Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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The Shadows of the Himalayas: Poverty in Nepal

Poverty in NepalNepal, a developing country, has nearly one-quarter of its population living below the national poverty line. The rural areas, which constitute a significant portion of the country’s demographic, are particularly affected. In such regions, poverty manifests in multiple dimensions, including lack of access to basic health care, education, clean water and sanitation.

The mountain people of the Himalayas frequently stay on the outskirts of socioeconomic and geopolitical opportunities, living on the fringes of society. Agriculture remains the backbone of the Nepalese economy. However, the sector is plagued by low productivity, limited modernization and vulnerability to adverse climatic conditions, maintaining a cycle of poverty in Nepal.

Education and Child Labor

Education is a critical factor in breaking the cycle of poverty. Yet, many Nepalese children face significant barriers to accessing quality education. School facilities are often inadequate and qualified teachers are scarce. Furthermore, child labor is a persistent issue, with many children forced to work to support their families instead of attending school. About 13.4% of children aged 5 to 9 are engaging in agricultural activities during the prime years of their basic education.

Health Care Challenges

Health care in Nepal is another sector that highlights the disparity between urban and rural populations. While the capital, Kathmandu and other metropolitan areas have seen improvements in health care infrastructure, rural regions lag far behind. However, the government has introduced a health policy encouraging the private sector to invest in the production of health workers and in providing quality health services. While this is an important step, it may harm low-income people who have nowhere to turn to but to rely on their government. Many villagers have to travel long distances to reach the nearest health facility. Once there, they often need more medical supplies and trained professionals.

The Role of Tourism

Tourism significantly contributes to Nepal’s economy, bringing in substantial foreign exchange and creating employment opportunities. However, the benefits of tourism are not evenly distributed. The industry is heavily concentrated in certain areas, like Kathmandu and Pokhara, leaving other regions with little to no benefit.

Steps Toward Alleviating Poverty

Cordaid, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the causes of fragility, has been working in Nepal since the ’80s, phasing out activities in the nation. Cordaid works with smallholder farmers to build their resilience to adverse weather. They provide vocational training and certification to increase employment opportunities.

Furthermore, CARE Nepal helps improve marginalized communities’ lives through various programs. These program included initiatives in health, education, women’s empowerment, economic development, disaster risk reduction and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs. It provides maternal and child health care, promotes gender equality in education, empowers women with vocational training and economic opportunities and supports sustainable agricultural practices.

In 2023, CARE Nepal’s “Gender Justice and Health and Education Rights” program reached nearly 40,000 people, empowering women and girls from vulnerable communities to lead healthy, violence-free and distinguished lives.

Conclusion

With its towering peaks and deep cultural roots, Nepal is a country of immense potential and equally significant challenges. Poverty remains a persistent shadow over its picturesque landscapes. Addressing this issue requires sustained efforts from the government, international community and local stakeholders. By focusing on education, health care, economic diversification and equitable development, Nepal can begin to lift its people out of poverty. The future is as bright as the sunlit peaks of the Himalayas.

– Rika Mokal

Rika is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Health and Vector-Borne diseases

Vector-Borne DiseasesVector-borne diseases comprise 17% of known infectious diseases, like malaria, Dengue fever and West Nile virus. Vector-borne diseases result from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by vectors. Despite causing millions of cases each year worldwide, adverse climatic conditions can worsen the global burden of these infections and negatively impact human health.

Effect of Adverse Weather on Vector-Borne Diseases

Vectors are sensitive to their environments. An increase in the earth’s average temperature presents a difficult challenge for addressing vector populations, as altered weather patterns and temperature changes affect vectors directly and indirectly. Rising temperatures can increase the speed of vector life cycles and breeding, which can increase vector populations and the speed of pathogen replication in hosts.

