Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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5 Charities Operating in Tibet

Charities Operating in Tibet
A region well known for Mount Everest and the Dalai Lama, the autonomous region of Tibet once had a poverty rate as high as 80%. Through various campaigns, it has significantly improved in recent years, but there is still a large amount of work that needs to be done. This journey is made possible by the following five charities operating in Tibet.

The Tibet Fund

Founded in 1981 under the patronage of the Dalai Lama, The Tibet Fund aims to preserve Tibet’s cultural identity, supporting communities’ education, health and livelihood. Its programs promote self-reliance among the Tibetan community and allow even the most vulnerable to have the chance to lead healthy, dignified lives.

Gender-based Violence

The organization also has specific initiatives for Tibetan women and girls. For example, it established an initiative that offers protection against gender-based violence, collaborating with partners such as the Central Tibetan Administration Women’s Empowerment Desk, Tibetan Women’s Association, and Drokmo. Workshops occurred on menstrual and reproductive health for youth as well as awareness sessions for other Tibetan organizations.

This also involved the establishment of gender focal persons, barefoot counselors and complaint committees in order to raise awareness on gender-based sexual violence (GBSV) and harassment; it also included the operation of a 24-hour helpline that acted as a safe space for survivors.

Another gender-based initiative is Every Mother and Child, which provides resources to breastfeeding mothers to support the nutrition, hygiene and healthy cognitive development of their child.

Education

The Tibet Fund has done a large amount of work regarding higher education. Through its various scholarship programs, it has allowed countless economically vulnerable Tibetans to be able to access post-secondary education, both domestically and in the U.S.

The Fund supported more than 50 Tibetan girls who were unable to afford the high costs of higher education, both at technical schools in the country and at universities in China. Additionally, it provided scholarships to two pursuing careers in medicine in Xining.

Furthermore, with funding from the U.S. Department of State and partnerships between Qinghai Tibetan Medical College and three American universities, the Fund was able to provide English language training courses for 20 students, with four top-performing students going on to continue their studies at various American academic institutes.

Its dedication to education and the future of Tibet was further exemplified through its Tibetan Women Microentrepreneurship Program, which assisted vulnerable women in growing their businesses and expanding their markets.

Earthquakes

It has also donated generously toward victims of earthquakes, including the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck in early 2010 that claimed the lives of nearly 2,700 people and injured more than 12,000. The Fund provided a total of $122,875 in grants for short-and long-term emergency and recovery efforts, assisting Tibetans in the reconstruction of a flour mill and school.

Machik

The second of these charities operating in Tibet is Machik, which translates to “one mother” in Tibetan. This organization works with Tibetans both in and outside the region, addressing social and environmental changes with a focus on social innovation, civic engagement and gender equity.

Its recent achievements include the provision of clean energy and safe drinking water; the establishment of an award winning school, a library and an organic greenhouse; the repair of roads and houses and much more.

In 2001, Machik established the Pende Clinic Project, which provides health care to a rural community and its surrounding villages; in total, the clinic supports 31 villages with approximately 2,000 households, a population of about 16,000.

Moreover, it has established education programs for women charting new pathways. Mother’s Wish, a program it initiated, now supports education for girls and women in Amdo, ranging from middle school-level education to PhDs.

One of these is its Women’s Writing Program. Machik has sponsored both the development and distribution of The Land of Snow Tibetan Women’s Journal, a quarterly magazine edited and produced by Tibetan women that offers a platform for Tibetan women writers to discuss countless compelling social issues. Since its conception in December 2004, it has produced 12 issues.

Karuna-Shechen

A nonprofit organization that reflects and emphasizes the ideals of altruism, Karuna-Shechen has promoted well-being in the Himalayan region, with their work spanning Tibet, India and Nepal.

The organization has provided shelter, safety, education, health care and opportunities to vulnerable communities, encompassing fields such as health and hygiene, education, food security, economic development and the environment. In 2023, it supported more than 494,130 people, including 555,000 indirect beneficiaries and 22,000 animals.

Karuna-Shechen has also been significantly involved in promoting food security. For instance, it has provided equipment to improve water management in agriculture, which has been vastly beneficial for farmers such as Indra Kumari Rai.

This improved not only crop production rate but also its quality, allowing for sustainable agriculture and creating a lasting positive impact for both nutrition and economy.

