Helps Communities Recover

The Weaving Lives Together project in Northern Nigeria aims to provide support to violence victims. It introduces creative interventions to fill the gaps left by other mental health resources. Its goal is to bring together mental well-being and economic opportunities to support both psychological recovery and socio-economic livelihoods.

Weaving Lives Together is the result of a partnership with the Neem Foundation, Creative Women in Lagos, and fashion house Ituen Basi. People, especially women, are given a creative outlet to turn their artistic expression in fashion and textile arts into opportunities for economic independence.

The initiative received funding through the One King’s Impact Fund at the School of Global Affairs at King’s College of London, a fund to support interdisciplinary solutions to global challenges. They are committed to fighting for whole-life health, peace and justice, and gender equality worldwide.

Digital Innovations in Mental Health Care in Africa

King’s College of London is also sponsoring and funding a new digital platform for depression intervention in African countries. This initiative expands upon the success of Zimbabwe’s Friendship Bench project, a model that has provided Zimbabweans with therapy for common disorders such as anxiety and depression by trained health workers.

Led by Dr. Gabrielle Samuel of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, the new platform will make mental health support more accessible, especially to those in underserved communities. People will be able to access self-guided therapy via their mobile phones, which will expand the reach of health workers and reduce wait times for those seeking help.

Mental health care in Africa has long needed improvement, with suicide and depression rates higher than global averages, especially in males. These three new innovations are only part of the efforts to bring better mental health counselling, resources, and education to the continent.

– Hannah Fruehstorfer

Hannah is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Boosting Yields and Income: Sustainable Farming in Nigeria

sustainable farming in NigeriaThe Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) is a nonprofit organization promoting sustainable farming in Nigeria. It’s helping local smallholder farmers increase their crop yields and lower costs. It currently operates in 54 different locations throughout the country, including several agricultural hotspots such as Nasarawa, Kano and Oyo.

Challenges of Smallholder Farming in Nigeria

Agriculture makes up a significant portion of the country’s economy, as the industry employs more than one-third of the entire workforce. Smallholder farmers, defined as those working on farmlands less than 24 acres, make up a large portion of this workforce and its production, with only 10% of the entire nation’s food supply coming from other sources. However, smallholder farmers face many challenges that inhibit productivity.

The regular use of the slash-and-burn technique to clear farmland, synthetic fertilizer and pesticides all contribute to a decrease in crop yields, as well as damage to their land. With Nigeria as a whole already impacted by climate instability and extreme weather, the additional damage done by these farming practices only worsens their predicament. Many of these practices lead to the erosion of soil and subsequent decrease in fertility. This issue currently impacts more than 23% of Nigerian land. However, many farmers do not have access to the knowledge of how to properly make the transition from their current methods to the practices of sustainable farming that the FSSS promotes.

Another obstacle that smallholder farmers face is a lack of access to proper resources. A majority of farmers do not have access to high-quality seeds and non-synthetic fertilizers. In addition, lack of access to loans and insurance means that many farmers would not be able to buy these products even if they were available, and cannot insure their lands against potential environmental damage. As a result of all of these elements, productivity has waned so greatly that, on average, these farmers are producing “less than half of their potential output per hectare.”

Food Insecurity in Nigeria

According to the Global Hunger Index, Nigeria’s hunger level is serious. It affects the population as a whole, as 18% are undernourished. However, it affects children the most, as 31.5% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 5 are stunted. In addition, more than 10% of children die before their 10th birthday, reflecting “the most serious consequence of hunger.”

This worrying level of food insecurity is due to a combination of many different factors. However, despite the country’s reliance on them as a main food source, the declining output of smallholder farmers is a significant contributor.

How FSSS is Helping Nigerians

To properly promote sustainable farming in Nigeria, the FSSS has several initiatives to improve the amount of education and resources available. One of its initiatives is the Farmer’s Service Centers, also known as Farmer’s Hubs. These centers are run for locals by locals and provide farmer’s necessities at low costs. They have tools such as high-quality seeds and fertilizers and rentals for farming machinery. Yusuf Haliru, the operator of the Farmer’s Hub in Bichi, said: “Now, everything is within their reach—and the impact has been massive.”

The FSSS also partners with local financial institutions to provide smallholder farmers with services such as low-interest loans and insurance. This helps farmers, especially those with little to no financial literacy, invest more into their farms and financially protect themselves and their lands in an emergency or natural disaster.