Indirectly, the weather changes impact the habitats and environments where these vectors exist and can change their geographic range and distribution. Mosquitoes, for example, breed in stagnant water; increased precipitation in some areas can amplify the number of vector breeding sites. These long-term changing weather patterns can increase vector’s geographic range, as warmer winter temperatures allow vector species to live in a larger area, increasing the range of the infections they spread to humans.

The burden of vector-borne diseases is highest in tropical and subtropical areas, disproportionately affecting the most impoverished populations. Malaria is one of the most prevalent vector-borne diseases globally, with an estimated 219 million cases and more than 400,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Most of these deaths occur in children under five, with mosquitoes being the primary transmission vector.

Helpful Organizations

Many international organizations focus on this issue, working with the public health perspective and tackling changing climatic conditions to safeguard human health. GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, has played a crucial role in combating vector-borne diseases by funding and supporting the distribution of vaccines for diseases such as yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis. GAVI-supported yellow fever campaigns in more than 10 African countries protected more than 130 million people. Its efforts have significantly increased vaccination coverage in low-income countries, reducing the incidence of these diseases and enhancing human health security.

While Gavi seeks immunization coverage for many diseases, the Malaria Elimination Initiative (MEI) focuses on eliminating malaria through surveillance and response, vector control, program management and drugs and diagnostics. MEI has a global focus and projects in South America, sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. MEI has made significant progress in working at national, regional and international levels. Furthermore, the Nature Conservancy is an international organization with multiple priorities, including improving resilience for vulnerable habitats and communities, working with governments on clean energy policies and maximizing natural carbon storage opportunities through habitat conservation and agriculture practices.

Conclusion

The impact of changing temperatures on vector-borne infectious diseases is profound, exacerbating their global burden and highlighting the need for targeted investments and improvements. Investing in outbreak responses and enhancing disease surveillance systems is crucial to counter the increased infection potential from changing climatic conditions. These strategies can reduce exposure to vectors and susceptibility to vector-borne diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations. Additionally, investing in ecosystem stabilization and forest and wetland preservation can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, limit climate variability and contain vector habitats.

– Hodges Day

Hodges is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Action Against Period Poverty

Action Against Period PovertyA period is a natural part of any person with female anatomy’s life. It can be a constant financial burden for some since every month, a woman needs pads, tampons or other menstrual products. According to research done by PlushCare, a month’s supply of period products costs $7.30 in South Africa. While South Africa is not the most expensive, for those who experience a period but live in poverty, getting the necessary menstrual products can be difficult.

According to the United Nations (U.N.) Women, 62.7% of impoverished women live in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa. For those women living in poverty, having something every month that costs money and time can impact their lives greatly. Finding menstrual products for these women is a big struggle. However, Tamara Magwashu is working to make that struggle easier.

Magwashu War Against Period Poverty

Magwashu has been dealing with period poverty since she was a little girl growing up in the Eastern Cape province. When she was a little girl, Magwashu would have to take a week off of school when she had her period because she only had old rags to use. This means that Magwashu lost 12 weeks of education every year, missing out on potentially crucial parts of her education.

According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), 30% of girls in South Africa did not attend school during their period. Growing up in poverty, Magwashu didn’t have full access to proper sanitary menstrual products and had to work to provide for herself and her family. Part of her income was put aside to buy sanitary pads rather than use the old rags. As time went on, Magwashu continued to work and eventually got a public relations degree from the University of Johannesburg.

Magwashu realized there was an issue involving young girls and access to period products. So, she decided to take action against period poverty and start a business focused on this issue. She faced many problems when trying to start this business, such as no bank wanting to give her a loan because she had no assets. Still, Magwashu persevered and launched Azosule in 2021. Azosule’s goal is to sell period products at an affordable price for those who need them and live in poverty.

Since starting the business, Magwashu has brought period products to many schools in her home area, providing products to last them six months. She works to expand her business to other schools and educate everyone on the reality of periods for impoverished women. Magwashu stated to BBC in 2023 that “Period poverty is not a women’s issue, it’s a societal issue.”

