Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Being Poor in South Korea

Being Poor in South KoreaKorea throughout History has had its fair share of turmoil with colonization, slavery and war. Most recently, after a long struggle it has established a fully democratic government fighting through 40 years of turbulence preceding the end of the Korean War. But despite South Korea’s rapid growth and vast success, there are still big challenges it must face. With 15.1% of South Koreans living in relative poverty, soaring housing and rental costs and a tight and highly competitive job market, there are still some harsh realities South Korea’s poorest citizens must contend with.

Social Stigma

In South Korea, entering the world of employment can be a stressful ordeal. As of 2009, South Korean university students take five years and four months on average to complete a four-year degree. One reason is the high societal expectations on individuals to find employment and achieve financial and material success, thus some students prolong their graduation to maintain the title of student.

For those living under the poverty line, these stigmas stretch further, working in low-paying jobs and struggling to provide the necessities for themselves and their families, this reality can be incredibly isolating as they are subject to prejudice. This further leads the poor in South Korea to become marginalized members of their communities.

Salary Disparity

In the 1960s, South Korea’s government wanted a rapid economic boost. So, it turned to Chaebols, business conglomerates that specific South Korean families run. The Chaebols are family-run businesses that were given a large amount of support from the government to boost business and exports. This worked wonders, even today these Chaebols are vital to South Korea’s Economy. Samsung for example, is responsible for 20% of Korea’s GDP. 

There is a lot of competition to work for companies like Samsung which can offer more incentives, job security, insurance, higher wages and better working spaces. Adversely, it leaves smaller companies scrambling for business and forced to pay far lower wages, fewer benefits and constant concerns regarding job security. 

Large companies offer only 13.9% of jobs in South Korea, creating a large disparity between these highly sought-after jobs and employment opportunities from smaller companies, or part-time/temporary positions. This makes it very difficult for the poor in South Korea to lift themselves out of relative poverty, because of a lack of stable opportunity and an incredibly competitive job market. 

Housing Crisis and Ageing Population

In 1997, South Korea suffered through the Asian financial crisis. During this time, South Korea’s most vulnerable turned to jjokbangs. These small, cramped, improvised dwellings became home to many poor in South Korea, who had nowhere else to go. These jjokbangs average around 35 square feet, however, they gave a living space to otherwise homeless individuals. This term is still in use today and is associated with poverty and a last option for the poor in South Korea.

According to the Los Angeles Times, in 2023 there were more than 3,000 jjokbangs in the Seoul greater metropolitan area alone and the prices for apartments have increased by 58% between 2017 and 2021. It has been at the forefront of political manifesto, with voters trying to find legitimate plans for new housing projects. 

Therefore, it is a difficult and frustrating time for young South Koreans, newlyweds, the elderly and the poor of South Korea who cannot afford to invest in property or pay rent because of the state of the housing market and the lack of affordable and sufficient accommodation.

Data from the OECD shows currently 48.6% of South Koreans, 65 and over are living under the poverty line and are among Korea’s poorest citizens. It is estimated that by 2025 Korea will have entered a ‘super-aged’ population, more than 20% of Korea will be over 65. There is a grave concern about the safety and security of Korea’s elderly.

South Korea’s Bright Future

In the fight against poverty, South Korea has taken these issues seriously and has implemented new policies to strengthen its welfare state. In recent years the government has raised the minimum wage, in an attempt to lessen the wage gap between the rich and the poor. 

It has implemented a safety net basic pension scheme which provides to 70% of those 65 and older. Therefore, the amount spent on Pension spending has increased from 1.9% of the GDP in 2000 to 4% in 2020, as more people are becoming eligible. This will likely increase in the coming years with South Korea’s ageing population and could prove vital, especially to elderly South Koreans living in Poverty.

The government also pledged to supply 830,000 housing units by 2025 to create more affordable housing for the younger generation, according to The Korean Herald. It hopes to build smaller, higher-quality apartments but offers them as low-cost public rental housing. In hopes of alleviating the market and giving Koreans better options for housing. 

South Korea has proven that it can take big ideas and make them a reality, as a previous receiver of assistance from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a collection of countries that hold each other accountable by sharing skills and suggesting new policies for the betterment of its citizens. South Korea is now a proud member and has offered insight into education, technology, and sustainability, all areas it has performed well within its own country.