Finally, its unique Altruism in Action model allows for a more explicit and active partnership between Karuna-Shechen and the communities it serves. It can be boiled down to the creation and use of Better Future Councils (BFCs), elected representatives from each “cluster” of villages that work directly with Karuna-Shechen. The BFCs then play a central role in the:

  • Co-identification of needs, issues, and available resources
  • Co-design of projects
  • Co-implementation of activities
  • Co-monitoring and evaluation of the intervention and its impact

The American Himalayan Foundation (AHF)

Like Karuna-Shechen, another of these charities operating in Tibet, the American Himalayan Foundation (AHF) assists those living throughout the Himalayas, including Tibetans, Sherpas and Nepalis. Its projects have included trafficking prevention for women and girls, education, health care, cultural revival and environmental conservation.

The Foundation’s work spans multiple countries–in Nepal, it has been involved in disaster relief during events such as the Nepal earthquake, and have initiatives in the kingdom of Mustang and other areas that contribute to the preservation of culture. Additionally, it has an initiative titled STOP Girl Trafficking that aims to prevent girls from Nepal from being trafficked, or entering indentured servitude or child marriage. The program has grown significantly, supporting education that not only keeps girls safe but empowers them with the skills and confidence required for them to shape their own futures.

The Terma Foundation

The last of these charities operating in Tibet is The Terma Foundation, an international humanitarian medical organization that aims to provide innovative and sustainable health solutions, mainly for indigenous, marginalized and other excluded populations. Its work in Tibet, Mexico, Myanmar and Brazil has positively impacted and reached more than 1.5 million beneficiaries to date.

Malnutrition

Through the implementation of its various culturally-sensitive programs that work with local partners, The Terma Foundation has provided medical education, participated in research combining both traditional Tibetan and western knowledge and practices and provided diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation to Tibetans.

Its child feeding and indigenous food development program supports the supply and consumption of highly nutritious indigenous natural foods, which began after reports of malnutrition in children and their mothers due to insufficient protein and micronutrient intake.

Although the variety of processed food has grown exponentially, elders have stated that children have been shown to be stronger and healthier when eating locally cultivated food, which was previously a regular part of daily diets.

One such food is droma, a locally abundant, traditional root that is high in iron and vegetable protein, and combines to form a complete protein when mixed with barley.

The organization distributes droma in combination with multivitamin supplements, a well-received, low-cost practice that has led to visible, rapid improvement in children’s clinical status and growth. The harvesting process of these food sources is also being studied for its potential as a source of revenue for farmers, traditional doctors and herbalists.

Tibetan Medicine

On the topic of malnutrition, Terma has also emphasized the importance of traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) principles and practices as a form of advancement for cultural health care. Its health promotion team and TTM physicians work hand-in-hand, increasing credibility, trust and efficiency. The practices are adapted into schools and villages, offering a sense of comfort through the provision of clinical care that is culturally familiar to patients.

Terma’s other programs include health education and primary care delivery, tuberculosis prevention and control, pre- and postnatal care and rickets education and prevention.

Looking Ahead

Through these charities operating in Tibet, transformative work is being done in Tibet every day. Each act that these organizations implement have an impact. 

– Rune Pang

Rune is based in Markham, ON, Canada and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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USAID in the Central African Republic

USAID in the Central African RepublicThe Central African Republic is one of the world’s poorest countries, despite its abundant valuable resources such as diamonds, gold, oil and uranium. The government has faced instability since its inception in 1960 when the country became an independent country. It has since seen multiple military coups which have become especially disruptive since 2013 and more than 60% of the country lives in poverty. This amount of poverty combined with weak governance has led to multiple humanitarian issues, such as high maternal mortality rates and low life expectancy. Many people and organizations within the country and around the world work to aid struggling or displaced people in the Central African Republic. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has programs committed to focusing on humanitarian aid and responding to crises in the Central African Republic but also invests in economic growth, trade and the environment.

Economic Growth and Trade

Currently, USAID programs in the Central African Republic are restoring an 85-mile stretch of road in the northwest region. The construction of this road creates jobs for locals and upon completion it connects two northern cities, opening their markets to each other. Unemployment in CAR stood at 6.34% in 2022. While little information is given on this project, USAID boasts community involvement and job creation as well as the potential for new trade, all of which can aid in reducing unemployment.

Environment

USAID programs in the Central African Republic also fund the Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) which aims to protect the world’s second-largest rainforest. Located in the Congo Basin, the rainforest is threatened by deforestation, biodiversity loss, environmental destruction and growing global demand for resources.

About 70% of the country’s population depends on agriculture and nearly half of its population is food insecure. It is also facing an increasingly common issue with cattle farmers who cannot find grazing land. They have to travel farther than they used to graze, often causing them to cross borders into the Central African Republic because of its abundant fields. This puts a heavy strain on CAR’s resources and causes possibly violent disputes.