How Caity Cutter Was Inspired

Magwashu’s influence did not just end there; she inspired other young girls and women to take action against period poverty. Caity Cutter is one of those girls and, at just 12 years old, helped make a change in this societal issue. Cutter, who lives in Germany, was moved when she found out about period poverty in other countries. After reading about Magwashu, Cutter decided to do something to help. The young girl told her father about the issue and asked how they could help.

Her influence on her father pushed him to donate to Magwashu’s company. Michael Cutter saved up money from his job and made an overwhelming donation of 500,000 pads. Along with that, Magwashu stated that he made “further donations that went to us getting a warehouse and hiring staff to distribute the pads further.” This donation not only helps Azosule but also helps these young girls not have to miss school just because of their period.

– Tess Curran

Tess is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Solar-Powered Well Revolution in India

Solar-powered wellsRajasthan, the largest state in India, is also one of the driest. The soil in the region is predominantly saline or alkaline, requiring a generous amount of water for successful cultivation. Some areas are covered by sand and desert. Many villages rely on traditional wells and seasonal rainfall, often insufficient to meet their needs. Water is scarce in Rajasthan but can typically be found at 100 to 200 feet deep.

The Invention

The state of Rajasthan is addressing its water needs with solar-powered wells. This cost-effective solution offers farmers an alternative to unpredictable rainfall. These solar-powered wells are replacing costly diesel or grid-powered pumps in some areas. The solar-powered pump draws water from underground to the surface, making it available for agricultural use. This innovation is a significant boost for farmers, greatly enhancing farm productivity and improving food security. Rajasthan is home to numerous large solar power parks, the first of its kind in India. It was established in a village in the state in 2012. Since then, many more solar parks have been developed in Rajasthan and across India.

The Indian government has set up 57 solar parks across 13 states, with nine in Rajasthan. This indicates that while Rajasthan pioneered this initiative, other parts of the country are also eager to harness the benefits of solar energy. Rajasthan’s favorable landscape and sunny climate make it an ideal location for renewable energy projects, particularly in the solar sector. The state remains the leading solar-powered region in India, with a capacity exceeding 16 gigawatts. Major solar power companies in India, such as Tata Power Solar, Insolation Energy and Goldi Solar, are prominent players.

Solar-Powered Revolution in India

India is experiencing a solar-powered revolution in agriculture. The Indian government has subsidized solar pumps to nearly 100,000 farmers, which now irrigate more than a million acres and have increased agricultural water use by more than a quarter. Despite these advancements, 16.3% of the Indian population still suffers from undernutrition.

Agriculture is essential for achieving India’s national food security goals and remains the backbone of the country’s economy, with more than 70% of the population involved in agriculture-related activities. Solar-powered wells are now playing a significant role in enhancing food stability across the country. By 2026, more than three million farmers are expected to use solar-powered wells. This technology is rapidly spreading among rural communities in water-scarce regions in India, Africa and beyond. These wells are used for agricultural purposes, provide drinking water and serve other needs within the communities.

Looking Ahead

Groundwater is not unlimited; it has dried up to 400 feet below the surface in some areas. Despite this, solar-powered wells offer a valuable temporary solution to farmers’ challenges. In the future, the government and farmers will need to develop more permanent solutions for irrigation. Although this innovation is not a permanent fix, it has advanced the country’s progress toward renewable energy. Today, farmers are embracing creativity and innovation, using solar power to address various aspects of farming.

– Sigrid Nyhammer

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

Photo: Pixabay

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Health Initiatives and Diseases in Somalia

Diseases in SomaliaFor a long period, Somalia has been a vulnerable target for many infectious diseases. Some of the leading factors can be attributed to the humanitarian crises of malnutrition, mass displacement and lack of access to clean water and food, as well as the several years of drought that started in 2015. With that said, here are three diseases in Somalia and the initiatives combating them.

Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated water and food sources, posing a risk of mortality if left untreated. In 2024, there was another cholera outbreak after the flooding of El Niño rains. According to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), 980 cases were reported in the first two weeks of January, with 55% of them being children. The number of reported cases has been increasing for the past few years. The year 2023 experienced a 15% increase from the previous year, while there was a 48% increase in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

As of May 27, 2024, there were more than 10,000 cases and 120 deaths across the country since January. The outbreak also destroyed farmlands, which worsened the poverty and malnutrition among families across Somalia. As with other humanitarian crises, the cholera outbreak affected the vulnerable groups the most, adding to their instability with a lack of sanitation facilities, medical treatment and food.

As a response to address the public cholera crisis in Somalia, the National Cholera Task Force has been activated and the IRC has stepped up. The IRC has made an effort to mitigate the impact of the cholera outbreak by providing humanitarian aid such as clean drinking water and proper sanitation materials to affected populations. The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) also allocated $2 million to the cholera outbreak in Somalia.

Measles

Measles is a contagious disease with symptoms such as high fever and rash and it carries a risk of potential death. In Somalia, measles is prevalent, with cases reported annually. As of February 2024, there have been 3,365 reported cases and 37 deaths since the beginning of the year. This significant rise is due to limited access to health care services, medical supplies, proper sanitation, safe water and lowered immunity due to acute malnutrition. The risk is further aggravated among vulnerable communities due to low vaccination rates, widespread malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency among children younger than 5 years old.

Amid the measles crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) responded by providing technical support on surveillance, vaccination, case management, training of health care workers and risk communication. In addition, in the last week of April 2024, Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Health, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) partnered to increase the immunization rate among children in Somalia.

Past initiatives include administering 933,000 vaccinations in January of 2018 through a campaign partnered with WHO, UNICEF and national and local health authorities. UNICEF also provided 4.7 million doses of vaccines and 1,700 social mobilizers to facilitate the vaccination programs with vitamin A supplementation.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is another public health problem in Somalia. TB is a serious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that affects the lungs. In 2023, there were 246 TB cases per 100,000 population in Somalia. According to WHO, some of the factors related to TB transmission and progression are crowded and poorly ventilated living environments, undernutrition and limited general health knowledge. In other words, poverty correlates with TB cases, increasing the vulnerability of Somalia’s population.

In March of 2024, WHO Somalia, jointly with the Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services, marked World TB Day 2024 with continuous reinvigorated determination to end the TB epidemic. Since 1995, Somalia’s TB program has made significant progress in controlling the TB epidemic in Somalia. The program is based on WHO’s End TB Strategy, adopting WHO’s diagnostic and treatment regimens.

In 2023, TB cases decreased by 14% compared to 2010. Additionally, the number of TB treatment centers increased from seven in 1995 to 109 in 2023. The program saved 184,052 lives with TB cases from 2010 to 2023, with an average treatment success rate of 87%. With a renewed commitment to combat the TB epidemic, Somalia will continue to control TB and save the lives of its people.

Conclusion

Cholera, Measles and Tuberculosis are three of many diseases in Somalia, affecting thousands of people’s lives. With the increase in outbreak cases, there is also an active effort to mitigate the impact of diseases. According to Minister of Health Dr Ali Haji Adam Abubakar, the introduction of new vaccines, including Rotavirus and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines, is also expected to help Somalia combat other diseases that are taking the lives of many children.

Despite ongoing instability and disease outbreaks, with collective and concerted effort, Somalia would be able to keep diseases affecting the population under control and save the lives of Somali citizens.

– Sein Kim

Sein is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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TebuTebu: Changing Lives With Peanut Butter

TebuTebuEdith Ndebele, a single mother from Zimbabwe, has changed her life using peanut butter. Using a metal drum in a junkyard in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, Ndebele has been producing peanut butter for her local community to support herself and her children and has since gone on to start her own company, TebuTebu Enterprises.

Why Is Peanut Butter the Answer?