– Phil Mundy

Phil is based in Bristol, UK and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Understanding the Gender Wage Gap in Moldova

Gender Wage Gap in MoldovaAs in many post-Soviet countries, Moldova struggles with deep-rooted economic problems and stubbornly high poverty rates, despite all the efforts undertaken in the sphere of reform and development. Gender inequality plays a very significant role in this process, as women suffer from low wages, bad economic opportunities and high vulnerability to economic shocks. This article explores the complexities of gender inequality, such as poverty and the gender wage gap in Moldova, illuminating the socio-economic dynamics, root causes and solutions toward empowering women and ensuring sustainable development.

Root Causes of the Gender Wage Gap in Moldova

The question of women’s empowerment in the case of Moldova is presented in traditional gender stereotypes and gender roles that institutionalize women’s oppression and ensure that there is a lack of equity in access to important resources.

In populations affecting policy, change and reform, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova, in 2019 the number of female government ministers was 11% leaving 89% of males in government positions. Meanwhile, in other vocations, such as unpaid care work including domestic work and caregiving, which continues to be undervalued and largely invisible, thereby ensuring economic dependence and limiting the contribution to the formal economy.

In 2022, the National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova reported that the average women’s gross income was estimated at $9,618.4 and men’s gross income was estimated at $11,380.7.

Structural, cultural and institutional factors—historical legacies and Soviet-era patriarchal norms—provide the ground for gender relations that underlie women’s access to resources and decision-making roles.

Economic transitions and globalization have exacerbated disparities, resulting in job losses, informal employment and precarious work conditions disproportionately affecting women.

Gender-based violence and cultural norms of discrimination contribute to the continued hindrances of women’s rights to justice. The lack of policies and gender-sensitive programming furthers women’s vulnerability to poverty and socio-economic empowerment, which in turn contributes to the vicious circles of deprivation.

Holistic Solutions for Empowerment

The interaction of gender inequality with poverty is such that it has to be done by multidimensional intervention at the roots while empowering women to participate effectively in the economic, social and political spheres. The short-term interventions should be focused on the economic empowerment of women, such as training in skills development, access to finance and support to businesses that women run.

According to UNDP, “trends of recent years show an amplification of the discrepancy in both the women employment (35.4% as compared to 44.7% for men) and labour force participation rates (36.4% and 46.5%, accordingly).” Righting the wrongs of gender violence, UNDP is actively breaking these discriminating norms and opening up a supportive environment for the socio-economic rise of women. Creating inclusive and comprehensive policies and programs while embedding gender equality and inclusive development can help break systemic barriers and foster sustainable socio-economic empowerment for women in Moldova.

UNDP has seen extraordinary progress in the past 20 years. According to U.N. Women, 46.1% of the female population of Moldova above statutory pensionable age receive a pension in comparison to 100% of males.

In contemporary Moldova, there are greater numbers of women in public office than ever before. These female change makers help achieve greater gender equality, targeting gender wage gap discrepancies. According to the UNDP, “Moldova is a country where people want to live and where all people fully exercise their human rights and enjoy a better quality of life in a more inclusive and resilient society by 2027.”

The Women’s Caucus

UNDP plans to relaunch the Women’s Caucus in the Parliament and raise the capacities of women parliamentarians to promote gender-responsive policies in order to combat gender inequalities. As of July 2021, Moldova has achieved a record of 40 women MPs seats in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. According to the UNDP on the accomplishments of the Women’s Caucus, “The introduction of a 40 percent electoral gender quota for parliamentary and local elections, an affirmative measure supported by UN Moldova is efficient, having so many women in today’s Parliament. However, to progress towards parity in decision-making, we need to simultaneously address the tremendous deterrents women face in entering politics, ranging from gender bias and stereotypes to physical and online violence and abuse, in addition to lack of financing and support from political parties,” said Valeria Ieșeanu, Officer in Charge, UNDP Moldova.”

The gender wage gap in Moldova and poverty are intertwined challenges. However,  the empowerment of women is one important step forward.