USAID supports the region by building up local, regional and national organizations to mitigate natural disasters, improve management of natural resources and sustain biodiversity. It also enforces logging regulations, reforms natural resource policy, engages communities in resource management and shares the benefits of forest resources.

CARPE is the largest environmental program from USAID. Its mission is to create a Congo Basin with healthy ecosystems and dynamic local leadership that supports stability and prosperity in communities. USAID works with partners such as the World Wildlife Fund to fund conservation, development, and community projects and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the region.

Crises and Conflict

Although recognizing the importance of economic growth and the environment, USAID places most of its focus on humanitarian crises in the Central African Republic. Fighting between the national army and rebel forces permeates across the country, regularly affecting civilian safety. In 2022, the government tried to remove the president’s two-term limit from the constitution, which only fueled the fire. This has led to an increase in abductions and hostages from both sides.

Because of ongoing instability, violence and displacement within the country people are often left without necessities. USAID works to combat food shortages and delivers medical aid such as measles vaccines and malnutrition treatment, according to its website. In places with more extreme conflict, they also provide emergency relief supplies, food aid, health and nutrition supplies, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies and coordinated humanitarian efforts.

Food and Water

As of March 2024, USAID works with different partners to provide food security, health and nutrition, logistics support, water, protection and shelter and settlement in the Central African Republic. UNICEF, for example, partners with USAID to provide access to safe water for nearly 100,000 people through the rehabilitation and repair of more than 90 boreholes, the implementation of emergency water supply systems, and the distribution of household water treatment kits.

The World Food Program (WFP) implements cash transfers, locally procured food, food vouchers, and some U.S.-sources crops and supplementary feeding programs for young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. These are just two of their many partners and programs which also include things such as humanitarian air transportation due to insufficient roads, latrines and hygiene kits, community safety awareness sessions, emergency case management, emergency shelter kits and more.

The Central African Republic is facing political and economic instability and a major climate crisis at the same time, leading to skyrocketing poverty and food insecurity rates. USAID programs in the Central African Republic are designed to target these issues and help remove people from violence, poverty and hunger.

– Anna Thibodeau

Anna is based in Omaha, NE, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Cycles of Poverty in the Philippines

Poverty in the PhilippinesIncome inequality is a huge contributor to the persisting cycles of poverty within the Philippines. In 2022, the country’s top 1% of earners reported 17% of all national income, while only 14% was shared between the bottom 50%. Outreach International argues that income inequality continues to exacerbate issues of poverty because many of the national efforts to reduce poverty have been focused in the most densely populated areas of the country, where the most opportunities already exist. Hence, Outreach International focuses its support initiatives on providing those in rural areas with long-term and sustainable solutions that help break the cycle of poverty.

The Cycle of Family Poverty in the Philippines

Income inequality in the Philippines stems from several different structural factors. These include the fact that access to higher education and job skills remains an impossible task for many, the societal norms that leave women and other minorities at a disadvantage socially and addition, the complex geography of the nation, which means that opportunities and natural resources are disproportionately located.

The cycle of poverty prevails when these structural disadvantages mean that households permanently lack the resources to cover their most basic needs. When individuals are forced to spend their whole lives struggling to meet these basic needs, it means that they lack the time and resources to address the core of the issues that keep them rooted in poverty. This cycle of poverty can last a lifetime. It can even be passed from one generation to the next – family poverty.

These cycles of poverty, extreme and chronic, are passed from one generation to the next when children are born into situations where they are unlikely to have the ability to pursue changes that would make life easier for them and even their potential children. Children who are born into poverty are less likely to enroll in school and maintain age-appropriate grade levels because their time is taken up by the need to help the family meet their daily and most basic needs. Limiting a child’s access to education also limits their access to opportunities in the future, their subsequent earning potential and even the prospective development of their community.

However, Outreach International recognizes that family poverty is caused and maintained by more than just a lack of access to education and other kinds of infrastructure. It acknowledges the role of the above structural and societal inequalities and predatory loan practices.

Community-Led Development

Community-led development (CLD) aims to help communities get to the root of social issues affecting them and hindering their economic growth and development. CLD projects result in the final product and help the involved communities develop skills, knowledge and confidence in many aspects of life and business.

When the involved group learns how to “identify, prioritize and mobilize to reach a goal, they don’t just reach that one goal,” they develop skills to reach every goal after that. Their development becomes continuous and sustainable. Unlike short-term monetary solutions, this continues to benefit the communities involved as these skills can be passed onto future generations.