However, the organization’s foremost initiative is its education. The FSSS educates farmers on many techniques that help progress the advent of sustainable farming in Nigeria. These techniques include crop rotation and using organic fertilizers like manure to reduce soil erosion and degradation. The use of compost as fertilizer caused a “40% increase in crop yields compared to conventional fertilization,” according to the UNDP. It also teaches techniques such as agroforestry and intercropping. These methods all help the farmers produce more while using less.

In May 2025 alone, the FSSS reached more than 1,000 farmers across four states, including almost 300 female participants through its educational programs. It will continue expanding its reach and resources moving forward, maximizing its positive impact and helping improve the lives of farmers and all those who rely on its yield.

– Delaney Gouveia

Delaney is based in Newport, RI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything to Know About Hunger in the Czech Republic 

Hunger in the Czech RepublicAfter decades of food insecurity, the Czech Republic underwent a remarkable transformation. Today, Czechia ranks among the nations with lowest levels of hunger worldwide – reporting 2.5% food insecurity and a poverty rate of 0.3% as of 2020. Everything to know about hunger in the Czech Republic begins with understanding how its past shaped its present. 

A Great Leap Backward 

The Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ) assumed power in February 1948. KSČ  nationalized private enterprises, prioritized heavy industry and reoriented trade. The Soviet model of central planning went hand in hand with limited innovation and perverse incentives.

Over the next 40 years, Czechoslovakia experienced a rare phenomenon of de-development. The 1961-65 period witnessed virtual economic stagnation and food shortages, as output for beef, pork and meat struggled to meet plan targets. Agriculture recorded poor performance between 1975 and 1980. A world recession, high input prices and restrictive domestic policies led to stagnation by the mid 1980s.

Unrest over economic growth and material conditions pushed out Communist regimes across East and Central Europe in 1989. Late to jump onto the bandwagon, Czechoslovak planners managed to keep food supplies in stores, delaying and defusing public discontent. The KSČ often compared Czechoslovak living standards to Poland and Hungary, where citizens stood in long lines for simple groceries, to dismiss demands for regime change.

A Return to Europe

The velvet revolution hit Czechoslovakia in November 1989, ushering in a liberal government. After implementing reforms for a market economy and parliamentary democracy, Czechoslovakia pursued a “return to Europe.” The President Václav Havel not only emphasized the benefits of European integration for Czechoslovakia, but demonstrated an impulse to join the EU to lend a hand to global security: “We can approach the richer nations of Western Europe, not as poor failures or helpless, recently amnestied prisoners, but as countries that can make a genuine contribution.” Czechia achieved membership of NATO in 1999 and the European Union (EU) in 2004.

Everything to know about hunger in the Czech Republic includes understanding how EU membership drove economic improvement and food security. The EU’s Cohesion Policy directed European funds to help Czechia’s development needs in four main areas: entrepreneurship and employment, research and education, the environment and transport. From 2014 to 2020, Czechia distributed funding across 10 operational programs. It invested 10% in the Rural Development Programme (RDP), 18% in Enterprise and Innovation, 12% in OP Research, Development and Education and 9% in OP Employment.

The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) directed European funds to encourage a sustainable, resilient and diversified agricultural sector. Around 78% of the Czech population live in rural areas. The European Commission approved a CAP Strategic Plan for Czechia in November 2022. The Plan seeks to support Czech farmers and raise rural living standards. For the 2023-2027 period, Czechia can invest CZK 200 billion in direct payments, rural development and common market organization.

National Policies and Reforms

The Czech Ministry of Agriculture seeks to maintain normal levels of agricultural and food production. The Ministry petitioned the Czech government to increase funds for the Support and Guarantee Agricultural and Forestry Fund (PGRLF) and the RDP in March 2020. The PGRLF will receive CZK 1 billion and the RDP will get CZK 3.3 billion.

Czechia’s RDP focuses on sustainable farming practices and the management of natural resources. The second priority is increasing the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry as well as the food industry. It provides investment support to farms and creates new jobs to boost the rural economy.

The Ministry collaborates with the State Agricultural Intervention Fund (SZIF) to administer CAP’s direct payments, rural development and common market organization measures. The SZIF also manages national agricultural subsidies, OP Fisheries and food quality labels. The latter aims to promote organic farming products and improve the overall standard of food on shelves.