– Honorine Lanka Perera

Honorine is based in Highland, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Refugee Employment Programs in Jordan

Refugee Employment Programs in JordanJordan is home to more than 700,000 refugees of different nationalities, including Syrians and Palestinians. In response to the refugee crisis, Jordan has implemented several programs to address the employment needs of its refugee populations. The Jordanian government has recognized the urgent need to integrate refugees into the labor market. Therefore, in collaboration with international organizations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), it has introduced a range of customized refugee employment programs in Jordan.

​​Jordan Compact

This landmark deal, concluded in 2016 between Jordan and the international community, aims to create jobs for Jordanians and Syrian refugees. The Compact aims to spur economic growth that will eventually generate jobs through instruments such as preferential trade access and financial assistance. A World Bank study cited the role of the Compact in economic resilience and improving the livelihood of refugees and the communities hosting them. 

Cash for Work Programs

Cash for Work programs by agencies like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Mercy Corps entail the short-term employment of refugees in sectors that include agriculture, construction and infrastructure development. Apart from offering a source of income to the refugees, the programs provide back-to-community development initiatives. The International Labor Organization (ILO) believes that cash-for-work programs have helped and they continue to have a huge impact on poverty alleviation and the promotion of social cohesion. 

Vocational Training and Skill Development

Since skill development is an important factor in refugees’ employability, Jordan has taken steps to increase investments in vocational training programs. Programs such as the Vocational Training and Employment Services for Syrian Refugees within the Jordan Compact help provide refugees with market-relevant skills that will be relevant in their labor markets. According to a UNHCR study, vocational training facilitates integration and self-reliance for refugees. 

Challenges and Opportunities

The challenges persist, even though the programs of Jordanian refugee employment are making some strides. Other main barriers to the integration of refugees relate to limited access to formal employment opportunities, legal restrictions on the employment of refugees and competition with hosts. The economic shock from COVID-19 will exacerbate the existing vulnerabilities, so sustained support and investment in refugee livelihoods will be crucial.

Employment programming for refugees in Jordan has been one of the most crucial steps toward meeting economic and social needs among displaced populations. These programs not only reduce the poverty burden among the refugees by providing access to employment but also socially integrate them into the Jordanian community. Continuous efforts in this regard will help overcome the prevailing challenges and ensure long-term refugee livelihoods.

– Honorine Lanka Perera

Honorine is based in Highland, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Child Soldiers in Pakistan

Child Soldiers in PakistanPakistan is an emerging middle power within the East Asia hemisphere quickly on the incline to becoming one of the world’s largest militaries and economic power in the East. However, for all its recent growth, a multitude of issues still plague the nation; terrorism, corruption, religious strife, illiteracy and poverty are all issues that remain, including the use of child soldiers in armed civil and religious conflict. Let’s take a look at the history of child soldiers in Pakistan and what steps the government has taken to eliminate and reduce the issue.

The Past

According to UNICEF, conflict parties around the world recruited more than 105,000 children between 2005 and 2005 and that number could be “much higher than reported.” It is hard to quantify just how responsible Pakistan is to these numbers due to the lack of statistics surrounding the subject, but that does not detract from its role in the involvement of child soldiering.

Pakistan struggles with the problem of active recruitment from factions and parties that are not associated with an official government. These militant groups work on cross-border recruitment strategies to bolster their ranks. The Taliban in Afghanistan forced recruitment through madrassas, Islamic seminary groups acting to radicalize the children. Similar situations arise in the bordering regions in Kashmir and Jammu, where party elders recruit teenagers and subject them to informal combat training. The elders push the envelope further as after combat training, they monitor the recruits at home to make sure that they are following the recruitment program.

In Pakistan, internal recruitment independent of outside parties was also going strong. The Mohajir Quami Movement (MQM) represents the Mohajir community in Pakistan but concurrently engages in periodic violence to resolve religious disputes. It is unknown how many numbered the ranks of MQM in the early 20th century, but the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers reported that a degree of their number did consist of underage soldiers.