Outreach International’s Rice Loans

An example of Outreach International’s focus on CLD programs is its rice loans. Local community leaders work directly with suppliers to obtain rice at a wholesale price. They negotiate a fair price and organize a delivery location that is accessible to all participating households. The rice is then portioned and delivered to families who cannot afford it at market price.

All households are members of their respective Community-Based Organizations. Over time, each recipient repays the cost of their food loan into a community-managed fund. This fund generates interest and will cover the cost of further rice acquisition. This means vulnerable households can avoid using loan sharks that will take advantage of them. It also means the community can develop the funds and skills to tackle rice shortages on a long-term scale.

By providing communities with the skills and confidence to overcome structural issues over time, Outreach International’s focus on CLD schemes results in long-term economic and social development that helps lift the most vulnerable in the Philippines out of the cycle of poverty.

– Kristina Grant

Kristina is based in Scotland and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Ending Child Marriage in Guinea

Child Marriage in GuineaChild marriage occurs in many countries but Guinea has some of the highest prevalence rates in the world. The World Bank defines child marriage as a “marriage or union taking place before the age of 18.” Many often associate it with poverty and low levels of education, and it disproportionally affects girls. There are several successful programs to reduce child marriage in Guinea.

Affected Population

In Guinea, though the law states that the minimum age of marriage is 18, this is not always upheld in practice. According to Girls Not Brides, 47% of girls marry before 18 and 17% of girls marry before the age of 15. This compares with 2% of boys who are married before age 18.

Rates of child marriage differ based on location. Rates of child marriage are two times higher in rural than urban areas, which may coincide with higher levels of poverty in the countryside. Child marriage in Guinea is more common in some areas of the country than others, with the highest rate being in Labé where 76% of children marry before 18, according to Girls Not Brides.

Reasons behind Child Marriage

Child marriages are often done with parental consent and because of financial worries, as children can be offered in exchange for goods. Other reasons include religious beliefs and fears of girls falling pregnant outside of marriage, Girls Not Brides reports.

Child marriage brings many dangers to these girls; 95% of girls married before 18 experience FGM/C, according to Girls Not Brides. Girls who are married as children are more likely to give birth earlier and experience complications in these pregnancies. They also have a higher chance of contracting infections like HIV and are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence.

Child Marriage and Poverty

Guinea is experiencing high levels of poverty with, according to the World Bank, 43.7% of people living below the poverty line – this equates to 5.8 million people. Statistically, there is a strong positive correlation between rates of poverty and rates of child marriage. This can be seen in Guinea; Labé is one of the poorest areas of the country with 66% of people living below the poverty. The city also has the highest rate of child marriage in Guinea. 

UNICEF has identified that increasing access to education is a significant contributing factor to reducing rates of child marriage. According to Girls Not Brides, 63% of women without an education marry before 18, compared with 26% with secondary level education or higher. Therefore, a key aspect of tackling child marriage is increasing access to education; this is also an important aim of downsizing poverty.

Solutions

Though Guinea is amongst the highest in the world for child marriage, some changes are taking place. The country signed up to the SDGs, one of which aims to end child marriage. Guinea also signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child and in 2017 launched the African Union Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa, according to Girls Not Brides. This campaign began in 2014 and aims to target the countries in Africa most affected by child marriage. It has given countries and leaders space to advocate for girls’ rights and has encouraged many countries to change their laws regarding child marriage. It has also led to more research on child marriage, providing important information on its impacts.

UNICEF has implemented the Fundamental Skills Improvement Programme, which trains teachers with the overall aim of improving the reading and mathematical abilities of children in Guinea. At the beginning of the program, 61% of students could not identify numbers. Just six months into the scheme this decreased to only 4%. Because of this success, many other schools are applying to the program, increasing its reach from 1,500 students to almost 6,000.

Equity Committee

The U.S. government has also offered help to increase access to education; the USAID education programme created an Equity Committee to grow the number of girls in education. The World Bank also joined this to fund studies into how to educate girls, as it was such uncharted territory, as well as running publicity campaigns to encourage more girls, and their families, to access education. This resulted in the percentage of girls attending school increasing from 23% to 36% and the percentage of boys rising from 51% to 66% in just four years.

This increase in education has had an impact on the number of child marriages in Guinea. There has been an overall decrease in the number of child marriages: the World Bank has reported that the mean age of marriage in 18-22-year-olds is 15.5, compared with 16.8 in 18-49-year-olds, therefore showing a decline.

There have been notable improvements and the future opportunities are looking brighter for Guinea’s young people as work continues to decrease child marriage in Guinea. By continuing to increase the number of children, especially girls, accessing education and by downsizing poverty, Guinea can further the progress made to eradicate child marriage.

– Eryn Greenaway

Eryn is based in England and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Human Appeal Is Helping Alleviate Poverty in Somalia

Human AppealSomalia is enduring civil war and one of its worst droughts in 40 years, following a fifth consecutive failed rainy season. Most of Somalia’s livelihoods depend on agriculture and the current drought has devastated crops and agricultural activities. As a result, up to 1.8 million children are facing malnutrition. Additionally, approximately 40% of the population, around 6.6 million people, are experiencing acute food insecurity, meaning they urgently need sufficient food. Despite Somalia’s extreme difficulties, there is hope in the fight against poverty.

Human Appeal is a global nonprofit organization that has been combating poverty for more than 30 years. The organization is dedicated to improving the lives of people around the world who are living in poverty. The organization’s slogan, “Whoever saves one life- it is as if he had saved mankind entirely,” summarizes its mission to alleviate poverty worldwide.

Human Appeal’s Work in Somalia

Human Appeal has been active in Somalia since 2016 and is dedicated to supporting vulnerable groups and individuals nationwide. The nonprofit is improving lives in Somalia by fighting against poverty, social injustice and natural disasters. Its work in Somalia entails providing relief and establishing self-sufficient programs that aim to invest in places experiencing higher poverty rates so that these people can find sustainable solutions and independently improve their lives.

Human Appeal is helping alleviate poverty in Somalia through various initiatives, including:

  • Distributing food parcels containing rice, flour, sugar, oil and milk powder, which can sustain families for up to a month.
  • Providing one month’s clean water to communities affected by the drought.
  • Collaborating with UNICEF to supply high-calorie treatment for malnutrition.
  • Offering shelter and nonfood items to displaced families arriving at camps in Mogadishu.

Human Appeal also addresses poverty in Somalia through sustainable efforts that aim to build a lasting future rather than merely provide temporary relief. The projects are managed by local staff, with local doctors and nurses operating hospitals. This approach focuses on reducing poverty and creating a better future for the people of Somalia.

Human Appeal has also been able to reach some of the most remote regions of Somalia, which are often the most in need of aid and struggling with extreme poverty. During these vulnerable times, the Human Appeal team provides critical assistance, saving lives and improving the quality of life for many citizens.

In 2023 alone, Human Appeal reached 287,142 people in Somalia, providing food support for more than 170,000 and health care for 98,000. The organization also provided access to clean water and improved sanitation for more than 11,000 people in the country.

Final Remark

Although much good work by Human Appeal and other aid organizations has already taken place in Somalia, the need for aid is increasing. Due to widespread drought and civil war, the demand for assistance within the country has doubled. Addressing coverage gaps and unmet needs of the affected population remains critical.

– Lachlan Wellington

Lachlan is based in Fareham, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Fighting Child Poverty with Universal Free School Meals

Universal Free School MealsMore than 40 million children worldwide suffer from severe hunger yearly. Child hunger is a barrier to learning. Hunger stints focus and affect behavior. But it is a barrier we can break down—a barrier that, with a simple solution, can be eradicated. Globally, different organizations and governments have adopted programs to feed hungry children. Universal Free School Meals programs (UFSM) can be vital in reducing the stigma associated with child poverty. From spaghetti bolognese to chicken curry, here are some of the ways that free school meal provision supports children and families facing poverty.

Estonia

The UFSM program in Estonia began in 2002 and is supported by government spending and international donors. The program aims to provide all children in primary and secondary education with a universal model. The Estonian food pyramid influences it and includes education in nutrition and physical health.

Additionally, Estonia has implemented a fruit, vegetables and milk scheme to support local farmers and provide children with these foods to take home. This program not only benefits children in the classroom but also provides long-term health benefits by offering nutritionally rich foods and imparting knowledge about healthy eating habits.

In 2021, Estonian feeding programs received $46,697,172 of funding. With this support, 221,479 children, representing the total number of students enrolled in primary and secondary education, received a free school meal. The universal component of this scheme reduces stigma, making school more enjoyable.

These programs also support parents, as students from lower-income backgrounds are identified as needing more resources. Schemes in Estonia have close ties with local food banks within the communities they operate in. Parents can receive extra support from food banks without the fear of shame that may be associated with seeking this service. These partnerships support all members, enabling families to be better supported and fed.

Sweden

Sweden, during WW2, demonstrated that promoting UFSM concerns more than just hunger. The lack of nutritional quality in some packed lunches negatively impacts the health and focus of children in schools. By 1969, all municipalities had implemented UFSM programs, a scheme that maintains its positive impact today.

The program is almost entirely government-funded, with a budget of $151,332,6795 in 2021. This year, out of the 2,333,942 students enrolled, 2,177,882 students received lunches in schools. This scheme focuses on ensuring that children have a pleasant experience with food, meaning they accumulate positive associations with healthy eating. This can keep children from missing school due to ill health or dental issues.

Accompanying this program, teachers eat with their students at lunchtime. This forges a positive bond between teachers and students, further contributing to children’s positive experiences of education and increasing the likelihood of them wanting to stay in education long term.

The lifelong impacts of Sweden’s UFSM programs demonstrate that such schemes are beneficial for reducing the risk of poverty in adulthood and in children. Recipients from lower-income families throughout their school years had higher earnings of up to 6% during their professional lives. This demonstrates the long-term economic benefits UFSM programs can have for children.

Australia

In Australia, an organization called Eat Up advocates for an approach to UFSM provision. The scheme was established in 2015, targeting children from low-income backgrounds in schools. In addition to feeding children in schools, Eat Up has strong community ties and helps both children and their families.

In 2021, the organization’s budget was $489,628, which was spent feeding children across the country. Through this budget, 85,000 children in schools received food. The most vulnerable children felt nourished and supported in their education, which enhanced their capacity to focus in the classroom.

The scheme allows children who may otherwise go without to have what could be their only meal in a day. This encourages children to go to school and relieves parental pressure.

Final Remark

Universal Free School Meals programs are highly beneficial and a great solution to child poverty. Schemes in Estonia and Sweden demonstrate that government-led schemes with a universal, targeted approach can positively impact education experiences. Australia’s advocacy through the Eat Up program presents an alternative that shows organizations can also play a crucial role in feeding children in schools.

Turning to the figures, in 2022, the European Union (EU) average for the risk of children falling into poverty was 24.7%. In Sweden, it was 19.9%, which is lower than the average. Lower still, Estonia’s rate was 16.6%. The success of these programs in terms of poverty alleviation is evident, as countries with established programs see rates below the average.

These programs can play a crucial role in solving child poverty. By helping families and children, their benefits inspire a reminder that there is a solution to poverty.

– Sarah Littleton

Sarah is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Solution in Sight for Drought in the Horn of Africa

Drought in AfricaThe Horn of Africa, encompassing Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan and Uganda, has been experiencing the most severe drought in decades. This crisis has directly and indirectly impacted millions. The death toll in Somalia alone reached a staggering 43,000 in 2022. However, the accurate scale of the devastation caused by the drought in the Horn of Africa will only become clear once we have the total count of deaths from the other affected countries.

Current Situation

In the past three years, the region has been grappling with a severe lack of precipitation, with some areas receiving minimal to no rainfall. This prolonged drought has had devastating consequences, particularly for the communities whose livelihoods depend on livestock and the rain. Approximately 10 million animals have perished due to drought, resulting in displacement for millions of herders who are forced to flee their homes for areas where water is available and seek humanitarian assistance.

The drought-related food insecurity has pushed them to the brink, where they face hunger, malnutrition, starvation and even death. Furthermore, the drought has increased transportation costs and food prices, exacerbating the situation and plunging more individuals into poverty. These dire conditions have also heightened the risk of conflicts in the region.

Good News

Recurrent droughts have led to collaborative efforts between governments and aid agencies to explore long-term sustainable solutions. These efforts have yielded promising results, with numerous studies revealing substantial regional underground water reserves. This finding offers hope in this crisis, as these reserves have the potential to sustain millions of people for an extended period, reducing their dependency on rainwater and mitigating the effects of drought and other such phenomena.

Project – Africa Groundwater Access Facility

Implementing a cross-border initiative presents challenges and opportunities of paramount significance to the region. Essential to this project is the necessitated exchange of knowledge and comprehensive research across participating nations. The primary objectives of this strategic plan are as follows:

  1. Active engagement of local communities to instill a sense of ownership and commitment to the project.
  2. Rigorous identification of already known drought hotspots for targeted intervention.
  3. Execute well drilling and establish deep underground bores near these identified hotspots for long-term water scarcity mitigation.

Other Solutions – Land Restoration

Certain countries, like Burkina Faso, are implementing nature-based solutions to challenges such as drought and flooding. These strategies involve tree planting, utilizing innovative agricultural practices and integrating agriculture, farming, fruit crops and livestock pastors within a single area. This holistic approach, which is cost-effective and sustainable, has the potential to not only help millions of people but also save billions of hectares of land in low-income countries in the years to come.

Final Remark

Approximately 1.84 billion people worldwide are impacted by drought, with 85% residing in low-income countries. According to estimates, drought will displace 700 million in the next decade and affect one in every four children. Therefore, the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to reduce the effects of drought cannot be overstated. 

– Maria Waleed

Maria is based in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Direct Relief and Bungie’s Humanitarian Efforts

 

Grassroots Gaming: Direct Relief and Bungie’s Humanitarian Efforts Gaming has evolved significantly from its novelty status in the 1950s to become a major industry, featuring several prominent companies that release high-budget titles. Within this expansive industry, some companies dedicate efforts to significant humanitarian work that benefits developing nations. A notable instance is the partnership between Direct Relief and Bungie, which has made considerable impacts despite limited coverage in mainstream media and gaming publications.

A Bungie Crash Course

Bungie is a “Triple A” video game development studio and publisher. It is best known for creating the Destiny series of live-service first-person shooters. The series is wildly popular and currently has two games; both installments have released several expansions. Within Destiny’s first week on the market in 2014, it made back its $500 million investment.

Work with Direct Relief Gaming

Direct Relief is a humanitarian organization focused on combating global poverty and responding to natural disasters. A lesser-known division, Direct Relief Gaming, collaborates extensively with gaming content creators and hosts its own charity livestream series, the Direct Relief Colosseum. This division has uniquely partnered with a game developer, Bungie, through the Bungie Foundation. While the Bungie Foundation primarily supports children’s initiatives, it has joined forces with Direct Relief several times to aid in disaster relief and pandemic responses, leveraging its community’s engagement for broader humanitarian impact.

Work In Nepal

In 2015, Nepal suffered from two high-magnitude earthquakes within three weeks, causing widespread devastation, displacement and critical injuries. In response, Direct Relief partnered with Bungie to raise funds for the victims. Bungie offered T-shirts and digital in-game items like shaders and emblems for sale, with all proceeds going to earthquake relief. The gaming community enthusiastically supported the initiative, purchasing more than 50,000 shirts. This effort successfully raised more than $1 million, making Bungie the largest single contributor to the relief efforts and marking the campaign as Bungie’s most successful charitable fundraiser. Due to this partnership, Direct Relief distributed essential medical supplies to organizations operating in Nepal.

Guardian’s Heart and COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Direct Relief emerged as one of the largest humanitarian organizations distributing supplies globally. Partnering with Bungie, they launched the Guardian’s Heart fundraiser, which offered a special in-game emblem in Destiny 2 to donors contributing at least $20. The campaign successfully raised more than $780,000, funding critical medical supplies for first responders, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited access. This initiative was part of Direct Relief’s broader impact during the pandemic; within a year, the organization donated 82 million units of personal protective equipment, 173 million defined daily doses of essential medicines and 36,000 pieces of diagnostic and intensive care equipment. Its efforts spanned more than 100 countries and distributed more than $50 million to health care providers worldwide, demonstrating a profound and far-reaching impact.

Looking Ahead

Bungie’s partnership with Direct Relief has made substantial impacts on global humanitarian efforts, particularly during crises like the Nepal earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through innovative fundraising campaigns involving their gaming community, Bungie has raised significant funds to support disaster relief and medical supply distribution. These ongoing efforts highlight the role that the gaming industry can potentially contribute to global humanitarian causes.

– Meredith Wyrick

Meredith is based in Magnolia, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Economic Growth and Trade in India

The Transformative Impact of Trade on Economic Growth in IndiaIndia has transformed from a minor player to a formidable economic force in the global market over seven decades. The country’s trade journey reflects resilience, strategic foresight and transformative policy shifts. Starting with a modest trade volume in 1950, foreign trade in India has surged to about $776 billion in recent years.

Evolution of India’s Trade Policy

After gaining independence in 1947, India implemented a protectionist trade policy to foster domestic production and self-reliance, heavily regulating industries and maintaining high import barriers. This strategy emerged from India’s colonial history and its pursuit of economic independence. By 1948, India’s merchandise exports exceeded $1 billion, dominated by jute, cotton, oil seeds and tea, while imports focused on food grains and basic consumption goods. From the 1950s to the late 1980s, India operated under the ‘licence raj’ system, which required businesses to secure permits and adhere to production quotas. By the 1980s, the drawbacks of this model became evident, as the economy grew at a mere annual average GDP rate of 3.6% and the trade deficit widened significantly.

Shift Toward Economic Liberalization

In 1991, facing a severe balance of payments crisis, India dismantled the licence raj, liberalized trade and shifted toward a market-oriented economy. This change opened India to global trade and investment, sparking rapid growth in the services sector, especially information technology. In 1999, a World Trade Organization ruling required India to remove remaining import restrictions on consumer goods, further enhancing trade and economic efficiency. These reforms contributed to accelerated economic growth and significantly reduced poverty.

Impact of Recent Policies

The Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) of 2004-09 launched initiatives to support economic sectors, introducing the Vishesh Krishi Upaj Yojana for agricultural exports and the SEZ Act of 2005 to boost exports. However, the 2008 financial crisis significantly impacted global trade, leading to a decline in India’s exports. In response, the 2009-2014 FTP aimed to diversify exports to stabilize and reverse the downturn. Despite becoming the world’s fifth-largest economy in 2019, India recently adopted a more protectionist stance with initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) to reduce the trade deficit and promote domestic industries, while still seeking to attract foreign direct investment and integrate into global value chains.

Looking Ahead

Trade has significantly boosted India’s GDP growth, job creation and poverty reduction, yet challenges persist. The trade deficit, intense global market competition and the need for infrastructure improvements continue to be prominent issues. Moreover, bureaucratic red tape hampers economic progress and the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these ongoing challenges. Despite these obstacles, India remains committed to trade reform and economic liberalization, promising sustainable development and inclusive growth across all societal segments.

– Sandeep Kaur

Sandeep is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

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Transforming Lives in Rwanda’s Progressive Legislation

Rwanda's Progressive LegislationIn recent years, Rwanda’s enacted progressive legislation aimed at significantly improving living standards and reducing poverty. Central to these efforts are the 2023 National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) and the Economic Recovery Fund (ERF), both designed to accelerate economic growth and ensure sustainable development. Here are how these groundbreaking initiatives are not only transforming lives but also setting a powerful example for the rest of the continent.

Economic Rebound of Rwanda

The NST1 is a pivotal framework designed to boost Rwanda’s economic growth and sustainable development. Key initiatives under NST1 include promoting industrialization, creating jobs and enhancing agricultural productivity. These initiatives have significantly contributed to Rwanda’s economic progress, with the World Bank reporting a 7.6% gross domestic product (GDP) increase in the first three quarters of 2023 despite external challenges and inflation control measures.

Moreover, educational reforms have led to universal enrollment in primary schools and substantial improvements in secondary education attendance and completion. Completion rates have increased by 57% in students and if we count late completion, this number jumps to 71%. This multifaceted approach underscores the effectiveness of NST1 in driving Rwanda’s economic and social advancements.

Securing the Future in Rwanda

To secure its upward projection, Rwanda implemented the Economic Recovery Fund (ERF). The Rwandan government’s initiatives under the ERF, particularly its focus on supporting key sectors like tourism, have indeed shown significant results. The first phase of the ERF, which included substantial support for the tourism sector, helped many businesses survive the impact of COVID-19. This support, along with continued funding, allows for more jobs to be created; it is estimated that 1,328 additional jobs will arise from tourist-based activities per million invested. As ERF fulfilled its duties, the second phase of the fund launched $250 million to increase access to finance and to continue the economic recovery that the country still feels.

Protection for Everyday

In 2024, Rwanda introduced the Social Protection Transformation Project (SPTP), a new initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s social protection system. Funded by the World Bank and coordinated by the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) and the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), the SPTP focuses on strengthening social safety net programs, supporting economic inclusion and improving delivery systems.

The project includes various components such as direct support, nutrition-sensitive programs, public works, early childhood development and skills development. It aims to ensure that vulnerable households have better access to human capital and economic opportunities, thereby improving their overall resilience and well-being.

The Role Model

When compared to other African nations, Rwanda’s approach to social and economic development stands out due to its innovative use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in governance and service delivery. Unlike many of its peers, Rwanda has integrated ICT into nearly all facets of public administration, which has streamlined processes and increased transparency. Initiatives such as the Irembo platform allow citizens to access a wide range of government services online, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and fostering greater civic engagement.

This digital transformation is a key reason why Rwanda’s model is considered progressive and effective; it not only improves service delivery but also supports data-driven decision-making and policy implementation. Additionally, Rwanda’s focused and comprehensive strategies, like the NST1 and the ERF, have led to measurable successes in poverty reduction and economic growth, further distinguishing its approach from other nations on the continent.

Rwanda’s innovative and effective strategies position it as a potential model for other nations striving for sustainable development and poverty reduction. The country’s success underscores the critical role of community resilience and Rwanda’s progressive legislation in driving economic and social progress. By learning from Rwanda’s experience, other nations can adopt similar approaches to foster inclusive growth and enhance the well-being of their citizens.

– Demi Olin

Demi is based in Huntington, WV, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

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