Global Anti-Hunger Effort

Along with 184 countries, Czechia committed to eliminating hunger and achieving food security at the World Food Summit in 1996. Minister for Agriculture Jan Fencl organized a follow-up meeting in 2002 to affirm the key objective to end extreme hunger and poverty. Fencl emphasized the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) as mediator and coordinator of mutual cooperation between countries. He also endorsed the concept of a global Alliance Against Hunger.

After 20+ years of democratic and economic development, Czechia now provides official development assistance (ODA) to a host of countries. Afghanistan, Moldova, Mongolia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ethiopia are the largest recipients of Czech ODA in 2012. Czechia allocated 19% of its bilateral ODA to agriculture and water supply. This helps ensure access to quality and basic food and water.

With Prosperity Comes Responsibility

Czechia recently achieved a high Global Food Security Index (GFSI). After analyzing food availability, quality and safety in 113 countries, the Economist Impact Report ranked Czechia 16th in GFSI in 2022 with 77.7 points. 

The work is not done. While the Czech government accomplished great strides domestically, its contribution toward global food security is underdeveloped. A step in the right direction, Czechia joined the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty in February 2025. The Alliance aims to accelerate efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger).

Everything to know about hunger in the Czech Republic extends beyond its borders. While Czechia’s commitment to the Alliance demonstrates its recognition of the value of food security and nutrition, it can do more to align with international goals on hunger. 

– Alessandra Lewis

Alessandra is based in Westport, CT, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Argentina’s Return to Work Program

Argentina's Return to WorkVery recently in Argentina’s political sphere, libertarian candidate Javier Milei won the country’s premiership, inheriting a struggling economy and a staggering number of impoverished people. Milei campaigned on a promise to lift Argentina out of its economic crisis and help its people get back on their feet. So far, he has made good on that promise. In the first half of 2024, the poverty rate had surged to 52.9%, but by the latter half of the year, after Milei took office, it dropped sharply to 36.8%.

The Return to Work Program

Milei has become known for figuratively and literally taking a chainsaw to the Argentine government, cutting away bloated or ineffective programs. One such program, Enhance Work, was dismantled and replaced with a new initiative called Return to Work. The program aims to develop and sustain sociolaboral skills for participants transferred from its predecessor. The initiative combines vocational training, certified skill-building and workplace internships with career orientation and job placement support.

Participants receive a fixed monthly non‑remunerative stipend of about $61 for up to 24 months, disbursed directly each month. The program works alongside educational initiatives, promoting completion of basic schooling and literacy where needed. Through partnerships with employment offices, civil society, universities and municipalities, Return to Work offers individualized job search assistance, labour intermediation services and support for both formal employment and independent or cooperative entrepreneurship.

Built on simple tools and community engagement, the scheme fosters employability while cushioning vulnerable households. With clear funding and a defined 24‑month duration, Return to Work delivers structured training, economic support and practical experience in the formal labor market.

The Impact

When people return to work, a nation’s economy begins to recover and Argentina is no exception. In March 2025, the country’s inflation rate stood at 3.7%, but by June, it had dropped to 1.5%. Lower inflation creates more opportunities for impoverished people to improve their circumstances.

Argentina’s Return to Work program has been critical in this turnaround. By connecting thousands of unemployed citizens with stable jobs and offering support services like job matching, the program has helped reduce dependency on government aid.

It also encourages formal employment, which expands the tax base and strengthens public services. As more people find work, consumer spending increases, businesses grow and the cycle of poverty begins to break.

Final Remarks

The most effective way to lift people out of poverty is by providing stable employment and job security. When individuals can work and earn a reliable income, they can rise above their circumstances and live healthier, more dignified lives. If programs like these receive sustained funding, global poverty could one day become a thing of the past. Until then, Argentina’s Return to Work program and others like it, are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future..

– John Menechino

John is based in Marietta, GA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Energy Access in India: Zor’s Battery-Sharing for Small Farmers

Energy Access in IndiaPersistent gaps in reach, quality and reliability mark energy access in India. Around two-thirds of the country’s 1.3 billion people live in rural areas, many working on small farms with limited electricity access. Despite national progress, energy access in India’s rural regions remains unreliable or unavailable. Approximately 300 million Indians live off-grid and many agricultural areas remain disconnected due to high costs and coordination challenges. Most farmers earn about $4 a day.

As a result, farmers remain dependent on costly fossil fuels for irrigation and mechanization. Diesel is nearly twice as expensive as subsidized grid electricity, significantly reducing profit margins. While rural electrification efforts in the 2000s, such as RGGVY, expanded household electricity, they largely neglected agricultural needs, focusing on basic domestic connections rather than high-capacity farm requirements like irrigation pumps. Districts electrified after these policy changes saw only two additional electrified wells per 100 households, compared to 16 in districts electrified earlier.