Socioeconomic Realities

Forced recruitment is not the only underlying cause of the prevalence of child soldiers in Pakistan: many choose to enlist. The reasons vary according to political circumstances and geographical and socioeconomic realities and can explain voluntary recruitment. In 2018, 21.9% of people in Pakistan lived in poverty. Poverty was prevalent while economic opportunity was scarce and many children did not have viable options to support themselves. The onset of poverty and financial instability led many children to resort to becoming child soldiers as a way to escape the poverty of Pakistan.

To further the issue, an increased number of underage soldiers is a result of the legislation and constitution of Pakistan. Under Article 39 of the 1973 Pakistan Constitution, “the state shall enable people from all parts of Pakistan to participate in the Armed Forces of Pakistan.” The law of Pakistan meant that as long as one volunteered, they could serve, independent of a legal and required age. As the U.N. reported in Geneva in 1997, the legal age [was] between 17 and 22 for officers and between 16 and 25 for soldiers, according to the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers.

The constitutional mandate of 16 being the minimum age to serve in an official capacity paired with the active recruitment of militants through madrassas and grievance causes created a pipeline of child soldiers, however, in a more progressive turn, the government has slowly decreased the amount of child soldiers in Pakistan.

Government’s Initiatives

The Pakistani government is all too aware of their issues and has taken the first steps to overcome the issue of recruitment. Beginning with the problem of madrassas and radicalization of religion for terrorism, the Pakistani military announced it would bring more than 30,000 religious schools under government control in 2019. Many non-state armed groups used these schools to forcibly recruit children. By recognizing the issue of indoctrination at a young age from outside militants, the government is protecting the children and giving them an opportunity for education without the possibility of forced recruitment for armed conflict.

Other initiatives can help increase the education retention rate and act as a deterrent to becoming child soldiers voluntarily. There are multiple options for rehabilitating and inclusion besides forced participation in school. Programs like sports and recreation centers can keep kids engaged and able to experience childhood without the ramifications of militant group recruitment. Additionally, the Pakistani government can implement reintegration centers to destigmatize and de-radicalize former child soldiers. By addressing their issues, accepting them as part of society and taking steps towards integration, the rate of child soldiers will drop dramatically.

Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA)

In 2008, the U.S. federal government passed the Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA). This Act had one major goal: to combat the recruitment or use of children as soldiers by publicly identifying countries that engage in this practice. Since its inception, Pakistan has appeared on the CSPA list every year. However, in 2021, Pakistan, notably, was removed from the list, no longer being seen as a country that engages and participates in the practice of child soldiers. The justification waiver the President released upon the removal of Pakistan from the CSPA list relates as follows: maintaining “security assistance to Pakistan subject to the CSPA restriction supports critical U.S. objectives of promoting regional stability and counterterrorism in South Asia,” according to the Stimson Center.

Pakistan, a country once embroiled in political turmoil and radicalization has taken the first steps to legitimize itself. Taking the initiative to protect the education of children, increasing education rates and the protection of children shows that leadership is reforming the problems of the past. Children are no longer subjected to the active recruitment practices of internal militants and outside organizations. Stability within the region provided by the Pakistani military has created a wave of progression that is slowly eradicating the practice of child soldiers in Pakistan, serving as an example to other countries within the region and the globe.

– Luke Scroggins

Luke is based in Tolar, TX, USA and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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MHPSS Program: Improving Mental Health in Turkmenistan 

Mental Health in Turkmenistan In a day and age where mental health is a buzzing topic, Turkmenistan is taking the steps necessary to change the mental health crisis in their country. The UNDP-DPPA program is making this change to furnish citizens and frontline employees to combat mental health crises for both women and youth. The mental health and psychosocial program aims to turn around the state of poverty and mental health in Turkmenistan. In 2007, BMC Medicine published an article about the dictatorship’s neglect of the health care crisis and the many ways it affected the common people. It found that government officials treated psychiatric patients with abuse, and officials demoed private homes for government regimens and took a personal part in much more of the corruption that is leading to the deterioration of poverty and mental health in Turkmenistan.

The Solution

The UNDP-DPPA Joint Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programme is working to combat the poor management and decline of mental health in Turkmenistan. This is being done with the creation of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Program for youth and women. The program focuses on equipping locals with the skillset and knowledge to perform preventative measures and provide psychosocial support to their peers. They have formed this program for mental health on four critical rules: the right to safety, the right to confidentiality, the right to self-determination and the right to be free of discrimination. This program should help women survivors of violence in addressing their mental health.

The Start-up

The UNDP-DPPA Joint Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programme is continuing working to combat the mental health crisis in Turkmenistan through its creation. With the program focused on equipping locals with the skillset and knowledge to perform preventative measures and provide psychosocial support to their peers they are pushing an acknowledgment of the mental health state in low/middle income countries.

The UNDP-DPPAS four pillars have allowed citizens of Turkmenistan to safely access health care, nutrition and shelter under the pillars for the rights to safety and confidentiality. MHPSS Program is safely combatting gender-based violence alongside UNFPA guidelines which has gained traction in at least three countries and already started to lead Turkmenistan to soon drop in the percentile of mental health numbers. The equipping of proper training on mental health intervention and prevention is a huge step for the protection against the violence and discrimination that is a leading cause for a mental health crisis for the women and youth in the country. 

Changing the Status Quo

Highlighting their progress the program excelled and gained movement back in June 2023, when more than 200 frontline workers like police, academia employees, social services and more joined in on the training program. By equipping these frontline workers who are the first contact point for those suffering mental health crises the UNDP-DPPA are promoting a great deal of change for Turkmenistan’s women and youth. But, the program goes beyond this offering online training in three different languages for free. Hopefully, the program will lead to better medical and mental care for Turkmens. Turkmen, following the UNDP-DPPA program, are now receiving public sector loans from ADB that will strengthen their access to all things.

– Yeliz Turkdil

Yeliz is based in Norman, OK, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Princeton’s Breakthrough Solar-Powered Water Purification Gel

Princeton's Breakthrough Solar-Powered Water Purification GelAccording to the World Bank, about two billion people around the world lack access to safely managed drinking water services. Among them, 771 million people cannot access even basic drinking water services. Researchers at Princeton University have developed a solar-powered gel that cleans water, potentially addressing the global clean water crisis. This gel marks an advancement in technology initially developed in 2021. Xiaohui Xu, a post-doctoral fellow at Princeton, led the development in his lab. Xu collaborated with Nehemie Guillimaitre, a graduate student in chemical and biological engineering, to author the initial study.

New Water Purification Technology

The solar-powered gel, known as a hydrogel, features a sponge-like structure that absorbs dirty water and filters out harmful contaminants such as bacteria, oils, salts and microplastics. This hydrogel comprises polymers—long chains of molecules that repel pollutants from its surface. Structurally, the hydrogel’s internal threadlike molecules mimic the interconnected fibers of a loofah fruit, a common kitchen scrubbing sponge. It efficiently absorbs, filters and releases water, cleaning a gallon in less than 10 minutes.

Testing and Efficacy of the Gel

While previous water purification devices required significant energy, this solar-powered gel stands out as low-cost, accessible and efficient, relying solely on sunshine for power. The warmer the temperature, the faster the gel releases water, due to the weakening grip of the gel’s molecules. At temperatures of 33 degrees Celsius or higher, the gel can release more than 70% of the absorbed water in under 10 minutes. This sponge-like technology’s fibrous structure enables its remarkable filtration and absorption speed.

Xu and her research team tested the gel’s effectiveness by placing it in water contaminated with E. coli, a bacteria that can cause life-threatening illnesses. Upon removal from the tainted water, the solar-powered gel successfully repelled all bacteria.

Ongoing Development and Broader Implications

Researchers believe the low-cost and easy-to-use solar absorber gel could be implemented globally to aid poverty-stricken areas where access to clean water is unreliable. Dirty water causes over 1.5 million deaths annually. The Princeton team is continuing to develop household prototypes and believes the gel could also be beneficial in emergency situations.

The gel’s capacity to shrink in warmth and expand in cool temperatures could enhance robotics by enabling machines to move and conform in various ways. Additionally, this gel could dehydrate liquids like milk or orange juice, simplifying shipping processes and it could extract water from blood for simpler storage.

Researchers aim to develop and modify the design of the solar-powered gel, finding new ways to enhance the technology. “Through our work, we have been able to show that fundamental research may have a significant impact on society,” Guillomaitre stated. “Ideally, this technology could one day be used by anyone concerned about their water quality, regardless of where they live.”

Looking Forward

The development of solar-powered gel technology at Princeton University holds transformative potential for global water purification efforts. As this innovation progresses toward wider adoption, it promises to significantly improve access to clean water in underserved communities worldwide. The continued refinement and application of this technology could herald a new era of sustainability and health.

– Jacob Buckner

Jacob is based in Raleigh, NC, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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What Medical Aid in Impoverished Countries Should Provide

Medical AidCountries with limited access to resources can benefit tremendously from foreign medical aid. Learn what essentials this aid should provide here.

Health care professionals around the world grapple with a variety of challenges when delivering care in underprivileged areas, from resource scarcity to cultural barriers. This article explores what medical aid in impoverished countries should provide to be the most effective, ensuring that every intervention is not just a momentary relief but a step toward long-term health improvement.

Why Medical Care Assistance Matters

It is an unfortunate truth that poverty limits access to health care. As a result, people living in impoverished countries receive little or no quality health care to meet their needs if they do not have financial resources themselves.

That is where international aid comes into the picture. The essence of medical care assistance in impoverished nations is not just about treating illnesses but also about building a foundation for sustainable health care development. It is about giving communities the tools to nurture their health, education and independence.

Ultimately, effective medical aid should act as a catalyst for social and economic development. Below are the factors that contribute to this goal.

Knowledgeable, Flexible, Empathetic Staff

One of the cornerstones of impactful medical aid is the presence of staff who are well-versed in their medical expertise and adaptable to the unique challenges they face. These individuals must possess an innate sense of empathy, allowing them to connect with and understand the people they help. Their ability to adjust their methodologies in unfamiliar or resource-constrained environments is key to their success and the success of their missions.

High-Quality, Versatile Equipment

The effectiveness of medical interventions heavily relies on the availability of high-quality and versatile equipment. In settings where resources are limited, the ability to perform a wide range of treatments with a minimal set of tools can be the difference between life and death. To assist in this area, custom surgical instrument kits can improve efficiency and save money, helping medical aid groups provide excellent care with excellent tools.

Access to Backup

In the face of emergencies or unexpected challenges, having access to backup—whether it be additional supplies, personnel, or expertise—is crucial. This safety net ensures that medical teams can continue to provide care without interruption, safeguarding against the unpredictable nature of health care provision in underdeveloped regions.

Cultural Sensitivity

Lastly, understanding and respecting the cultural contexts in which health care is provided is imperative. Medical aid should seek to heal physical ailments in a manner that is culturally sensitive and respectful. Recognizing local customs, beliefs and norms is vital in creating a trusting relationship between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.

What medical aid in impoverished countries should provide extends beyond mere immediate care. It encapsulates a holistic approach to health that includes knowledgeable and empathetic staff, high-quality versatile equipment, reliable backup resources, and the utmost cultural sensitivity. By adhering to these principles, health care professionals can make a profound and lasting impact on the well-being of underprivileged communities worldwide.

– Kelly Schoessling
Photo: Flickr

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Poverty and Permaculture Design in Rwanda

Permaculture Design and Poverty in Rwanda In Rwanda, permaculture design is gaining traction as a tool to combat poverty and enhance environmental sustainability. This method combines biodiversity conservation with community empowerment, offering a robust framework for tackling socioeconomic and ecological challenges. Permaculture design fosters strategies that simultaneously alleviate poverty through regenerative agriculture, community gardening and ecosystem restoration projects by focusing on sustainable practices, biodiversity conservation and community empowerment.

Core Principles of Permaculture Design

In essence, permaculture is permanent agriculture or permanent culture. It encompasses principles and practices aimed at creating sustainable and self-reliant systems modeled after natural ecosystems. At the heart of permaculture design are three ethical principles: earth care, people care and fair sharing, which involves the sharing of surplus. These ethics underpin the application of various principles, which include:

  • Observe and Interact. Research and make use of the natural patterns and processes of the landscape and, in the process, build a closer relationship between humans and their ecology. 
  • Designing from Patterns to Details. Study existing patterns in nature as a source of information to develop an integrated and harmonious system.
  • Integration of Functions. Ensure a multi-functional design that maximizes the benefit of every element in a system for efficiency and resilience.
  • Renewable Resources. Increase the usage of renewable resources and decrease the use of nonrenewable inputs that decrease the ecological footprint and make the project sustainable.
  • Small-Scale Intensive Systems. Even on a small scale, much is done for intensive agricultural systems to optimize yields while trying to minimize input in resources and labor use and reduce environmental impacts.

Permaculture’s Role in Poverty Alleviation

In Rwanda, a large proportion of the population faces poverty and permaculture design principles are proving effective in addressing these ongoing challenges and fostering sustainable development. Regenerative agriculture practices, such as agroforestry and soil conservation techniques, show great potential for restoring degraded lands, enhancing soil fertility and boosting productivity. Recent statistics from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) indicate that smallholder farmers adopting permaculture techniques have seen crop yields increase by 30%, significantly improving food security and income generation.

Community Impact

Community gardening initiatives in Rwanda, driven by permaculture principles, are making strides in alleviating poverty and enhancing social cohesion. These ongoing initiatives enable communities to cultivate nutritious food while fostering collective decision-making, knowledge-sharing and skill-building. According to a report from the Rwanda Agriculture Board, food insecurity has decreased by 25% among households involved in these projects and dietary diversity has increased by 15%. This data underscores the effectiveness of permaculture-based interventions in boosting household resilience and well-being.

Employment Opportunities

Permaculture design creates employment opportunities for marginalized populations in Rwanda by focusing on environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration. Projects that rehabilitate degraded landscapes through tree planting, water harvesting and biodiversity conservation enhance ecosystem services such as water filtration, carbon sequestration and pollination. These services are vital for agricultural productivity and human livelihoods. According to Rwanda’s Environment Management Authority, permaculture-based initiatives have rehabilitated more than 500 hectares of degraded land, involving more than 10,000 rural households and reducing soil erosion by 40% in targeted areas.

The Future of Permaculture in Rwanda

Rwanda’s commitment to permaculture continues to promise sustainable development and poverty reduction. As more communities engage in these ecological and agricultural practices, the potential for improved livelihoods and environmental health grows. The future holds great promise for expanding permaculture’s impact, enhancing both the economy and the ecosystem in Rwanda.

– Honorine Lanka Perera

Honorine is based in Highland, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Systems in Myanmar

Food in MyanmarMyanmar continues to face severe food insecurity exacerbated by the 2021 coup, economic slowdown and natural disasters. Some pre-existing challenges have worsened, and the ongoing conflict and climate-related challenges have intensified the situation. Recent reports highlight soaring food prices and limited supplies. In response, UN agencies and the World Food Programme have provided crucial aid. Despite efforts, the crisis persists, demanding sustained international support for food systems in Myanmar.

Food Scarcity

Food scarcity is not new in Myanmar. Before the 2021 coup, 2.8 million people were considered food insecure in the country. In pre-pandemic Myanmar, the World Food Programme estimated that 4% of the country had poor food consumption, and an additional 21% were on the borderline. By April 2021, on the heels of the coup and economic slowdown, up to 3.4 million extra people were facing food insecurity.

There are several key factors driving food insecurity, as predicted by the World Food Programme in 2021:

  • Job losses: WFP assumes a more considerable loss in sectors worked by those in poverty. It was predicted that stalled foreign investment, protests, and strikes would significantly impact food insecurity for workers and their dependents.
  • Remittance losses: With the halting of services from most banks, remittance also halted. In 2021, remittances made up a significant amount of income.
  • Challenges to agriculture: The rippling effect of agriculture is palpable, with many unable to prepare for the upcoming crop season.
  • Economic concerns: WFP flagged major economic concerns from the downturn in foreign investment and predicted economic recession.

Conflict and Food Systems in Myanmar

Since 2021, Myanmar has endured ongoing conflict, climate-related blows such as Cyclone Mocha, and unprecedented flooding in October 2023, alongside the political crisis, exacerbating pre-existing poverty. The UN Humanitarian Needs Overview in 2022 estimated that “14 out of 15 states and regions [were] within the critical threshold for acute malnutrition.”

In an April 2024 update from OCHA, food insecurity was underlined as a significant concern. Ongoing fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces and the Arakan Army combined with a deepening humanitarian crisis have caused soaring food prices and “limited market supplies in many locations.”

The UN and WFP have implemented crucial aid amid this increasing food insecurity crisis. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provided 4,700 vulnerable farming households with emergency assistance by April 2022. Additionally, The FOA trained 1759 households in Chaungzon township in agriculture practices and provided fertilizer.

Severe floods, economic turmoil and food insecurity impacted U Ohn Myint, a 65-year-old smallholder farmer in Kalawt Kanai village. With the help of the UN FAO, he bought medicine, a rice bag, and cooking oil to address his and his family’s immediate hunger needs. He was also able to restore his livelihood and hope.

Food Assistance

The World Food Programme continues efforts, providing monthly assistance to 360,000 people in border areas who have been displaced. For thousands of people, the WFP has also launched emergency food and nutrition programs in harder-to-reach locations like Kayah State, Shan State and Bago Region. 

Despite the daunting challenges, international efforts offer hope for Myanmar’s food insecurity. Vulnerable communities receive vital aid through emergency assistance, training programs, and ongoing support. As seen through U Ohn Myint, livelihoods and renewed hope exemplify the impact of these efforts. While the road ahead remains challenging, these efforts demonstrate the power of solidarity and the effect of global action on complex humanitarian crises. 

– Lydia Young 

Lydia is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Global Health and World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Impact of Mongolia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund

Mongolia's Sovereign Wealth FundMongolia is among the least densely populated countries in the Eastern world, with approximately 3.5 million people separated across close to 604,000 square miles. Of this population, 27% currently suffer from poverty. Like many nations, those most commonly affected are young and codependent people who struggle to afford a mortgage or bring food to the dinner table. Much of the land is uninhabitable and easy to mine. However, the lack of population concentration makes it difficult to spread resources across the country. Mongolia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund is aimed at improving the quality of life for its citizens.

The Sovereign Wealth Fund

In May 2024, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai and the Central Bank of Mongolia passed a bill to enter Mongolia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund into legislation. The program allows profits from the mining industry, which accounts for around a third of the national annual budget, to contribute to three separate pots of funds: the future heritage fund, the development fund and the savings fund.

The savings fund is the most important for creating a more sustainable outlook for the economy. This initiative was formed in response to the main directions and aims established by the government in 2021 to combat the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic created a precarious job market and an even more precarious living situation for many residents.

Impact of the Fund

The Mongolian government has always been proactive in its efforts to fight poverty, but only now has its work resulted in problems being solved and, perhaps, eventually, resolved Erdenes Mongol LLC, which oversees government investment in mining enterprises, has taken advantage of its position as a country with one of the highest mineral resources per capita in the world and contributed to a promising program.

The money redistributed to the Mongolian central bank will be used to increase investment in health care, education and housing. The priority involves supporting the 10,000 families currently on the waiting list for the Housing Loan program, paving the way for greater financial equality in line with the United Nations (U.N.) 17 development goals.

The wealth fund is only in its early stages and will have more of a considerable impact with time. However, the Mongolian government could still take other routes to enhance its plans since mining resources are far from the only strength of the Mongolian economy. About 40% of employment comes from nomadic roles such as herding livestock, so using the money earned from exports in agriculture could further the benefits reaped by the wealth fund and lessen the burden on struggling civilian families.

Considering the initiative promises to improve prospects for many, Mongolia’s efforts could potentially lead neighboring countries like India and China to use a Robin Hood strategy. This strategy involves taking money from the most profitable areas of the economy and redistributing it to the most disadvantaged.

Final Remark

Mongolia needs to be prepared to adapt its plan to any future circumstances, as other countries may have different economic demands and leadership styles. Additionally, carbon emissions have a potentially detrimental impact on a large scale. Mongolia could solve one problem by contributing to another. However, its efforts so far have relied solely on using what the country already has and would have produced to address the obstacles to its ability to thrive.

There are debates over whether the fund justifies corruption and conglomeration. However, the long-term benefits of such an initiative could outweigh the short-term setbacks and eventually set Mongolia onto a more sustainable playing field.

– Lewis Eyre

Lewis is based in Bournemouth, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

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