As has been discovered, peanut butter can be used as a powerful weapon against global hunger, a strategy already implemented successfully in Malawi. Dr. Mark Manary recognized this potential and put his theory to the test. He observed a 95% success rate among his patients by feeding starving children fortified peanut butter. Peanut butter does not require cooking or refrigeration, is easy to transport and has a much longer shelf life than other foods for treating starvation. It is calorically dense, contains zinc and protein and is easy to digest.

Doctors even believe that allergies will not be an issue if children are exposed to peanuts at an early age. These factors present an irrefutably convincing case for the potential of peanut butter in the struggle against starvation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized this potential and declared it a valuable treatment for malnutrition.

TebuTebu Enterprises

In 2021, amid the COVID pandemic, Ndebele was a single mother struggling to support her children. By 2024, she will own her own company and serve as the chair of a group of female entrepreneurs. She transformed her life using peanut butter. To improve her children’s lives, she began grinding and roasting peanuts to produce peanut butter to sell to her community.

Using a metal drum heated by firewood, she perfected her recipe. She can now produce peanut butter just the way her customers like it. Her product is available in various-sized containers. Ndebele carefully selects ingredients to maximize quality; she chooses the best peanuts to retain the iconic golden color.

TebuTebu Enterprises (named after her youngest son Teboho) also produces detergent due to her peanut butter success, providing the family with a steady income thanks to Ndebele’s efforts. The World Food Programme (WFP) noticed Ndebele’s innovation and donated a new roasting drum, allowing her to streamline production by cutting cooking time in half, saving both time and firewood. Not only has she turned her own life around, but she is also providing her community with a substance that has been proven to curb starvation.

In urban areas in Zimbabwe, only 10.4% of children receive the minimum nutrition they need, making Ndebele’s operation all the more critical.

The Problem of El Niño

El Niño, caused by the routine warming of the eastern Pacific Ocean, occurs once every seven years. It hit Zimbabwe and surrounding countries halfway through 2023, impacting rain cycles and prompting the governments of Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia to declare a national emergency. Like many, Ndebele has been affected by this phenomenon.

The lack of rainfall has created hardships for farmers, impacting peanut production. As a result, Ndebele has had to import peanuts from Zambia, leading to higher prices due to rising costs. Financial difficulties have forced her to reduce her workforce, letting go of one employee. Despite these challenges, Ndebele remains committed to improving her community’s lives and securing a better future for her children.

Summary

Despite the challenges posed by El Niño, Ndebele’s peanut butter production has been vastly beneficial for all parties involved. She has supported her children, lifted them out of poverty and provided her customers with a product that has been crucial in delivering vital nutrients. With the help of the WFP, Ndebele has changed her life and positively impacted her community using peanut butter.

– Molly Ralph

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

Photo: Flickr

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How Chile’s Water Reform is Reducing Poverty

Chile's Water ReformIn recent years, Chile has faced significant challenges related to water scarcity, with more than half of its population living in areas experiencing severe drought conditions. Recognizing the importance of sustainable water management, the country has implemented reforms since 2022 to address water scarcity and improve quality across the nation. These ongoing reforms, supported generously by the World Bank, have enhanced water resources and played a crucial role in reducing poverty to foster a more equitable future.

Modernizing the Water Code

On Jan. 12, 2022, Chile undertook a major overhaul of its Water Code, a legislative framework that governs the use and distribution of the country’s water resources. The updated code prioritizes human consumption and sanitation needs over agricultural and industrial uses, recognizing the human right to water and improving allocation mechanisms among different sectors. These changes are designed to protect the most vulnerable populations, ensuring they can access clean and sufficient water supplies. 

Chile’s water reform essentially enshrined the right to water in its constitution. This legislative guarantee provides a strong legal foundation for water management policies and ensures that future governments prioritize the protection and equitable distribution of water resources.

Investing in Infrastructure

Investment in water infrastructure has been a cornerstone of Chile’s reform efforts. The government has allocated substantial funds toward developing and maintaining water systems, including reservoirs, pipelines and treatment plants. By enhancing infrastructure, Chile has been able to capture better, store and distribute water, mitigating the impacts of drought and ensuring a reliable supply of clean water to both urban and rural communities. Additionally, Chile has embraced green infrastructure solutions, such as reforestation, wetland restoration and green spaces in urban areas. These ongoing efforts help to naturally regulate water cycles, improve quality and increase groundwater recharge. Chile is building resilience against the changing climate by integrating green infrastructure and creating sustainable water systems that benefit the environment and local communities.

The World Bank Finances the Hydrogen Industry

The World Bank plays a pivotal role in supporting Chile’s water reform efforts. Through financial assistance, technical expertise and capacity-building initiatives, it has helped Chile achieve 100% treatment of urban wastewater, a significant milestone in improving water quality and protecting public health. This accomplishment has been instrumental in reducing waterborne diseases and enhancing the overall well-being of urban populations.

The World Bank’s $150 million loan to Chile is a significant step toward advancing the country’s green hydrogen industry and supporting its broader environmental and economic goals. This loan is part of a larger initiative, the Chile Green Hydrogen Facility to Support A Green, Resilient and Inclusive Economic Development project, which aims to position Chile as a global leader in green hydrogen production. The project’s primary objective is to harness Chile’s abundant renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind power, to produce green hydrogen, a clean and sustainable energy source that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact on Poverty Reduction

Chile’s water reform policies have had a positive impact on poverty reduction, particularly in rural areas where access to clean water has historically been limited. By ensuring reliable and safe water supplies, these policies have improved the quality of life for many Chileans. Access to clean water is essential for health, education and economic opportunities. In rural areas, improved water access has enabled communities to engage in agriculture more effectively, increasing food security and income. In urban areas, enhanced water infrastructure has supported economic activities and improved living conditions, contributing to poverty alleviation.

Looking Ahead

Chile’s comprehensive water reforms, bolstered by substantial investments in infrastructure and support from the World Bank, have significantly improved water access and quality. These ongoing efforts have not only addressed the immediate impacts of drought but also laid the groundwork for sustainable water management. By prioritizing human consumption and integrating green infrastructure, Chile is enhancing resilience against the changing climate and fostering equitable development, particularly benefiting the nation’s most vulnerable populations.

– Asiya Siddiqui

Asiya is based in Fremont, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty and Population Growth in Tanzania

Population Growth in TanzaniaTanzania, located on the eastern coast of Africa, struggles with high rates of poverty. About 25.2 million Tanzanians lived in extreme poverty in 2022, based on the threshold of $1.90 a day. While the poverty rate has declined in the last few decades, the absolute number of Tanzanians living in extreme poverty has remained stagnant. A major reason for this is rapid population growth in Tanzania, which increases the number of people born into poverty. Tanzania has one of the highest fertility rates in the world, at 4.5 births per woman.

Population Growth in Tanzania and Its Effects on Poverty

According to the National Library of Medicine, rapid population growth tends to be more common in developing countries such as Tanzania due to higher unplanned pregnancy rates, social structure and economic prosperity levels. From 2015 to 2019, 46% of pregnancies in Tanzania were unintended. The nation also faces a high teen pregnancy rate. As of 2021, about one in four girls had become pregnant or given birth by age 18.

The Guardian, in an article on population growth in Tanzania, cites the low use of contraceptives as a major contributing factor. Poor sex education and misinformation about the effects of birth control reinforce these numbers. A high unplanned pregnancy rate not only increases the nation’s overall birth rate but also reduces career options for the women involved, limiting their ability to participate in the economy. Many women are unable to work full time given the added responsibility of child care. For teenage girls, pregnancies reduce their net years of employment considerably. This is an obstacle to overcoming poverty not just for women themselves but also for Tanzania as a whole.

Effect of Population Growth in Tanzania

According to the United Nations (U.N.), the current balance between economic and population growth is not working in Tanzania’s favor. While the nation’s economy has grown steadily in recent years, its agriculture sector still has untapped potential. As of February 2024, it contributes one-third to the gross domestic product (GDP) and employs two-thirds of Tanzania’s population.

A fertility rate as high as 4.5, however, which more than doubles the replacement rate of 2.1–2.3 births per woman, can put significant pressure on these resources. Suppose Tanzania does not realize the full potential of its agricultural sector. In that case, high population growth may push more and more people into poverty.

Reconciling Economic Growth with Population Growth

Addressing the intertwined problem of poverty and population growth in Tanzania requires two major approaches. The first is to improve sex education, increase the use of contraceptives and reduce Tanzania’s unplanned pregnancy rate. The second is to maximize economic growth, specifically to tap into the potential of Tanzania’s sizable agricultural sector to provide for a growing population.

SolidarMed focuses on the first approach. This nonprofit organization, concentrated on improving health throughout Africa, works specifically in Tanzania to train health workers in sexual health counseling and host awareness campaigns to promote sexual education. In March 2024, SolidarMed trained six young men and women to counsel adolescents. Furthermore, they examined flaws in the nation’s current sexual education system.

Building a Better Tomorrow: Youth and Women Initiative for Agribusiness (BBT-YIA) focuses on the second approach. An initiative championed by Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture Hussein Bashe, this organization aims to increase youth participation in the agricultural sector. The initiative aims to boost productivity and enhance sustainable food systems. Youth (aged 15–35) account for roughly 56% of Tanzania’s active labor force. By 2030, BBT-YIA hopes to increase youth employment by 1.5 million people and grow the agricultural sector by 10%. As an 8-year plan, it also aims to set up at least one youth-led agribusiness in each of the nation’s 12,000 villages.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has also recently introduced a program to reduce poverty and malnutrition in Tanzania by strengthening its agricultural sector. It will work with the Tanzanian government, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other organizations to develop the industry in four key ways. These include boosting productivity and competitiveness through targeted investments and private sector engagement, improving nutrition through the Feed the Future program, building long-term sustainability and enhancing the sector’s business environment.

Looking Ahead

By increasing the productivity of the agricultural sector and improving sexual education for its population, Tanzania may enhance its economic growth. With the help of USAID, SolidarMed and BBT-YIA, the country may be able to provide for its rapidly growing population.

– Lana Swindle

Lana is based in Princeton, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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World Food Program Boosts Operations to Provide Food in Sudan

Food in SudanSudan is one of Africa’s poorest and most war-torn nations. When South Sudan seceded in 2011, Sudan lost a majority of its oil revenue, causing high rates of inflation and bringing the poverty rate to 51.07%. In April of 2023, a civil war between two factions of the nation’s military began. The war created the world’s worst displacement crisis to go along with one of the world’s worst hunger crises. Of its population of 48.1 million people, more than 25.6 million people face extreme hunger. Fourteen areas in nine states throughout Sudan have recently been declared at risk of famine. With more than 5 million people on the verge of starvation, the World Food Program (WFP) is urgently seeking support for the nation.

World Food Program in Sudan

WFP has been working in Sudan since 1963. Through the years, it has become “the logistics backbone of humanitarian response” throughout the country. By providing food to communities and internally displaced people, treating malnutrition for young children and providing farmers with agricultural training, WFP has helped Sudan avoid a hunger catastrophe. Despite these efforts, the escalating conflict has strained resources and complicated distribution efforts, resulting in famine in the country.

As the threat of famine continues to grow, WFP is rapidly expanding its emergency food and nutrition services. The nonprofit organization is scaling up to provide food and nutrition for five million people in Sudan by the end of 2024. Along with food and nutrition assistance, WFP will provide more than $1.2 million in cash to families in 12 Sudanese states. This cash injection aims to stimulate local economies by boosting farmers and markets, enabling communities to increase food production independently and reduce their reliance on external aid.

WFP’s comprehensive approach in Sudan not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term resilience among affected communities. By supporting local agriculture and economies, WFP helps create sustainable solutions that empower Sudanese families to rebuild their lives and improve their self-sufficiency. This dual focus on urgent aid and structural support is crucial in stabilizing the region and mitigating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The Future

Since the war started in April 2023, WFP has assisted more than 6.7 million people across 18 states. As fighting continues, regions such as Khartoum, Gezira and others are at high risk of falling into famine if they do not receive assistance as soon as possible. The United Nations (U.N.) has identified two million people across 40 hotspots who are in desperate need of food and nutrition services. The program is in urgent need of $200 million to continue delivering assistance to the Sudanese for the rest of 2024. Without immediate financial support, the crisis could deepen, leading to even more severe humanitarian consequences and potentially unmanageable levels of suffering.

– Nicolas Mezzaucella

Nicolas is based in New Rochelle, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Support For Displaced Persons In Burkina Faso

Support For Displaced Persons In Burkina FasoBurkina Faso, a low-income West African country, is facing a series of unprecedented crises. It has endured droughts, internal conflicts and terrorism, which have displaced millions and left about 6 million people reliant on humanitarian aid. The scope of this crisis is vast, with many displaced persons in Burkina Faso needing assistance.

Crisis in Burkina Faso

The crisis in Burkina Faso has reached catastrophic levels, compounded by inadequate funding that limits necessities, a lack of international diplomatic intervention to help broker peace and insufficient media coverage to raise awareness and spur action. In 2023, the country experienced its highest number of armed conflicts, which displaced more than 2 million people by year’s end. With ongoing disputes revealing no signs of diminishing, the number of displaced continues to rise.

The UNHCR and Digital Hub

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) collaborates with various organizations to offer programs that equip displaced persons with sustainable income sources. This initiative reduces their dependency on humanitarian aid and helps restore their normal lives.

In 2022, UNHCR and Wakatlab launched a “digital hub” in Kaya, a northern city in Burkina Faso, to support displaced people. This center offers round-the-clock internet access and uses solar panels for sustainable, low-cost electricity. It aims to enhance digital literacy and social media knowledge among displaced people and host communities, while also providing educational opportunities in information technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship and computer sciences. The hub has already enabled many individuals to start successful businesses and rebuild their lives. Its successful model holds the potential for replication in other areas to improve the lives of internally displaced people and refugees.

Models for Expansion in Burkina Faso

Launching programs across Burkina Faso and neighboring countries could enhance the lives of displaced people, provide them with opportunities and help reduce the burden on host communities. The UNHCR and other organizations can potentially replicate successful programs from around the world in regions that host refugees. Below are some successful initiatives currently operating in similar environments:

  • Melkadida Compact- Ikea Foundations’s collaboration with UNHCR. A few years ago, the Ikea Foundation began a partnership with UNHCR in a remote area of Ethiopia. This collaboration focuses on enhancing the region’s water and electricity supply, food security and job opportunities for refugees and host communities. The goal is to help these communities become self-sustaining and reduce their reliance on aid. This partnership has positively impacted more than 200,000 refugees offering them job training opportunities.
  • Win-Win Program. Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) is a nonprofit organization operating in seven countries hosting refugees, including Jordan. TBB strives to match refugees with global job opportunities that align with their talents and education. So far, it has helped 1,200 refugees secure jobs worldwide. The program aims to assist an additional 15,000 in finding employment over the next five years.

Looking Ahead

Globally, 117.3 million people have been forced to leave their homes, becoming refugees or internally displaced. Most endure deplorable living conditions and extreme poverty throughout their lives. Reducing global poverty requires providing individuals with opportunities to support themselves and escape poverty. This is never more so than for the displaced persons in Burkina Faso.

– Maria Waleed

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

Photo: Flickr