This shift increased diesel pump adoption, raising operating costs and emissions. Reliance on diesel generators also heightens environmental and health risks, as prolonged exposure to emissions is linked to respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and pneumonia. Critically, the absence of stable, grid-based electricity perpetuates poverty cycles among farmers, as inefficient and expensive energy solutions erode already narrow profit margins. However, emerging initiatives are leveraging technology to address these gaps, offering scalable, sustainable alternatives to uplift rural livelihoods.

Zor: A Battery-Sharing Model Transforming Rural Energy

Zor is an innovative startup founded by Rea Savla and Vishesh Mehta, two Harvard Business School graduates with agricultural expertise. The company tackles energy access in India’s rural areas through a modular battery-sharing system, enabling farmers to rent and swap charged batteries powered by both grid and renewable sources as needed.

Recognizing diesel’s financial burden on smallholder farmers and leveraging India’s existing solar subsidy programs, Zor designed a pay-per-use model. This approach avoids brand-specific subsidies and eliminates prohibitive upfront costs that often deter solar adoption. It shortens typical payback periods from 10–20 years to under two years, dramatically improving returns on investment for farmers.

Zor’s modular lithium-ion battery system, powered by adaptable software, supports diverse agricultural needs, including grinding, milling, transportation and crop preservation. Designed for resilience, the batteries can be reliably charged even in remote areas with unstable grid access. Operating in rural India required a high-touch approach. Success demands constant availability and a hands-on mindset. Zor’s team conducted 18 months of fieldwork to ensure a farmer-centric solution, engaging more than 700 farmers across 25 villages to understand their pain points and refine the model.

Zor Energy’s Community-First Model

Early pilots in Odisha and Jharkhand proved the model’s viability as farmers rapidly adopted the service for convenience and cost savings. Zor’s community-driven approach prioritizes local management by deploying village charging stations and training residents to operate them, ensuring sustainability and scalability. The model also emphasizes gender inclusion, aiming for 50% female field staff to create economic opportunities for women historically marginalized in rural energy sectors.

With seed funding secured, Zor Energy is poised to scale its technology and expand its reach. This solution delivers reliable, on-demand electricity for farming and household needs, cutting energy costs by 40% compared to diesel. Its modular design directly addresses rural India’s electrification gaps, demonstrating that affordability and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Bridging the Critical Energy-Irrigation Gap

Zor’s model targets diesel-dependent irrigation in energy-poor regions, a well-documented challenge in rural electrification studies. In eastern Indian states like Odisha and Jharkhand, where Zor piloted its approach, farmers face inconsistent grid access. They often rely on costly diesel pumps that deplete groundwater.

Research indicates that closing this energy-irrigation gap could expand irrigated land by 20% during dry seasons, boosting productivity and resilience. Zor’s decentralized battery system directly supports this goal, cutting costs and enabling sustainable irrigation where the grid falls short.

Community-Led, Scalable Impact

Zor emphasizes community participation and skills development, mirroring successful initiatives like Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP). SSP has trained 60,000 women as clean energy leaders across rural India, reaching four million people, increasing the adoption of clean cookstoves and reducing household pollution. This grassroots approach builds local support networks, develops technical skills, facilitates livelihoods, all whilst improving energy access in India.

Zor similarly engages women as field staff and managers, promoting gender inclusion and creating pathways for economic agency and social change. Like SSP, Zor employs a market-based, decentralized model designed for scalability. It demonstrates how clean energy solutions can meet widespread demand while creating livelihood opportunities, making it a sustainable blueprint for rural development in India and beyond.

A More Equitable Energy Future

By enabling farmers to access clean, modular power, Zor enhances adaptability during droughts and erratic monsoons, supporting climate resilience and food security. Its gender-inclusive hiring approach mirrors the proven positive effects of female-led clean energy expansion, catalyzing economic and social transformation in rural communities.

Zor’s battery-sharing innovation is more than a technology solution to energy access in India. It aligns with a proven ecosystem of decentralized, community-led clean energy initiatives that drive economic uplift, climate adaptation and social equity. Its scalable, agrarian-focused model is a strong example of how local renewable energy solutions can advance sustainable development and reduce poverty.

– Jacobo L. Esteban

Jacobo is based in Cali, Colombia and focuses on Technology and Solutions, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr